Startup VNTANA uses Azure and Kinect to project Star Wars-like holograms

Social augmented reality startup VNTANA has partnered with Microsoft to release the HOLLAGRAM, an interactive hologram system with social media integration and data collection capabilities that is leveraging Microsoft’s Azure cloud and the Kinect motion-tracking device. The innovative holographic technology uses standalone hardware and works by combining real-time-time holographic video capture with interactive gesture control, allowing users to experience augmented reality without the need for wearable devices. Here is more technical information from the press release:

Consumers stand in front of VNTANA’s HOLLAGRAM and immediately see their own hologram LIVE on the display. Using gesture control, they can interact directly with holographic objects, such as a celebrity, product or any other object rendered in the digital space simply by moving their hands in front of the display. Immediately after the experience, users receive a branded email with a GIF, video or photo of the experience that they can share on social media.

The startup was founded in 2012 and became a member of Microsoft Early Developer and Microsoft BizSpark programs a year later after the team hacked the Microsoft Kinect and sent Microsoft a video of what they could do with gesture control. VNTANA Co-Founder and CEO Ashley Crowder shared in the press release that “Microsoft has been a huge part of our success, both as a partner and now as a client. Their technology provided us the tools to build the next generation of our products”.

In the following video, you can watch VNTANA CEO and CRO return to their alma mater USC to showcase their innovative technology:

As Microsoft is also exploring different uses cases for holograms with its HoloLens headset, Microsoft Vice President for Developer Experience and Chief Evangelist Larry Orecklin shared the company’s enthusiasm for VNTANA’s technology:

Empowering startups like VNTANA is a main driver for Microsoft. We are always looking for startups and entrepreneurs whose vision is built around innovation of our technology. VNTANA is a story of a startup that had the vision, the innovation, the passion, and we are thrilled to have partnered with them and excited to see what the future looks like for holograms.

What do you think of VNTANA’s use of Kinect?