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From September 1-3, the force will be at over 20,000 retailers in 30 countries as the Disney Company introduces new Star Wars characters using augmented reality (AR).
If you’ve played Pokémon Go or seen Terminator, you’ve encountered AR. Through specialized glasses or, the most popular alternative, your smart phone, you can see information or creatures superimposed upon — augmenting – the reality in front of you.
Disney will use this technology in an event they are calling Force Friday II to launch a new product line and generate excitement for the premier of Star Wars: The Last Jedi which will open in U.S. theaters on December 15, 2017.
How to Take Part
Star Wars fans will be able to use the force beginning at 12:01 on September 1. You can get a head start by downloading the latest version of the Star Wars app, version 2.3 or higher. Earlier versions won’t work.
During the three-day event, visit a retailer such as Walmart, Toys R Us, Target, or Staples and look for the Find the Force logo. Scanning the logo with the Star Wars app will enable you to hunt for the fifteen new characters which will be unveiled. You’ll need to come back each day to find them all.
When you locate them, you can take photos or videos with them, and then, of course, share these on social media.
Use the Force to Win
And why would you want to do this, besides the fact that you are secretly a Jedi? There are prizes.
Share the photos or videos of the in-store AR characters on Twitter or Instagram. Use the hashtags #FindtheForce and #Sweepstakes during Force Friday II weekend and you can take part in the sweepstakes. Prizes include tickets to the December premiere of Star Wars: The Last Jedi, a private tour of Lucasfilms, and others to be announced.
In a press release provided by Disney, Jimmy Pitaro, Chairman, Disney Consumer Products and Interactive Media, explained: “Force Friday II puts fans right at the center of the action using augmented reality to bring our characters to life like never before. The technology theme continues in the Star Wars: The Last Jedi product line, which is our most innovative yet – we can’t wait for fans to see what’s in store.”
For a demonstration of how to capture and share the new characters, watch the video below. To download the app and test it online, check the Star Wars website. The site also includes a full list of retailers participating in the event.
