Harmony Internet has launched Onvert, an Augmented Reality platform which is comprised of two parts: an online service which enables users to tie 3D images, a sound file, and a hyperlink, to a trigger image, and generate a QR code; and an app, which produces the content when users scan the QR code and trigger image.

According to Harmony, Onvert is intended to let companies create their own AR ads for free – and, having tested it out, the service is very easy to use. Put in your details, upload three layers of transparent image, an mp3, and youre ready to go.

And the results are reasonably impressive – the problem comes in the process of accessing the content. The QR code is a good way to solve the problem of how to indicate a poster, packaging, or image is AR-enabled, but having to scan the code and then the image feels unnecessarily complicated – not helped by the image recognition technology, which isnt as accurate as it could be. Onvert has potential, but its certainly not a replacement for bespoke AR campaigns for brands.
A Pro version will be launched later this year, adding video and mCommerce functionality.