New Suzuki V-Strom 3D app
Look before you buy!
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Ever wish you could take a good look around a new sought-after model of motorcycle, without the bike actually being there? Find the usual pictures on the company webpage rather flat? Suzuki think they have found the answer: Augmented Reality.
Augmented Reality is a way of bringing digital images to life in a real 3D world setting, and over the past few years has been used to enhance everything from architecture to computer games. AR can appear in public, hand-held or even retinal forms, and has the potential to transform the way we receive information and navigate physical space. The technology is developing at a rapid rate (see for instance the potential uses of the new Google Glass wearable computer system) and spreading into more areas of everyday life. Most recently the advent of smart phones has meant that the individual can activate their own miniature augmented reality anywhere, for instance in the form of an instant location map or leisure guide.
No need for 3D glasses here
Companies have not hesitated to explore the commercial potential in this technology, and Suzuki are the latest to use it as a sales device. Once equipped with
Suzuki's V-Strom 1000 AR app, the customer's iPhone becomes a virtual showroom - simply print a target image from the website and hover the app over the page, and a 3D image of the V-Strom 1000 will appear on the screen. You can then move around the bike by manoeuvring the phone and get a full 360 degree view, just as if you were walking around the real thing: the viewer can inspect the front, side or back, and view the machine from above or below.
Mmm Candy Darling Red!
Once acquainted with the dimensions of the vehicle, the interested viewer can also zoom in on features such as the instrument panel or styling details. You can even customise the imaginary bike by using the app to change its colours (the colours for 2013 are Candy Darling Red, Pearl Glacier White and Glass Sparkle Black, in case you were wondering), or add various accessories. The app also contains information on the V-Strom 1000's technical specifications, which can be brought up onscreen instantly.
Talking point
As well as iPhones the app is compatible with iPads, and will soon be available for Android products. Obviously this feature has its limitations and is no substitute for getting to grips with the nuts and bolts of the actual motorcycle, and there is - as yet - no way of riding this simulation... but it is undoubtedly a novel form of advertising and a shareable talking point which is bound to raise the profile of Suzuki's new model. Perhaps this is a sign of promotions to come, as the interface between customer and manufacturer becomes ever more individualised and sophisticated.
Wemoto
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