At this time of year, the internet is rife with crystal ball predictions attempting to identify what budding technology might become the next big thing – and the next cool new addition to a cam model’s bag of tricks.
Augmented reality (AR) is most definitely an interesting area to keep watching for development, as it presents to us an almost endless world of possibilities. For example: Have you ever wished you could take pictures that move, much like those that figure prominently in everyone’s favorite wizarding universe?
Well, now you can. Sort of.
Could it be magic?
Kickstarter-funded Lifeprint is an app-connected wireless printer that bridges the gap between the past and future of photography by using a combination of augmented reality and zero ink paper. The portable printer and app allow you to print photos on the go and play them back through the app as video. They recently launched a newer, bigger version of their printer too, which enables you to print off 3 x 4.5 inch photos as opposed to the original’s 2 x 3.
It’s not quite actual wizard magic, but it’s pretty darn close.
So, how could Lifeprint be of possible future use to savvy cam models?
For their eyes only
While there’s plenty of potential for Lifeprint to turn into something that could help a model increase her earnings, it’s not entirely without its faults.
As mentioned, the main pull of the whole Lifeprint package is the Hyperphoto software app, which is where the augmented reality bit comes into play. The app allows you to select a photo, video or GIF on your phone (or take one via the app) and print it via the wireless printer. Then, when you point your smartphone camera (iPhone or Android) at the printed photo, the associated video plays on screen.
If photos or videos are already part of your package as a cam model, this could offer you an opportunity to branch out your income stream. Let’s imagine for a moment that Lifeprint, or a similar device, is in widespread, popular use and that a decent chunk of your audience has access to this sort of tech. One potential possibility is offering regular viewers paid access to custom pictures or clips from you to print off and watch via the Lifeprint app. It would be an extra dimension of personalization and a new way to connect with fans and regulars.
A problem presents itself however when we look at the current length the printer is able to print. Hyperphoto prints can only run for up to 15 seconds. Now, a lot can be accomplished in 15 seconds, but unless the technology comes on absolute leaps and bounds in the next few years, one would be fairly restricted when it came to the running time.
The social aspect
Lifeprint also has a social aspect to its app. You can follow friends, family and fans and share and send photos to each other’s printers. This presents us with, on one hand (again, pending developments), another enticing way of personalising interactions with fans. On the other hand though, there’s a whopping great privacy issue.
Brad Moon reported for Forbes:
[W]hile it provides a ton of functionality –printer status, photo editing, notifications, linking social media accounts and more– the app is my least favorite part of the Lifeprint experience.
The UI is busy and not always intuitive. It also heavily pushes the social aspect. If you don’t want a printed photo to blast out to your friends, you have to turn off the “share with friends” option with each print, and if you do so, the app throws up frequent reminders about sharing. Lifeprint really pushes the social aspect…
So unless future versions have clearer privacy options and an easier way to switch off the sharing option, you might find yourself in for a heck of a lot of unsolicited pics from fans.
Not quite there yet…
Lifeprint would need quite a few tweaks for it to completely be a boon to your camming business.
Having said that however, it is an exciting advancement in AR technology. If you look at the bare bones of the idea, it can definitely evolve into something which could prove a serious moneymaker for you in the future.
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Jillian Boyd is an author and editor based in London. She blogs at LadyLaidBare.com. Follow her on Twitter at @JillyBoyd and email her at jillian@ynotcam.com.
Image via a ka.
