SINGAPORE – In a boundary pushing collaboration, the National Library Board (NLB) has teamed up with Snap Inc. and LePub Singapore to pilot a groundbreaking initiative that injects immersive Augmented Reality (AR) into the traditional reading experience. The technology making this possible is Snap’s latest generation of Spectacles, powered by Snap OS, and an ambitious vision to make storytelling not just engaging, but enveloping.
Designed for Snap’s Spectacles, Augmented Reading brings books to life through real time audio visual enhancements like layered soundscapes, dynamic visuals, and ambient cues that complement the text. From whispering winds to sinister creaks, the AR lenses scan the printed words and activate mood driven effects through machine learning and text recognition.
Chief Librarian & Chief Innovation Officer at the National Library Board, Singapore, Gene Tan said: “We are happy to partner LePub and Snap in this to explore ways to enhance the experience of stories and books for everyone. This is part of NLB’s ongoing efforts to engage with partners to experiment with new experiences that could inspire discovery and spark a renewed passion for reading and learning.”
Sponsor
Antoine Gilbert, Senior Manager, AR Studio Paris, Snap said: “Snap’s AR Studio Paris’ mission is to educate and inspire the world about the possibilities of augmented reality in the fields of art, education, and culture. With the latest generation of Snap Spectacles, we are pushing the boundaries of immersive experiences, enabling new ways to interact with the world. This innovation is further exemplified by the development of the world’s first Augmented Reading experience — a breakthrough designed to transform how people engage with written content through Snap Spectacles. By bridging the physical and digital realms, we continue to empower creativity and redefine the future of storytelling.”
Prototypes of Snap Spectacles with Augmented Reading Lenses will soon be available for Singaporean residents to try out at a selected library. More details will be shared when ready. A lens prototype of Snap Spectacles featuring Augmented Reading will soon be available for the developers community in Spectacles’ Lens Explorer.
 teams up with Snap Inc. and LePub Singapore to launch an immersive AR reading experience using Snap Spectacles. This groundbreaking initiative transforms books into dynamic storytelling journeys with audio-visual enhancements.){kind=link}