The Kindle Fire has long been called the iPad killer and Colin the Crab might just help the tablet do just that. This particular digital book, put together by Gone Crabbing, is the first of its kind. This is the very first pop-up book to make its appearance on a digital device. The pop-up tells the story of a curious crustacean and his “soul mates” Sally the Starfish and Mike the Mussel.
Scientists at the University of Norfolk has helped make this one of a kind book possible. The pop-up works by producing a 3D image that floats just above the Kindle screen when a child turns the page. The book uses tele-immersion technology as well as holographic projection to get the image to hover above the device for about 10 seconds.
As soon as the page is turned, a new image will pop up and hover just like the last. One of the people working on this revolutionary book, Susie Mason talked about the inspiration for this new technology as well as why it was decided to try it on this book.
“As a child, I always wanted to be able to step into a picture book. A holographic book is the next best thing and we’ve even incorporated seaside sounds into the story. It brings the British beach to life and helps underline our simple message to children to be environmentally aware when playing in rock pools.”
The 3D technology is certainly interesting, but the authors of the book hope the plot will also keep children’s attention. The story is one of a life well lived by Colin the Crab and his friends. Then one day, Sally and Mike are caught up in a net by a couple of kids looking to have some fun at the beach. After worrying about his friends for most of the day, Colin decides he has to go after them. Luckily for him, they are both returned to him at the end of the day. The book will also be available in print format, but the 3D tech used to make the digital pop-up is the truly innovative piece of this story.
Edited by Cassandra Tucker
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