Introduction to Augmented Reality
The New York Times has introduced a brand new advance in digital storytelling: augmented reality (AR). This technology uses your phone or tablet to create a bridge between the digital world and the physical one. If photography freed journalists to visually capture necessary moments, and video allowed us to record sight, sound, and motion, then our augmented reality feature goes a step further, making flat images three-dimensional. AR brings our report back to you in a way that makes it more immediate than ever before.
Getting Started with AR
To experiment with AR, open your NYTimes app. If you do not have the most recent NYTimes app, download it for Android or iPhone and iPad.
Using AR on iPhone
To use AR on an iPhone, you’ll need:
- An iPhone SE, an iPhone 6S or newer, a fifth-generation iPad, or an iPad Pro.
- The latest version of iOS.
- The latest version of the NYTimes app.
- Allow the NYTimes app to access the camera.
Using AR on Android
To use AR on an Android device, you’ll need:
- An ARCore-supported phone. Find Google’s official list here.
- ARCore installed.
- The latest version of the NYTimes app.
- Allow the NYTimes app to access the camera.
Troubleshooting
What if I Don’t Have a Supported Device?
If you do not have a supported device, you may still view immersive features on a desktop or mobile web by taking a look at an article the best way you normally would.
Why Was AR Available on iOS Before Android?
The Times launched AR in February for iOS users, built on Apple’s ARKit technology. ARCore, which was a part of our plan for constructing AR experiences for Android, has since been released. So we at the moment are in a position to offer AR features to readers who use supported Android phones.
Why Do I Need to Allow Access to My Camera?
Your camera allows us to render 3-D images within the space in front of you. We wouldn’t have the flexibility to see through your lens, to trace your location, and even to avoid wasting what you’re viewing. For more information, see our privacy policy and terms of service. If you desire to to reverse the choice to allow us to access the camera in your Android phone, go to Settings > Apps > NYTimes > Permissions, after which toggle the button. On an iOS device, go to Settings > Privacy > Camera > NYTimes after which toggle the button.
Having the Best AR Experience
To have the perfect AR experience:
- Make sure you might be in a well-lit area, with room in front of you.
- Point your phone at a non-reflective surface, like a rug — not glass.
- Then, move your phone in a slow, circular motion to assist the AR image render.
- Once you see the image, you may:
- Get a better look by walking as much as it and around it. You can bend down and look up too. (Pinching your screen to zoom won’t do anything.)
- Be aware of your surroundings as you progress across the 3-D rendering.
- Do not use while in motion, like on a train or in an elevator.
- Don’t be alarmed in case your phone gets warm during use. This can occur with certain technology.
Conclusion
The New York Times’ augmented reality feature is an exciting latest technique to experience digital storytelling. By following the steps outlined above, you may start exploring AR in your iPhone or Android device. Remember to at all times concentrate on your surroundings and follow the ideas for having the perfect AR experience. With AR, you may engage with news and stories in a more immersive and interactive way than ever before.
