Canon, a Japanese multinational business that specializes in professional and consumer imaging products and information systems, has announced that it is actively developing the Kokomo virtual reality (VR) software platform. This product is intended to transform human communications by mixing virtual reality with immersive Canon camera-powered video chats.
Canon describes Kokomo as a revolutionary software solution that will let customers meet people “virtually in-person” by combining a compatible Canon camera, a VR headset and a compatible smartphone. Kokomo will allow users to see and hear each other in real time, with their live appearance and expressions in photo-real surroundings, while immersed in a quality virtual reality setting in exciting places.
According to the company, the app will combine Canon cameras and image technologies to produce realistic representations of its users, giving the impression that users are communicating face to face rather than on-screen or through a digital reproduction of a person – an avatar.
Kazuto “Kevin” Ogawa, CEO, Canon Americas, commented: “With Kokomo we’re tapping into Canon’s innovative spirit and heritage of high-quality imaging to enable people to have real, authentic interactions when they get together in VR. Every Immersive Call should be a memorable experience. Kokomo will enable people to create memorable, meaningful connections.”
Kokomo is being shown at CES with the Canon RF5.2mm f/2.8L Dual Fisheye lens. Visitors will put on a virtual reality headset and make an “Immersive Call” with a Canon brand representative. Jonathan Lorenz, senior innovation designer, showcased the platform, which is slated to enter the market later this year. Kokomo, he said, is a first-of-its-kind VR technology that incorporates lifelike video calling into virtual reality.
The business claims that Kokomo will be commercially accessible in 2022, and that it hopes to update the app with other locations, capabilities and features, as well as extended compatibility with Canon cameras. The corporation has not stated how much the platform will cost or how it will be sold.
