Building on decades of expertise gained working with the entertainment industry, Corporation Pop embarked on an ambitious journey to redefine Augmented Reality (AR) with our latest innovation — Social Pop AR, aka spAR.
Simply put, spAR can redefine how fans connect with music artists and each other.
Corporation Pop’s proof of concept (PoC) challenges the limitations of traditional AR models by enabling shared, real-time experiences accessible through a web browser with no need to download an app or additional plug-in.
The PoC puts users in control of a virtual Corporation Pop rock band. Friends can join from separate devices, offering unique perspectives on the band and collaborative interactivity such as activating / deactivating individual band members and their associated instruments, all accessible via a printed QR code.
The challenge
AR is transforming industries, but its adoption is often hindered by high costs, technical barriers, and reliance on proprietary platforms. Market leaders like 8th Wall in the US dominate with pricing models that cater to large-scale brands, leaving smaller players excluded. Corporation Pop identified a critical gap for a more accessible, scalable, and collaborative AR platform. The challenge was twofold:
- Technical innovation: Create a seamless, shared AR experience that operates across multiple devices in real-time via web browsers.
- Market accessibility: Offer an affordable, flexible solution that caters to agencies, developers, and brands without sacrificing quality or functionality.
The solution: Social Pop AR
spAR is a groundbreaking WebAR platform with a unique social layer. It allows users in close physical proximity to share immersive AR experiences from their own unique perspectives.
Key features include:
- Browser-based activation: Instant AR experiences launched via web browsers, removing app dependency to create instant ‘of the moment’ wonder.
- Social connectivity: Peer-to-peer networking for real-time, synchronised AR interactions among multiple users.
- Customisability: A scalable platform that can be tailored for entertainment, FMCG, education, and beyond.
Design System
Technical challenges and solutions
To bring spAR to life, Corporation Pop addressed several critical technical hurdles:
- Real-time AR integration: Successfully combined WebAR with a 3D web engine.
- Peer-to-peer networking: Developed low-latency, server-independent connectivity.
- Extensibility: Ensured the platform’s architecture could be enhanced and adopted by third parties.
User-flow
Exciting use cases
spAR’s versatility positions it as a game-changer across multiple sectors. These are just three possibilities.
Entertainment: immersive festival experiences
Music festivals have always been about creating memorable moments, but Social Pop AR could take this to a whole new level. Imagine festival-goers projecting augmented reality performances of headline acts directly at their campsites. This unique feature offers fans an immersive experience that extends the magic of the festival long after the main stage lights dim.
Corporation Pop’s established partnerships with major UK music festivals—such as Creamfields, Reading & Leeds, and Download—create a unique opportunity to integrate this technology as a new content delivery platform. Festival brands and artists could connect with their audiences in an entirely fresh way, offering AR-enhanced performances or exclusive behind-the-scenes content tailored to fans. This innovation has the potential to transform how festival-goers engage with live music.
Retail and FMCG: redefining in-store experiences
With the FMCG sector valued at an estimated £134 billion annually, Social Pop AR could open up exciting possibilities for brands looking to stand out on crowded shelves. Shoppers could unlock interactive AR experiences in-store, providing dynamic insights into products.
For example, sustainability-conscious consumers could instantly visualise the carbon footprint of an item with a quick scan, seeing the journey it has taken from farm to shelf. Meanwhile, younger shoppers could interact with brand-related games or animated content, offering engagement far beyond the static point-of-sale displays currently in use. This kind of personalised, interactive storytelling could revolutionise in-store marketing and build deeper connections between brands and consumers.
Education: transforming classroom learning
At Corporation Pop, we believe in creating “lean-forward” learning experiences—engaging, active approaches that make education enjoyable and impactful. With Social Pop AR, the potential for immersive learning is limitless.
Take GCSE Science as an example: a teacher could project a realistic, beating human heart onto a tabletop, allowing students to explore it collaboratively in 3D. This “stealth learning” approach combines gamification and interactivity, encouraging students to learn through exploration rather than passive observation. Social Pop AR could become a powerful tool for educators to foster curiosity and enhance knowledge retention through shared, immersive experiences.
Market opportunity
The AR market, valued at $32 billion in 2024, is projected to reach $50 billion by 2027. With over 1.4 billion active AR-enabled devices, demand for accessible, impactful AR experiences is at an all-time high. spAR’s browser-based approach reduces barriers to entry, creating opportunities for brands and agencies to harness the power of AR affordably and effectively.
Future vision
Corporation Pop envisions spAR evolving into a licensable Software Development Kit (SDK) and a cloud-based platform, making it a cost-effective solution for global adoption. By challenging industry norms, we hope to position ourselves as a pioneer in the AR space, ready to rival industry leaders like 8th Wall.
Results and next steps
Our proof of concept has garnered interest from existing clients and industry stakeholders in both the entertainment and FMCG sectors. We continue to showcase spAR at high-profile events, such as MITIH exhibitions and Manchester-based workshops, while leveraging our established network of clients to drive adoption.
Connecting people
spAR embodies Corporation Pop’s mission to connect people through technology. By lowering barriers and fostering collaboration, we have created a platform with the potential to redefine AR experiences for businesses and consumers alike. This is not just an innovation for AR; it is a statement of what’s possible when creativity, technology, and community converge.
Behind the scenes of our spAR InnovationUK project
Discover the potential of Social Pop AR
Are you ready to revolutionise how your audience engages with your brand, event, or classroom? With Social Pop AR, the possibilities are endless — from immersive festival experiences to dynamic retail engagement and interactive education.
Get in touch with Corporation Pop today to explore how we can help you bring your vision to life with cutting-edge AR solutions. Let’s create something extraordinary together.
Contact us now to start your AR journey