Hololy is an Augmented Reality (AR) application that allows you to project 3d anime girls into the real world through your phone. The application allows you to choose from a selection of models, poses as well as dances that allows your AR model to appear as if they are right where you are.
How it works.
The main attraction of the application is the ability to use your creativity to bring the 2D world into the 3D world and make interesting pictures as well as videos. First, the application identifies a flat piece of area where the model can be suitably placed, this prevents the model from floating in thin air. This piece of area will be a reference point where the model is. After confirming the location, you can then place the model and rotate around. Moving the camera around will show different perspectives of the model, as if the model itself was really in said area. From then, the user can choose poses, expressions and dance moves to make the model look as if it were alive in the place.
What makes it fun?
The idea that you can see something usually seen in the 2d world, whether it be from a cartoon or game, in a 3d sense is pretty amazing. Usually we see 3d models and animation through a 2d screen, and hence your perspective is locked through that screen. Though perspective may change, the user is glued at the same spot. Through this AR app, the user can see and feel, how we can see a model in different ways and how it fits in with the environment. The idea that you can position your model to sit on a chair, or let them dance in your room allows a lot of wacky photos to be taken.
Things to improve on
The first glaring thing upon using the app is that the 3d models are lighted in a consistent way. Thus, it conflicts with how the lighting is at the environment. There will be shadows appearing on sides where it is clearly lighted in the scene. If the app could allow tracking of light through machine learning it could enhance the immersion as it would fit more into the picture.
The second thing was the identification of a base to stand on was not very accurate. At times the model would seem like it’s floating in the air. Also, restricting the reference point to standing actions limits the creativity of poses. For example, they could do sitting or leaning poses where the reference point would be on furniture. This would enhance the experience as standing straight up in someone’s house isn’t the most natural pose to be in.
Conclusion
Hololy is a decent app for AR immersion, especially for fans of the anime characters. It allows you to utilize your creativity along with the AR powers of the application to create memorable photos and videos. However, there is plenty of room for improvement as the model does not really fit in with the 3d world.
References:
https://hololive.hololivepro.com/en/special/2127/
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FcC4b_ZakAEfF0i?format=jpg&name=900×900
https://gamerbraves.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/2022/09/Hololy_FI.jpg