Connecting with people means differently now than it did about 2 years ago. Hangouts have transitioned from hanging out at establishments to spending long hours on video calls with family or friends. Movie nights have become Netflix binge nights. The list can go on and on.
And that’s why Canon’s presence at this year’s CES brings new innovations that offer better online encounters and digital experiences.
Kokomo is a new software that works to bring users to life and create a virtual reality environment for them to enjoy. According to Canon, users will be able to “see and hear one another in real-time with their live appearances and expression” A compatible Canon camera, VR headset, and compatible smartphone are required to make the software work.
The aim Kokomo is to allow users to feel like they’re together with who they’re talking to, like a real-life interaction, compared to talking to a screen or avatar. And with social interactions still being limited, this innovation is both relevant and welcome.
The Kokomo software is currently on exhibit at CES and will also feature the new Canon RF5.2mm F2.8 L Dual Fisheye Lens crafted specifically to aid in the creation of VR environments.
It’s expected to be available by 2022 and will include ready destinations, like Malibu, New York, and Hawaii, for users to use. Canon is also working to expand the list of compatible cameras before release.
In addition to the Kokomo software, Canon also announces another tool in development — AMOLOS or Activate My Line of Sight. Using a single camera, the software enables multiple lines of sight and can be controlled by hand gestures.
According to President and CEO of Canon USA Kazuto Ogawa, the AMLOS software aims to “alleviate pain points that come with group interaction”. The company has also been working with Microsoft on this project.
AMOLOS software is able to produce 4K HD images and can keep the presenter of the call in focus and onscreen. It can also react to participants’ gestures and can capture photos of specific areas, designated by the user, to bring things further in focus. This is done by utilizing the camera’s digital and optical zoom capabilities. Participants will also be able to zoom in on the details of the video.
It was also previewed at CES 2022 with Joseph Gordon-Levitt representing collaboration platform HitRecord.
Currently, the software works with Microsoft Teams and Azure and is compatible with Canon CR-N300 and CR-N500 PTZ cameras. Canon is aiming to make the software available by the first half of 2022 as well.
