Hearst Magazines has partnered with augmented reality company Zappar to bring AR covers to several of its big-name magazines this Christmas. 

The December issues of Cosmopolitan, Company and Harpers Bazaar all have AR features on their covers. Harpers Bazaar features five of the worlds top supermodels, with video content from the photoshoot brought up by the Zappar app. Cosmopolitans cover features singer Jessie J, with AR content including a video interview, while TV presenter Caroline Flack is Companys cover star, and introduces the magazines little black dress theme issue. 

Company and Cosmopolitan also have AR features built into their editors letter pages, which bring the magazines respective editors to life in an AR video piece to camera. 

Arnaud de Puyfontaine, chief executive of Hearst Magazines UK says: “Interacting with our readers beyond the printed page is a key part of our business strategy so we are delighted to be partnering with Zappar to bring this exciting and innovative technology to our portfolio of brands. This partnership further demonstrates the many ways in which we can enhance our brands, from apps to mobile sites, providing our readers and web users with that all important multi-media, interactive experience.”

Caspar Thykier, MD at Zappar says: “We are thrilled to be working with Hearst Magazines UK on such iconic brands showcasing exclusive content. The potential for future publishing and content delivery models using Zappar are fascinating. Being able to explore these avenues with such a fantastic stable of brands is a real privilege.”

The Zappar partnership marks the latest in a string of digital initiatives from Hearst Magazines. Last week the company added 21 of its titles to Apples iPad newsstand, while Mens Health and Company both launched mobile websites. Mens Health also launched the Mens Health Training Pro iPhone app.