Nex, a hardware and software developer, is revolutionizing the world of augmented reality (AR) games by creating motion games that combine social and active gaming experiences. Unlike traditional AR or virtual reality (VR) games, Nex’s games require only a camera and a device with sufficient processing power, making them accessible to a wider audience.
CEO and co-founder of Nex, David Lee, explains that their games utilize the biggest screen that most people have – their television. By flipping the concept of AR, instead of viewing virtual elements through a lens or camera, Nex’s games allow the phone or camera to see the player. This approach creates a communal experience, where multiple people can play together on the same screen.
Nex offers a hardware camera and compute box, currently in pre-production, along with a range of games developed by their internal studios and external partners using the Motion Development Kit. This combination enables players to enjoy a variety of interactive and immersive experiences.
The games themselves cover a range of genres, from party mini-games to flight simulators. One example is Party Fowl, a collection of party games including AR and VR-like experiences. In this game, players can fly a helicopter by rotating their hips or lay eggs as a chicken by squatting. These interactive games encourage movement and provide physical benefits in a gamified manner.
Nex’s innovative approach to AR gaming has similarities to past gaming experiences, such as PlayStation Move and Xbox Kinect. However, Nex’s use of artificial intelligence (AI) sets them apart. The inclusion of an neural processing unit (NPU) allows for more advanced and immersive gameplay experiences.
Although Nex is currently focused on entertainment gaming, Lee sees potential for their technology in fitness applications as well. He believes that movement is a natural way to play and that incorporating physical activity into gaming can provide numerous health benefits.
One particularly exciting aspect of Nex’s AR games is their ability to engage the whole family. Lee cites an example where his own daughter got his mother involved in playing Nex games together. This inclusive and interactive experience bridges generations and encourages quality time spent with loved ones.
Nex’s AR games, such as Party Fowl and Sky Racers, are already shipping as pre-installed apps on the Sky Live interactive camera. Additionally, Nex is working with Apple’s Continuity Camera feature to expand their reach. They also offer the Nex Playground, a camera box compatible with most modern smart TVs, which is currently available for pre-order.
Lee believes that this technology will soon be integrated into televisions, eliminating the need for external devices. Although current TVs may have limited processing power and memory, this is just the beginning of what is possible for AR gaming on a larger scale.
Nex’s vision for the future of television extends beyond gaming. Their AI-powered technology could potentially revolutionize traditional media, allowing users to navigate and interact with content using simple hand gestures.
Overall, Nex’s motion games are pushing the boundaries of what AR can achieve. By bringing together social and active gaming experiences, they create a fun and immersive environment that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. As Nex continues to pioneer this technology, it will be exciting to see how they shape the future of entertainment and gaming.
