Walking into the MR Digital Library felt like stepping into a realm of magic. Only a hundred or so people in the world have ever experienced this kind of wonder. As soon as I entered, I was captivated by the four wall paintings adorned with depictions of various books. But the real magic happened when I put on the HoloLens. Suddenly, animated scenes began unfolding before my eyes. Gazing at one of the paintings, a Beijing Opera figure appeared right in front of me, teaching poetry and etiquette in a fun, cartoonish way. This wasn’t just any library—it was alive, with readers experiencing dynamic animations instead of static pages.
In another instance, while looking at a "book" on the wall through the MR glasses, a mischievous cartoon monkey leapt out from the painting. I couldn’t resist reaching out to touch its golden staff!
From August 23rd to August 27th, the 15th Beijing International Book Fair took place at the China International Exhibition Center (New Shunyi Hall). Contrary to what some might think, this event wasn’t just about paperbacks. For the first time, there was a special digital interactive zone showcasing AR, VR, and MR technologies. Here, visitors could experience the future of reading with cutting-edge tech, interacting with characters from books in a whole new way. It was an immersive experience where you could enjoy MR technology without charge.
One of the highlights was the nation’s first MR digital library created by Enlighten Digital. Imagine encountering a phoenix or a dragon in front of you, brought to life by MR glasses. You could even meet Han Feng Tong, a lively cartoon character who teaches traditional Chinese etiquette. These “books†were far from ordinary—they included mythical creatures, music videos, anime interactions, and even graphic games. On paper, these stories weren’t just static words or images anymore.
At the heart of this library was Microsoft’s HoloLens, which allowed readers to view multiple “books†in a centralized, interactive space. The library showcased animations of mythical creatures like the phoenix, chaos, and kirin, along with educational content on Chinese etiquette. There were also interactive elements like a cartoonized version of the "Monkey King" from Journey to the West.
This integration of VR, AR, and MR technology is a game-changer for the publishing industry. It addresses issues like piracy and enhances the reading experience. Li Yuxi, director of the Publishing Group at Beijing Publishing Group, emphasized the importance of embracing these new mediums to transform the industry. Currently, Beijing Publishing Group is exploring how to apply virtual reality to their publications.
The first MR digital library will be on display at the 12th China Beijing International Cultural and Creative Industry Expo from September 11th to 13th. Don’t miss your chance to experience this groundbreaking innovation!
For those interested in the tech behind this, MR—or mixed reality—is an advancement of virtual reality. It overlays virtual content onto the real world, creating an interactive loop between the two. Microsoft’s HoloLens is a key player in this, enabling users to interact with holograms in their surroundings. Enlighten Digital World, a subsidiary of Tsinghua Hedi Holdings Group, has pioneered concepts like “R+,†which encompasses VR, AR, MR, and holographic realities. Their platform extends into sectors like education and tourism, creating immersive experiences through their virtual animation IP, “The Kingdom of the Beasts.â€
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