Augmented Reality

Isabel and Andy copy for web

What if a picture were more than a picture? What if pictures could capture and replay life’s special moments or family memories? What if a photo card delivered more than a message? What if it delivered magic?
Now, they can.

Introducing MirageAR, a free, fun, and easy app for iOS and Android devices that lets you bring pictures to life and share them with friends and family.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Mirage AR?

MirageAR is an image recognition app that allows short personal videos, photos, slideshows, etc, to be launched on top of real world items (like photos or cards) when viewed through the camera of a smartphone or tablet. In short, it’s a wonderful, magical way to bring your pictures to life.

How do I find the Mirage AR app?

Search for MirageAR by Mirage Studios in the iTunes App Store or Google Play app store and download it to experience augmented reality. As you download it, you will be asked whether or not MirageAR can have access to your camera. Say, “Yes”! MirageAR uses the camera to “see” images enhanced with augmented reality.

Do I have to pay for the Mirage AR app?

Nope, the app is free, and unlike a lot of free apps, there will be no annoying banner or popup ads!

How will I know when an image has been enhanced with Mirage Augmented Reality?

Look for the MirageAR marker, either near the image as an icon or on the image as a watermark. The marker’s only purpose is to let you know that a photo or picture is enhanced with augmented reality. The marker is not necessary to launch augmented content.

Is Mirage AR available on my device?

MirageAR is available on current iPhones, iPads, and Android phones or tablets (Android 4.1+) with cameras. It is not available on BlackBerry or Windows Phone.

Can you show me an example?

Yes! The image at the top of this page has been enhanced with augmented reality. To experience it, install Mirage AR on your smart phone or tablet, and then return to your computer. Right click on the image above to print it (optional), then follow these steps:

Open MirageAR on your smartphone or tablet.
Work your way through a few “Getting Started” Screens (you’ll only see them the first time you open the app).
Tap “View Now” to activate your camera.
Hover over the sample image (above) while viewing through your device as the augmented content loads.
Enjoy the magic!
If you don’t have a printer handy, MirgeAR will recognize images on your screens as well. Once you have the app working, you can aim it right at the image at the top of this page if you like.

Viewing Tips and Troubleshooting

For optimal viewing connect to a WiFi network whether at home or at a business. The better and faster the network, the better your experience. Keep in mind that some business WiFi may have firewall settings that may prevent you from accessing content.
3G and 4G LTE will work perfectly fine for viewing augmented content, but there may be a slightly longer wait time. If you choose to use 3G and 4G LTE, make sure to turn your WiFi off.
Use the “view now” feature to focus your device’s camera on the enhanced image – not the augmented reality icon. The icon itself has not been enhanced. It’s just an indicator to you that augmented reality is nearby.
If the augmented image is on a glossy paper or stock, glare from the paper may make it difficult for MirageAR to recognize the image. Avoiding glare by changing the position of the image will allow MirageAR to run more successfully.
If you are viewing a series of augmented images, return to the home screen and select “View Now” between images.
Be sure you are in a well-lit room with a good quality print/copy of the enhanced image.
If the augmented content associated with an image is sizeable, or if connectivity is poor, it may take a moment for the content to load. Be sure to keep your camera aimed at the enhanced image while you wait for your content to display.
Remember that enhanced images can be scaled up or down as long as height and width ratios are maintained. If you enlarge an image by stretching it, you will distort the image and make it unrecognizable to MirageAR.
Be sure to keep the operating systems on your devices current and be sure to download app updates as needed.
If you continue to have difficulty, close MirageAR and open it again and/or turn off your phone and turn it back on. Like so much of today’s technology, MirageAR may benefit from an occasional reboot.