Nokia Research Center Hollywood Begins Mobile Entertainment Pilot

Nokia Research Center (NRC), Hollywood, has begun a private pilot of its research project, the Westwood Experience.

The pilot explores how a compelling narrative, combined with a user’s physical location (context) augmented with digital content as well as social interactions with other “participants” can enhance the user experience and provide the media industry with new options and business models.

The story unfolds as the participants wander through the village of Westwood. They learn about a man, and the woman who changed his life through one magic evening, and how both of them are forever tied to Westwood.

Using the Nokia N900’s visual and audio capabilities and adding physical location elements, mixed reality effects, a live actor and a physical movie set, the user is guided through the story interacting with the real world around them.

The Westwood Experience may be seen as a new form of “3D reality show”. “Real” streets and buildings provide the story locations for the real and virtual characters. The audience walks through the story.

Nokia has a long history of mobile innovation and is leading the convergence of mobile and the internet. A natural extension of this is in the media and entertainment industries.

Working with Hollywood talent, such as writers, designers, actors and composers, NRC Hollywood combines its mobile DNA and consumer understanding of user interaction on mobile devices with the creativity and storytelling craft of Hollywood.

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