SK Telecom Co. announced that it had officially released its Jump AR app to the US Google Play Store. Jump AR is an augmented reality (AR) app that offers various entertainment services, including taking photos with 4D celebrity avatars. In 2019, SK Telecom launched Jump AR as part of its 5G-based AR and VR tech expansion optimized for e-sports.
Notably, Jump AR is the first South Korean company-operated AR tech service to enter the competitive US app market. Until its latest US release, users could only download Jump AR in South Korean and Hong Kong Google Play Stores. As SK Telecom stated, it introduced the app to the US market to accomplish its extensive immersive technology expansion goals. Following the North American Jump AR release, US Android users can finally access the app’s varied AR services and content.
Promoting the App with ‘Faker’
SK Telecom introduced a brand new digital human content of Lee Sang-Hyeok, commonly known as ‘Faker,’ for the US launch. Moreover, Faker is a world-renowned, T1-affiliated professional League of Legends player who is currently establishing a global fandom beyond Korea. During the e-sports offseason in November 2020, the company invited Faker to its Jump Studio for the new app content. SK Telecom filmed Faker with its volumetric video capture technology in the studio, creating the professional gamer’s realistic digital model. Besides Faker’s digital model, SK Telecom plans to develop avatars further, including celebrities, sports personalities, dancers, K-pop idols, and more.
Digital Human Content Popularization
“Digital humans will become a key future for various industries such as entertainment, advertisement, and concierge,” said Jeon Jin-Soo, Head of SK Telecom’s MR Service Company. In addition to the US Jump AR launch, SK Telecom plans to upgrade the app by introducing the ‘Jump Virtual Meetup’ function.
According to the South Korean telecom operator, the Jump AR app expansion would accelerate its global advancement significantly. Aside from the new developments, SK Telecom would also extend Jump AR’s operations and access to more international markets.
Additionally, SK Telecom previously established the Jump Studio, a video production venue, in partnership with Microsoft. Jump Studio features spatial recognition technologies, enabling the company to produce immersive holographic media content. Last year, SK Telecom collaborated with PCCW Group to promote Jump Studio’s AR, VR, and MR content in Hong Kong.
