The 2022 edition of the Forbes CEE Forum had a new vibe this year. Not only due to missing pandemic restrictions for events but mainly because the attendees could enhance their live reality with an augmented one.
Using XR technology to reshape the event experience
Forbes Magazine AR App
We have recently joined hands with Forbes Romania becoming their main tech innovation partner. The goal is to support them in enabling their readers, collaborators and event participants to enjoy the benefits of XR technology. The first step was building a mobile AR application that allows speakers and attendees to have a more creative and enjoyable experience. The Forbes Romania Magazine application offers a fun and novel alternative to just checking a pdf or an online website for viewing the program and speakers joining the panels.
In addition to the 3D agenda, enthusiastic Forbes fans also have the chance to upgrade their reading by checking the magazines in AR. This way, their favourite magazine will always be at their fingertips.
Extended Reality technologies such as augmented reality and virtual reality are making their way into different industries and the publishing business is no exception. The AR application we have developed for Forbes Romania is currently the first one of this type in the local media space.
How does it work?
The application was developed for both iOS and Android users and can be downloaded from Play Store and AppStore. It can be installed on newer phones supporting AR technology.
Once it is installed, users can opt to place the 3D agenda and check the program or flip through the AR magazines. The process is quite simple - all they need to do is scan the area for a bit and once a circle appears just tap on the screen to place the agenda or magazine. Afterwards, they can relax and enjoy the augmented experience.
Freddie Veltmaat, CTO
"People Empowered by Technology & Innovation” panel
The XR team was present at the CEE Forum to support the official launch of the application and attend the discussion panel that Centric's CTO has joined. Freddie Veltmaat was part of the "People Empowered by Technology & Innovation” panel and discussed the challenges and opportunities the last couple of years brought for Centric regarding technology, innovation, and people development. The key takeaway of Freddie's input and the entire panel was that people and technology must co-exist in order to meet and exceed current and future progress requirements.
This is exactly what we are aiming to do inside the XR department at Centric, using the benefits of XR technologies to enable our customers to rethink their businesses and see beyond the 2D world so they can better increase productivity, improve customer experience, and address real-life scenarios. During the 2-day event we were able to showcase how XR technologies are becoming the force behind every emerging innovation.
The CEE Forbes Forum brought together international leaders and personalities from the political, financial, and business worlds everywhere. Topics addressed during the panel discussions ranged from pandemic work challenges and resilience strategies to inclusion and sustainability, technological innovation and world class business heroes. We have really enjoyed the time spent demonstrating the new AR application and discussing with business owners and industry experts.
What’s next in store?
The AR application is designed to become a long trustworthy partner of all Forbes Romania readers and events attendees. With every Forbes event the application will be updated to include the new agenda and the current month magazines – Forbes, Forbes Life and Forbes Kids.
The XR development team is now working on adding new, interesting features that will allow users to explore augmented reality even more. As a sneak peek, in the future users will be able to flip through more magazines, view different information based on the event in 3D, and have access to follow-up details about the CEE Forum in an engaging format.
Stay tuned and don’t forget to install the Forbes Romania Magazine!
