Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What do you do? What’s a Shimmerbeam?
A: Remember that scene in Star Wars when Luke unjams R2-D2 and reveals Lea’s holographic plea to Obi Wan? That’s what we do. No, not repair R2 units. No, not send urgent messages to aged Jedi knights. Actually, we’re more like the R2 unit. What we do is provide the tools and platform for you to make your own holographic messages, or what we call the “Shimmerbeam.”
Q: How does it work?
A: We use Augmented Reality technology to let you design your personalized holographs. The holographs are activated when you hold a special Shimmerbeam tag to a webcam at your personal Shimmerbeam website.
Q: Huh?
A: We know. It’s hard to explain. That's why we created a step-by-step Tutorial. It explains every step of the process to help you with the creation of your Shimmerbeam. Download the PDF here.
Q: Maybe a little more detail?
A: Sure. First of all, you’ll need a computer with a webcam for the Shimmerbeam to work. The webcam is a “looking glass” that allows the holograph to work. Then, you’ll need to join the “Shimmeratti.”
Q: The “Shimmeratti”?
A: That’s what we call the tuned-in, switched-on, full-engaged team of space-age rebels who are using Shimmerbeam as an enhanced communication tool. It’s messaging in a new dimension. Give it a try and you’ll understand.
Q: What happens after you join the Shimmeratti?
A: Once you’re a member, you’ll be able to upload photographs and video clips into the system. You can select photos to package into our templated 3D models. Or make a holograph from a home video. This is how you’ll create your personalized Shimmerbeam.
Next, you’ll be able to select a special tag. There are various themes to choose from. If you want to share baby photos, for example, we have a tag with an illustration of baby feet. The tags are what activate the holograph at your Shimmerbeam website.
Q: I get my own website?
A: Yes, you’ll have your own Shimmerbeam website to host your holograph. You’ll be able to name the URL and add a title and describe your content. The site will also host a PDF of your tag. So people will be able to print out the tag and activate it when you send out the URL, or “beam,” people.
The website enables the use of a webcam and displays a webcam window. When the webcam recognizes the Shimmerbeam tag, the holographic content is activated and appears to stand or hover over the surface of the tag.
Q: Can I change photos or videos?
A: Yes. You’ll be able to update your Shimmerbeam, swap photos or video, and create as many holographs as you like.
Q: Sounds fun. But how should I use this?
A: How about adding your Shimmerbeam tag and URL to greeting cards, invitations, announcements, fliers, photo albums and books. Or, tag your business card so that it activates a Shimmerbeam video of you giving your elevator pitch? Shimmerbeam is meant to enhance printed products with a unique interactive experience. Or use it digitally to showcase photos and videos in a cool, new way.
Q: OK. So how much does it cost?
A: Nothing. Zilch. Zippo. It’s free. We just want you to try it and have fun.
SHIMMERBEAM LEXICON
Shimmerbeam. Noun. – Personalized holographic messages created using our tools and platform.
Shimmeratti. Noun. – The tuned-in, switched-on, full-engaged team of space-age rebels who are using Shimmerbeam as an enhanced messaging tool.
Beam. Verb. – The process of sending out your personalized Shimmerbeam to friends, family, colleagues and the public at large.
Tagging. Verb. – The process of stamping your personalized Shimmerbeam tag on printed products to enhance the likes of greeting cards, announcements, photo albums and books with additional content formatted in a cool, new way.