Canon announced the development of Kokomo, a virtual reality (VR) platform for an “immersive virtual reality experience“. To use Kokomo you need a Canon camera, a VR headset, and a smartphone. The recently announced Canon RF 5.2mm f/2.8L Dual Fisheye lens will be used for an “ImmersiveCall” demonstration at CES 2022.
Kokomo gives people a new way to be together, catch up, and explore new places. The Kokomo app combines the immersive 3D experiences of virtual reality, with the ease and excitement of video calling. Make eye contact, travel to incredible destinations, and connect with family and friends on a whole new level.
Canon lists the EOS M200 and the EF-M 15-45mm among the Canon gear to use with Kokomo. The video below gives a complete introduction to Kokomo, the app and how Canon wants the 3D experiences of VR to be combined with the ease of video calling.
Canon press release:
A Real “Together” Experience Canon Enters The Virtual Reality Platform Software Market By Introducing An Interactive VR Experience With Immersive Calling
Introducing The Kokomo Software By Canon, A First-Of-Its-Kind VR Platform Software for the Company, Currently Being Developed by Canon1
MELVILLE, NY, January 4, 2022 – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, today showcases a first of its kind immersive virtual reality experience, the Kokomo Software by Canon. Kokomo is a software platform (currently in development1) designed to change human communication by combining virtual reality with an immersive calling experience.
This innovative software is being designed to provide users with a way to meet friends and family virtually “in-person” by using a compatible Canon camera, a VR headset and a compatible smart phone. Kokomo will allow users to see and hear one another in real time with their live appearance and expression, in a photo-real environment, while experiencing a premium virtual reality setting in captivating locations like Malibu, New York, or Hawaii.
The app uses Canon cameras and imaging technology to create realistic representations of users, so calls feel like you are interacting face-to-face, rather than through a screen or an avatar. This creates a Real“Together” Experience.
“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 ImmersiveCall should be a memorable experience,” said Kazuto “Kevin” Ogawa, president and CEO, Canon U.S.A., Inc. “Kokomo will enable people to create memorable, meaningful connections.”
CES® attendees will be amongst the first to try out the Kokomo software (currently in development) by Canon during the ImmersiveCall demonstration which will feature the Canon RF5.2mm F2.8 L Dual Fisheye Lens. Kokomo will be available in 2022 and the company plans to add new destinations, functionalities, and features to the Kokomo app, along with expanded compatibility with Canon cameras.
