Ever been curious what your laptop really thinks about your browsing history? “Animate Objects” is an augmented-reality feature that allows you to discover the secret thoughts of everyday items, as drawn by the New Yorker cartoonist Liana Finck. While this is not The New Yorker’s first foray into A.R., it is the first time we are using A.R. to present our cartoons. Finck’s signature style and inimitable wit are embedded throughout the experience—from the handwritten interface to the imagined personalities of the objects around you. Download the latest version of the New Yorker Today app to access the feature now.
Go to the “Cartoons” tab and tap “Play” to enter the A.R. experience.
Turn up the volume on your device. (All objects are accompanied by sound, many voiced by a roster of comedians, including Erik Bergstrom, Karen Chee, Ziwe Fumudoh, Rachel Pegram, Gary Richardson, Blythe Roberson, Colin Stokes, and Zach Zimmerman.) Tap on the menu to see which sentient objects the app can recognize.
Once the app recognizes an object, tap it to reveal its innermost thoughts—as conceived of and drawn by Finck.
Capture and share photos from your environment, and see other augmented objects in the wild, using the hashtag #AnimateObjects.
Move around the drawings in space, or get up close to them.
How can I access it?
- You will need an iPhone 6S, a fifth-generation iPad, an iPad Pro, or newer models.
- This feature requires iOS12 or later. For best performance, use the latest version of iOS.
- Download the latest version of the New Yorker Today app.
- Give the app permission to access the camera.
What is this magic?
This feature uses object detection to recognize items in your environment. Using Apple’s ARKit, we are able to project and pin the interior thoughts of the objects around you into your physical space.
How can I have the best A.R. experience?
- Augmented reality performs optimally when an object is well lit, in focus, and centered on your screen.
- Do not use the feature while in motion, such as on a train. Maybe read an article instead?
Questions? Check out this video or e-mail us.
