Holiday Inn Presents Augmented Reality
Holiday Inn, official hotel provider to the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, has unveiled the world’s first Augmented Reality Hotel which features a host of Britain’s athletes, including Chris Tomlinson and Shanaze Reade.
Hotel guests can use their smartphones or tablets to see London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic stars in virtual action in the reception, corridors and bedrooms of the Holiday Inn London Kensington Forum.
They’ll be able to see Britain’s best ever windsurfer Nick Dempsey ‘windsurfing’ in a bedroom with a bed sheet, four times BMX World Champion Shanaze Reade performing tricks on her bike in the lobby, world number one Will Bayley hitting table tennis balls behind reception, and UK long-jump record holder Chris Tomlinson jumping in a corridor.
Guests will also be able to have their picture taken with all four of the athlete ‘auras’ and share it with friends and family via their social networks.
Nick Dempsey said: ‘Standing here in the world’s first Augmented Reality Hotel and having a photo taken with my virtual self is surreal. Being able to pick up your phone and see athletes appear as if they were right in front of you is unbelievable and a great way to get people excited about the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.’
Holiday Inn spokesperson Mike Greenup added: ‘We’re proud to be the official hotel provider to the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games and are using cutting edge technology to virtually bring to life our involvement. The augmented reality gives guests a behind the scenes look at real athletes as they prepare for London 2012 in and around the hotel.’
