Talon releases interactive features on Aurasma

Talon released their 2014-2015 public “Auras” on Aurasma, a free augmented reality app, for the yearbook, “But Wait…there’s more.”

Aurasma, developed by London-based software company Autonomy, uses image recognition technology to display digital interactive media on top of real life images and is available on iPhones, iPads and Android devices. Talon has created auras for 21 images in the yearbook, each accompanied by related videos and other multimedia content.

“I think Aurasma is a good addition to the yearbook. It definitely provides a more in-depth look at the stories yearbook,” said Michael Kwan (9). “I like that it has [a variety] of videos and pictures. It should be used in future years.”

After downloading the Aurasma app and making an account, press the grey arrow on the bottom of the screen. Find and follow the channel “Talon Yearbook 2014-2015”. Under Auras, the page numbers and the subject of the Auras are shown. Tap the square button at the bottom to open the viewfinder, and hold your phone above one of the designated images and the content will play.

A variety of reasons prevented some students from downloading and using the app.

“I didn’t know it existed,” said Karen Qi (11).

As seniors received their yearbooks on their annual trip to Laguna Beach, some could not the find the time to go through the yearbook and Aurasma.

“I was busy enjoying the time I had left with my friends,” said Andrew Zhang (12). “I never really got to sit down and take a good look at the yearbook, so I never found out about Aurasma.”

Shikhar Solanki (9) commented on the lack of an all-encompassing video.

“I would rather have a video overview. Specific moments are directed to specific people, but a general overview covers the whole school, and I like that over specific groups of people,” said Shikhar. “I think [Aurasma] focused on too little people.”

The app can be downloaded on the App Store or on Google Play.