Doubleme.me is Utilising Microsoft HoloLens

There are certain innovations that are so transformative and powerful they change the course of history. From mobile phones, computers, and the internet to various smart technologies, internet of things, AR and VR devices. These innovations push our world forward, they create disruption and cause amazement, forcing us to adapt and create new paths for the future.

That’s exactly what happened when Microsoft HoloLens was launched in March 2016. This device brings mixed reality to users and enables them to interact with holograms and manipulate them, as if they were real-life objects.

Seems like what was once science fiction is becoming our reality. According to Fast Company, VR and AR will be worth $150 billion in the future. Take a moment to imagine the possibilities of these revolutionary technologies. They are already reshaping science, medicine, design, retail, fashion, and the overall business world. And no matter what industry we’re talking about, the future of marketing relies on AG and VR.

For example, with HoloLens – an architect can now shorten the process of creation and directly transfer the 3D model from the screen into physical space. Changes and adaptations can be made with gestures and movements, right there on 3D images rendered in space. This will certainly make an impact on productivity, prevent design mistakes, and better the way we’ll build the cities of the future. In retail, the new era of virtual catalogues will certainly lead to increased sales. Chances are, those customers who are in a dilemma about whether or not they should make a purchase will be easily convinced once they see and interact with the product in augmented reality.

Yes, the ball is rolling and the possibilities seem endless. Augmented reality is revolutionary but in order for it to survive, industries need to focus on content development. That’s where Doubleme.me steps in.

How It All Started

Doubleme was founded in August 2014 by Albert Kim and today, it is based in San Jose, Seoul, and London. The company is aiming big as they want to become the ultimate mixed reality content provider, all thanks to their 3D capture system called HoloPortal. It’s fairly hard and expensive to build 3D models from scratch and guys from Doubleme are well aware of the fact.

Brace yourself: their team has found a way to capture 3D models in real-time.

The roots of this idea can be tracked to Kim’s previous startup Zentium, where the team developed the technology enabling virtual content to be superimposed on the chosen target object. Simply by pointing to that specific target with a smartphone, the content would come to life. During that exact time, Kim faced the cruel reality of the incredibly high costs of hiring a 3D animator: the lowest price was around $20.000 while billions of dollars were considered a standard price. The period of time needed for a single 3D model to be designed usually took months.

So, Kim noticed two major obstacles to increasing content production: high costs and the lack of time.

He then started the project Voxelogram, in 2009. Within Voxelogram, the technology of converting 2D videos to 3D models was being developed. And in five years later, he turned to rebranding and founded Doubleme. Up until now, the startup managed to raise $825k from three funding rounds.

But how does Doubleme work?

HoloPortal studio consists of a blue screen and eight cameras. The system converts 2D videos into 3D models thanks to the powerful algorithm technology. Each frame of video is converted into a multi-layered 3D model and awesome details such as facial expressions and clothing, are preserved. So, fully animated 3D models are created in real-time, without any post-production, directly from regular 2D videos. Then the model can be inserted into video games or used as content for HoloLens.

Fashion as the First Breakthrough for Doubleme

While VR devices aim to isolate you and transport your mind to a different world, AG devices such as HoloLens build up your existing reality with holograms, so the real world is blended with the newly designed, virtual one. This creates space for new mind-blowing experiences like we’ve never seen before.

For Spring/Summer 2017, Doubleme has partnered with the Fashion Innovation Agency and the luxury brand Martine Jarlgaard London to launch a first mixed-reality fashion show. By using the headset, visitors can see their real surroundings along with 3D objects, i.e. fashion models.

This made a significant shift from the regular runway shows as the audience got a chance to really participate thanks to technology. One could observe the models from different angles and there was no traditional division between the catwalk and the audience. In fact, those who were not able to be physically present could enjoy the show via pair of headset.

Here’s what Matthew Drinkwater, Head of Fashion Innovation Agency, had to say about this collaboration:

The potential of mixed reality to transform the fashion industry is huge. From creation to showcasing and retailing, this medium will have a profound impact on the way brands and designers will connect to their consumers. This collaboration is an exploration into a new approach to showcasing that removes the barrier between physical location and the audience and challenges the concept of a traditional fashion show.

The fashion collection was scanned via Doubleme’s HoloPortal, turned into 3D objects, and so the audience could view them as holograms.

What Lies Ahead

According to CB Insights, over $3.4 billion has been allocated to startups working in the AR and VR industry. Without any doubt, the marketplace is gradually growing and the technologies are getting better.

Albert Kim underlined it’s important to understand the developing technologies such as AR and VR, need a lot of content in order to survive. It’s not even about the quality content (although Doubleme’s system is capable of capturing even the smallest details), but quantity. It is the only way for the technology to continue progressing.

The ultimate end goal for Doubleme is to become the YouTube for VR content and their plan is to make it free for users. Through the technology, users can share content with one another and discover a new way of communication, truly worthy of the 21st century.

The focus is on increasing access to the technology. It’s all about what an individual can do – and it’s not only to create content but to become content. In that sense, we at Domain.me are proud .ME stands as a part of such a creative wordplay – within the name Doubleme.me.

The team that introduced the world to HoloPortal gathers experts who accumulate over 10 years of experience in AR and VR. Team members worked within Microsoft, Autodesk, and Oculus and one of them, Mark, worked between Samsung and Oculus to create Samsung Gear VR.

No doubt, Doubleme initiated a revolution in the industry. The potential is huge and HoloPortal can be used for 3D printing, gaming, 3D animation, and creating various augmented reality, virtual reality, and mixed reality experiences. Technology is new and there is certainly room for improvement, but what’s been done so far is praiseworthy. We’re very excited to see what comes next.