LIFE VR
Experience the extraordinary.
SUMMARY
Led the product development of Time Inc.’s LifeVR app as a launch partner for Microsoft’s Mixed Reality platform across 6 VR headsets.
THE MISSION
In Oct 2017, Microsoft launched its long-awaited Mixed Reality platform, a unique combination of VR & AR designed to work on six affordable high end VR headsets like the Lenovo Explorer and Samsung HMD Odyssey. With Windows 10 rapidly becoming the favorite operating system of gamers on Steam, taking 60% market share, it was clear that developing a VR experience on Microsoft’s new platform could introduce LIFE VR to a bigger audience. My role was to lead the development of LIFE VR as a launch partner to Microsoft’s Mixed Reality platform.
THE NEW TECH CHALLENGE
Like with any project that’s built on a bleeding edge technology, LIFE VR Mixed Reality presented both the joys and challenges of tackling an all-new territory. We were in communication with Microsoft’s VR engineering team every day, uncovering new questions and laying the path for future MR developers. We teamed up with the ultra-talented New Zealand firms NV Interactive & Assembly, who knocked it out of the park when executing the product vision.
Experience
To capture the essence of the iconic LIFE brand, we worked with NV & Assembly designers to craft an immersive virtual city whose walls were erected out of LIFE magazine covers. The grand architecture was the perfect stage for LIFE VR’s unique experiences like Remembering Pearl Harbor, Rogue One Star Wars Recon and Capturing Everest.
Functionality
LIFE VR on Mixed Reality had to meet the functionality of our existing apps which allowed users to browse, play, pause and scrub through VR content in a 3D gallery environment. Specific to Microsoft’s MR platform, all actions then had to be activatable by voice as well as the handheld controllers of all six OEM headset launch partners.
Technical Requirements
To meet the high standards of the MR platform, we needed to transcode all VR videos to MR specs of at least 60 FPS to avoid motion sickness, showcase stereoscopic files and comply with the Universal Windows Platform requirements. The app also needed to track key analytics metrics via Segment, Time Inc’s CDI.
THE RESULT
On October 16th, in just 3 short months, LIFE VR made its debut at Microsoft’s Mixed Reality launch event at the and as a featured launch partner in the Microsoft store. Check out a preview of the experience in the video below.
KUDOS
Engineering • Jason Kui • NV Interactive
Design • Assembly Ltd.
Product • Jonathan Moffie
Business & Content • Mia Tramz • Michaela Holland
