Over the past two years, our communication has largely moved online due to the pandemic. And Canon wants to change this (sort of) with Kokomo, its very own social platform. It’s designed for VR video calls, so your communication will still remain at a safe distance, but you’ll at least have a feeling that you’re right there with the one you’re talking to.
Kokomo was made to “change human communication by combining virtual reality with an immersive calling experience”, according to Canon. Basically, it lets you “meet” friends and by using a compatible Canon camera, a VR headset, and a compatible smartphone. “The app uses Canon cameras and imaging technology to create realistic representations of users,” Canon writes in a press release. “The calls feel like you are interacting face-to-face, rather than through a screen or an avatar.” It’s all about making you feel like you’re in the same place with your friend, family member, or loved one… Even though you’re not. What a time to be alive.
What’s more, you can also “travel” somewhere when you’re in the VR call. Needless to say, you don’t need to leave your room.
“Kokomo will allow users to see and hear one another in real-time with their live appearance and expression, in a photo-real environment, while experiencing a premium virtual reality setting in captivating locations like Malibu, New York, or Hawaii.”
It’s worth noting that Kokomo is still in the developing phase and is not available for sale yet. However, if you’re attending this year’s CES (starting today!), you will be amongst the first to try it out. Canon will hold the ImmersiveCall demonstration which will feature the Canon RF5.2mm F2.8 L Dual Fisheye Lens.
Kokomo is still not available for sale or use in the U.S. or elsewhere. There’s still no word on the launch date, but it will be available during this year. Canon plans to add new destinations, functionalities, and features to the Kokomo app, but also expand the compatibility with Canon cameras.
The idea sounds fun – it reminds me of futuristic movies from two or three decades ago. Not to mention that I love the name and that I’m going to sing Kokomo for the next three days. However, I’m not exactly sure how successful this will be. It’s limited to Canon users and to users who own a VR set, and it will not even be compatible with all Canon cameras and smartphones. So, I don’t see a large market for a platform like this. But who knows, I may be wrong. I guess we should wait and see whether Zoom fatigue can be successfully replaced with virtual reality sickness.
[via Canon Watch]
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