While augmented reality (AR) technology isn’t new, it is thanks to games like Pokemon GO that truly showed the potential of the technology and how it could be used in the mainstream. Toy retailer Toys “R” Us seems to have grasped the idea as the company has recently launched their own AR app called Play Chaser.
Basically the idea of the app is that it will turn Toys “R” Us stores into AR playgrounds, where kids can virtually interact with different parts of the store, play games, and so on. According to the company, “The play experiences are fun and interactive – from a virtual basketball hoop that kids can shoot at solo or alongside friends in-store, to a baby nursery where they can select a unique, digital You & Me doll, take it home and care for it (think: changing diapers, feeding and bath time!).”
“There’s even a virtual Geoffrey the Giraffe to welcome customers to the store, explain the app and send kids on their quest for in-store play. Another cool feature? Some games have leaderboards that show where players rank amongst each other in their local store and nationally. “
As it stands there are a handful of stores that Play Chaser is being tested out at the moment, but the company expects that all stores will support the app come 21st of October, a rather surprising announcement considering that Toys “R” Us had just recently filed for bankruptcy.
Filed in . Read more about Android, Apps, Augmented Reality (AR) and iOS.