Kenyan-based BlackRhino VR, a tech company working on Extended Reality technologies, has launched a new Augmented Reality (AR) platform. The platform – dubbed “MediAR” – is designed to empower digital creators in the creative space to rapidly build and build AR content with no coding required.
With MediAR, content creators will have access to the no-code cloud editor and publishing platform that uses drag-and-drop technology. This helps reduce the challenging learning curve associated with coding while producing AR content.
Additionally, the platform has an inclusive revenue share model that will enable creators to monetize their content based on a pay-per-view service. BlackRhino VR says this model allows content creators and brands to co-exist in a digital space.
Founded in 2015, BlackRhino VR seeks to change the African narrative through immersive Virtual Reality content. Speaking during the launch ceremony, BlackRhino VR Chief Executive Officer Brian Afande said the platform is a response to the need to unlock Africa’s creative sector through AR.
“Our primary objectives are to empower Africa’s youth, who are the innovators of the future, to broaden their skill set that allows them to scale up innovations as well as to democratize extended reality technologies in order to make them easily accessible so that ultimately, these immersive technologies can actively and positively contribute to Africa’s socio-economic development,” Afande said.
The CEO also sees the platform as a tool to further showcase Africa’s capabilities in developing solutions for the continent’s challenges. He added, “We also want to demystify the notion that Africa is only a consumer of technology and demonstrate that there are numerous innovative African technological solutions.”
AR’s future role in Africa’s economic development
According to Statista, the global expected reality (XR) market – which includes augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and mixed reality (MR) – was $29.6 billion in 2022. With this value expected to surpass $100 billion by 2026, BlackRhino VR believes that the integration of XR technology into other sectors of the economy will have a positive impact on Africa’s economy and future.
Longino Muluka, Head of VR/AR at BlackRhino VR, had this to say, “Augmented Reality can create immersive experiences where linear blueprints seamlessly transform into 3D models. For instance, we are witnessing a new era where technology and creativity intertwine to create powerful visualization tools adding immense value to the dynamic construction industry.”
Moving from the cultural and creative sector, the company explains the potential role this technology has in revolutionizing the education and farming sectors.
“The seismic shift for education will come from deploying Augmented Reality in a learning context where dynamic learning environments will be created as abstract concepts turning classrooms into immersive experiences,” Shamina Rajab, the BlackRhino VR Managing Director said.
“In the convergence of Augmented Reality and farming, we are witnessing not just technological innovation but a catalyst for positive socio-economic change. By bridging gaps in knowledge access, AR democratizes agricultural insights, offering farmers the tools to make informed decisions,” added Abraham Kyalo, BlackRhino VR’s COO.
