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Argos Launches Augmented Reality in Customer App
[July 30, 2014]

Argos Launches Augmented Reality in Customer App


(ENP Newswire Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) ENP Newswire - 30 July 2014 Release date- 29072014 - Leading digital retailer Argos is incorporating augmented reality technology into its publications and customer apps on the largest scale ever by a UK retailer.



More than 300 pieces of augmented reality content have been built into the new Argos catalogue launched on Saturday, which will springboard millions of smartphone and tablet users to access extended ranges, product videos, special offers and quizzes online.

Powered by HP Aurasma and branded Argos Scan, the technology will be accessible to more than eight million customers who have downloaded the Argos smartphone and tablet apps.


Argos first trialled augmented reality technology from Blippar in its catalogues and 2013 printed Christmas gift guide, which resulted in more than 1.5 million 'blipps' from customers who had downloaded the Blippar app.

Thanks to the flexibility of the Aurasma SDK (Software Development Kit) used for Argos Scan, customers no longer need to download a separate app, making it really quick and easy to use the technology.

They simply need to look for the special Argos Scan icons within the latest catalogue, open the Argos Scan function within the Argos app and scan the corresponding page / imagery using the camera on their smartphone or tablet device to launch product videos and 3D models, games and competitions.

Bertrand Bodson, Chief Digital Officer at Home Retail Group, said: 'Customers can get a much richer shopping experience with us online including twice the range of products, the latest offers and ability to check stock levels in stores, so building a bridge between our physical and digital channels remains a key priority for us.

'We were really encouraged by the high levels of engagement from customers in our initial augmented reality trials. By launching Argos Scan, we can bring the catalogue to life for millions more who are already using our smartphone and tablet apps. Because it's built-in to the app already, it's really accessible and easy to use.

'Our newest catalogue launching this month features many more pages and even more examples of 'scan-able' 3D content, including lots of fun features for children to play with. Using customer feedback on our last catalogue, we've been able to produce exciting content that customers will really want to scan, such as games, 3D models, try-ons, product videos and competitions.' Annie Weinberger, General Manager of Aurasma, said: 'We are excited to see a valued brand like Argos, who has been an influential adopter of technology, make augmented reality an integral part of its print to digital initiative.

'HP Aurasma provides unparalleled flexibility and scale so by embedding the Aurasma SDK, Argos will be able to provide its customers with augmented reality catalogue enhancements that are engaging, extensive and more easily accessible than ever before.' Exciting new 'scan-able' features include: Enter games and competitions - including the chance to win GBP1000 Argos vouchers every month.

Virtually 'try on' 11 pages of watches in the comfort of your own home.

Have fun seeing what you look like with different hairstyles and share the results on Facebook and Twitter.

View videos and see different colour variations of products from the exclusive new Heart of House home and furniture range.

Launch 3D models of the latest toys, including Transformers, My Little Pony, Animagic, Barbie, Disney Frozen and Sofia the First.

Scan the Lego pages in the toys section to watch great product videos.

Play various Chad Valley themed games, including find the hidden toy.

Place an actual size TV in your room before you buy it to check that it fits and looks good.

Argos Scan will be available to customers to use with the new Autumn / Winter 2014 catalogue, available to pick up in stores nationwide from Saturday 26 July 2014.

A short user guide is available at http://youtu.be/XA0iVD0ZUTI ENDS- Notes to Editors For more information, please contact the Argos Press Office on 0845 120 4365 or email: [email protected]. Follow us on Twitter at @argos_PR.

About Argos Argos is a leading UK digital retailer, offering around 43,000 products through www.argos.co.uk, its growing mobile channels, stores and over the telephone.

Argos for iPhone: https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/argos/id370371087?mt=8 Argos for iPad: https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/argos-for-ipad/id571228153?mt=8 Argos for Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.homeretailgroup.argos.android&hl=en_GB Argos continues to be the UK's largest high street retailer online with 738 million website and app visits in the 12 months to February 2014. Argos serves around 123 million customers a year through its network of 734 stores.

In the financial year to February 2014, Argos sales were GBP4.1 billion and it employed some 29,000 people across the business.

Argos is part of Home Retail Group, the UK's leading home and general merchandise retailer.

About HP Aurasma HP Aurasma is the industry's leading augmented reality platform. Available as a free app for iOS and high-powered Android devices or as an SDK for developers, Aurasma's core technology uses advanced image and pattern recognition to blend the real world with digital, interactive content such as videos and animations called Auras.

Auras can be created for printed images, product packaging, clothing, physical places and users can even use the app to create and share their own. Since its launch in June 2011, over 2 million Auras have been created and the core technology (the SDK) has been embedded in over 4,000 Aurasma-powered apps. Over 60,000 customers in markets including retail, fashion, entertainment, sports, automotive, education, advertising, and publishing now use the powerful technology to reach their customers. Aurasma is part of HP Autonomy.

To learn more about Aurasma, visit http://www.aurasma.com or contact [email protected].

About HP HP creates new possibilities for technology to have a meaningful impact on people, businesses, governments and society. With the broadest technology portfolio spanning printing, personal systems, software, services and IT infrastructure, HP delivers solutions for customers' most complex challenges in every region of the world. More information about HP (NYSE: HPQ) is available at http://www.hp.com (c) 2014 Electronic News Publishing -

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