iMyth

Category: Technology

  • Shape the Future

    Shape the Future

    Shape the Future of Interactive Storytelling with iMyth

    At iMyth, we believe in the power of immersive storytelling to bring happiness, wonder, and empowerment to audiences worldwide. We are on a mission to redefine interactive entertainment by blending cutting-edge technology with compelling narratives. Now, we are inviting Designers, Programmers, and Technical Artists to help shape this future with us.

    A Groundbreaking Opportunity for Innovators

    iMyth is developing its first product, iMyth Heroes, an interactive augmented reality experience that brings characters to life in the palm of your hand. To bring this vision to reality, we are seeking passionate professionals who want to contribute their skills toward something truly revolutionary. In exchange for time and expertise, contributors have the opportunity to earn equity positions within iMyth LLC, becoming integral to the foundation of a company destined to change the landscape of interactive storytelling.

    Whether you’re a Programmer interested in AI-driven, augmented reality interactions, a Designer eager to craft stunning digital characters and story worlds, or a Technical Artist skilled in developing and optimizing real-time characters, there is a place for you in our adventure. Explore the specific collaboration opportunities here:

    Join a Visionary Team

    Founded by industry veteran Chris Roda, iMyth is built on decades of expertise spanning feature films, AAA video games, and theme park attractions. We fuse the narrative depth of books and films, the interactivity of video games, and the immersion of theme parks into one seamless, AR-powered experience.

    By joining iMyth at this early stage, you become part of an innovative and supportive community that values creativity, collaboration, and the pursuit of groundbreaking experiences.

    The Time to Act is Now

    iMyth is at a pivotal moment, and there has never been a better time to get involved. This is your chance to contribute to something extraordinary—an interactive storytelling experience that will inspire generations to come.

    Are you ready to shape the future?

    ? Take the first step! Visit iMyth-X.com to learn more, explore opportunities, and join our community of pioneers in interactive storytelling.

  • Hero Features

    Hero Features

    Unfold Your Story!

    Imagine a world where stories don’t just unfold around you—they unfold because of you. At iMyth, we’re reimagining interactive storytelling by making characters more than just part of the narrative; they become active participants in your journey. Our Heroes are evolving, not only to engage with their surroundings but to engage with you—learning, responding, and co-creating unforgettable moments. Now, as we expand our feature set based on valuable community feedback, we invite you to help shape the future of immersive experiences.

    A Leap Beyond the Prototype

    iMyth Heroes began as a simple prototype—a foundation for interactive, augmented reality (AR) characters. But with insights from our early adopters, we are now expanding their feature set to make these heroes even more dynamic, expressive, and capable. The most requested feature? Bringing more life and locomotion to our characters, allowing them to explore, interact, and truly inhabit the augmented environments around them.

    Introducing the Next-Gen iMyth Hero Experience

    With our latest advancements, iMyth Heroes will:

    • Engage with Guests on a Personal Level – Our characters will not just be interesting; they will be interested—actively conversing, remembering past interactions, and tailoring their responses to each guest.
    • Explore and Interact with Environments – Using AI-driven movement and spatial awareness, Heroes will now roam, react, and interact with their surroundings for a more immersive experience.
    • Harness the Power of the Hero’s Journey AI Model – Inspired by Joseph Campbell’s Hero’s Journey, our AI storytelling engine enables characters to weave guests into grand narratives, offering personalized and evolving story arcs.
    • Accelerate Story World Expansion – Our cutting-edge production technology allows us to bring new characters and story worlds to life faster than ever, ensuring a constantly growing universe of interactive experiences.

    The Heart of iMyth: Impactful Interactive Storytelling

    Our mission has always been to inspire happiness and wonder through storytelling that empowers, engages, and entertains. By refining our technology, we are bringing guests closer to their favorite characters while allowing them to shape their own adventures.

    This expansion reinforces our positioning, celebrating iMyth as a leader in immersive entertainment and interactive AR storytelling. We are not just innovating—we are redefining the way stories are told, experienced, and lived.

    Join the Journey

    We invite our supporters, co-founders, and collaborators to be part of this exciting development. Share your thoughts, provide feedback, and help shape the future of iMyth Heroes.

  • Supporter Input

    Supporter Input

    Your Voice Shapes the Adventure!

    What if you could step into a world where your favorite characters don’t just exist in stories but interact with you, learn from you, and make you the center of an unforgettable journey? That’s the power of iMyth Heroes—a new frontier in immersive storytelling, blending augmented reality with interactive characters that feel alive.

    Right now, iMyth Heroes is in its prototype phase, but we’re on a mission to develop it into a minimal viable experience people can’t live without. To do that, we need your help. Your insights will guide us as we refine the next steps, ensuring that iMyth Heroes delivers the most exciting, empowering, and impactful experiences possible.

    What’s Next for iMyth Heroes?

    Our current focus is on engaging children aged 6 to 12 by making them the heroes of their own stories. But that’s just the beginning. As we continue to innovate, we want to explore:

    ? New Story Worlds – What characters and themes excite you the most? Should we bring in historical legends, all the great classics, or fantasy realms yet to be imagined?

    ? Expanding Our Audience – Beyond children, who else should experience iMyth Heroes? Should we develop interactive experiences for teens, adults, or even professional industries like education and wellness?

    ? Essential Features – What interactive abilities would make these heroes truly unforgettable? From deeper conversation mechanics to more immersive AR interactions, what would make iMyth Heroes a must-have experience?

    Your Input Powers Our Mission

    iMyth’s NorthStar is simple: to bring happiness to the world through empowering, impactful immersive experiences. But to make that vision a reality, we need your voice.

    We invite you to:
    ✅ Share your ideas on future heroes, worlds, and features.
    ✅ Join discussions with fellow supporters and creators.
    ✅ Help shape the roadmap for iMyth Heroes’ evolution.

    ? Be part of the adventure! Want to be the first to know about iMyth’s latest updates? Follow us today and help shape the future of interactive storytelling! Comment below or reach out to us directly. Together, let’s build the future of iMyth Heroes—where imagination has no limits!

  • Your Place in the Story

    Your Place in the Story

    Join iMyth’s Quest to Redefine Interactive Storytelling

    Imagine stepping into your favorite story—becoming the hero, interacting with legendary characters, and shaping your adventure in real time. iMyth is bringing this vision to life through iMyth Heroes, an innovative augmented reality experience that places the world’s most beloved characters in the palm of your hand.

    But every great adventure needs allies.

    The Quest for Co-Founders and Supporters

    iMyth is at a pivotal moment. Our team of visionary artists and technical experts has built the foundation of a world-class immersive storytelling platform, but to bring it fully to life, we need bold, strategic minds to join us. We are seeking co-founders, investors, and collaborators who believe in the power of interactive storytelling and want to shape the future of entertainment.

    We are looking for:

    • Co-Founders & Leaders with expertise in business development, marketing, account management, delivery management, and application development.
    • Angel Investors ready to fuel the next generation of immersive entertainment.
    • Creative and Technical Collaborators passionate about pushing the boundaries of storytelling and AR.

    The iMyth Vision

    From theme parks to films to video games, storytelling has evolved—but it has yet to reach its full potential. iMyth is pioneering a new era by fusing:

    • The narrative depth of books and films
    • The interactivity of video games
    • The immersion of theme parks

    Through cutting-edge AI and AR technology, iMyth Heroes lets anyone, anywhere, experience interactive storytelling that adapts to them. Children can embark on personalized adventures, parents can trust a safe and meaningful experience, and fans of all ages can connect with characters in ways never before possible.

    Why Now?

    The world is ready for a revolution in interactive entertainment. With over 6 billion smartphones in circulation, AR-powered characters have the potential to reach and engage audiences at an unprecedented scale.

    iMyth has proven its concept and built a working prototype. The next step is expansion—refining our product, growing our team, and launching iMyth Heroes to the world. That’s where you come in.

    Join the Adventure

    If you’re ready to be part of something groundbreaking—to build, invest, or collaborate—this is the perfect time to get involved. iMyth is assembling a core team of passionate visionaries who will help shape the future of immersive storytelling.

    ? Reach out today to explore how you can contribute, collaborate, or invest in iMyth’s mission. Let’s create the world’s most unforgettable stories—together.

  • Community Spotlight

    Community Spotlight

    At iMyth, we believe in bringing happiness to children, of all ages, through immersive storytelling, and we can’t do it without you! Our mission is to create the world’s most impactful interactive experiences, allowing guests to engage with legendary characters in ways never before possible. But what makes an experience truly unforgettable? The answer: real feedback from the people who matter most—our guests.

    Your Input, Our Innovation

    We recently took iMyth Heroes to the Orlando Maker Faire, where hundreds of guests had the chance to interact with Tickle, one of our interactive Heroes. The insights gained were invaluable—seeing the magic in children’s eyes as they played, discovering what excited them most, and hearing their ideas on how to make the experience even better.

    One particularly special moment came from a small family of two—a 9-year-old boy and his 5-year-old sister. While the boy loved trying to thwart Tickle with scientific questions and technological puzzles, his sister was drawn to banter-centric interactions, challenging the limits of social interactions. Their contrasting preferences highlighted the importance of tailoring our experiences to diverse interests. All children wanted to interact with more familiar characters such as Spiderman, Cinderella, and Sponge Bob.

    BoyWithSuperHero
    9 Year Old boy interacting with Superhero

    This is exactly why we need you—your thoughts help us refine our features, ensuring iMyth Heroes becomes a product that children can’t live without.

    The Next Big Step – Join Us at Orlando Science Center!

    We’re taking things to the next level! On April 5th, we’re bringing iMyth Heroes to the Orlando Science Center, where Tickle will step into the world of Virtual Reality. This will allow for even deeper and more personal interactions with guests, giving us a chance to further refine and expand the experience.

    This isn’t just about testing a product—it’s about co-creating a magical future where every child’s interaction with iMyth Heroes is meaningful, exciting, and tailored to their imagination.

    Be Part of the iMyth Story

    We can’t build iMyth Heroes alone. Your feedback is the key to shaping the ultimate interactive experience. Whether you’re a parent, a collaborator, or simply someone passionate about cutting-edge storytelling, we invite you to join our journey.

    ✨ How You Can Help:

    • Visit us at the Orlando Science Center on April 5th and experience iMyth Heroes in VR.
    • Share your thoughts—what excites you? What would you love to see next?
    • Join our growing community of supporters, contributors, and co-founders.

    ? Stay Updated & Get Involved!
    Follow our journey at iMyth-X.com and be the first to experience the future of interactive storytelling.

    Together, let’s create something truly magical. ?

  • Bringing iMyth Heroes to Life!

    Bringing iMyth Heroes to Life!

    Imagine meeting a character who isn’t just on a screen, but right in front of you—talking, reacting, and bringing an adventure to life in your own space. That’s the magic of iMyth Heroes, where technology and storytelling combine to create interactive experiences unlike anything before.

    Our journey begins with Tickle, the very first iMyth Hero. From initial concept sketches to 3D modeling and AI programming, Tickle is designed to engage, entertain, and empower. With the power of augmented reality (AR), this digital companion doesn’t just exist in a game—she exists in your world.

    How Does It Work?

    The process of creating an iMyth Hero is a fusion of art, technology, and innovation:
    ? Character Concept & Design – Every hero begins as an idea, crafted with personality, strengths, and quirks.
    ? 3D Modeling & Animation – Our artists bring the vision to life with detailed visuals and fluid movement.
    ? AI Integration – Through advanced AI, Tickle learns, responds, and interacts dynamically.
    ? Unreal Engine Magic – Our team seamlessly blends the character into the AR environment, making Tickle part of your reality.

    This is just the beginning. iMyth is on a mission to bring joy through immersive storytelling, where every child (and the child at heart) can become the hero of their own adventure.

    ? Be part of the story! Follow iMyth’s journey and join the conversation about the future of interactive heroes.

  • Google Releases Real-time Hand Tracking

    Google Releases Real-time Hand Tracking

    In a recent web-article on Road to VR: Google hand tracking, I found out about a technology Google has just made available to the public called, BlazePalm, which is part of their MediaPipe, an open source cross-platform framework for developers looking to build processing pipelines to handle perceptual data, like video and audio. BlazePalm is a new approach to hand perception which provides high-fidelity hand and finger tracking via machine learning, which can infer 21 3D ‘keypoints’ of a hand from just a single frame.

    21 Key Point Tracking

    Google Research engineers Valentin Bazarevsky and Fan Zhang describe their work in their full blogpost . While I have not read the full blogpost myself, Bazarevsky and Zhang describe, “Whereas current state-of-the-art approaches rely primarily on powerful desktop environments for inference, our method achieves real-time performance on a mobile phone, and even scales to multiple hands.” A few of the major points from the blogpost are:

    • The BlazePalm technique is touted to achieve an average precision of 95.7{76c5cb8798b4dc9652375d1c19c86d53c1d1411f4e030dd406aa284e63c21817} in palm detection, researchers claim.
    • The model learns a consistent internal hand pose representation and is robust even to partially visible hands and self-occlusions.
    • The existing pipeline supports counting gestures from multiple cultures, e.g. American, European, and Chinese, and various hand signs including “Thumb up”, closed fist, “OK”, “Rock”, and “Spiderman”.
    • Google is open sourcing its hand tracking and gesture recognition pipeline in the MediaPipe framework, accompanied with the relevant end-to-end usage scenario and source code, here.
    Google Hand Tracking Indoors

    While this is an interesting technology geared towards the mobile community, I feel it has far greater impact into the AR/VR/MR communities as well. First, this looks like some pretty decent hand recognition technology being made available to the entire community, free of charge. While this may have deep financial impact to companies such as Leap Motion, I feel it democratizes the hand recognition world. While I will need to reserve judgement until I see the technology in action but this may have even better performance than Leap Motion and without the purchase of expensive external hardware.

    Google Hand Tracking Outdoors

    Being able to implement hand tracking into a VR experience today was only an expensive pipe dream. But now, with a bit of time and ingenuity, this technology can be brought to real-time VR without expensive hardware and software. As the researchers continue to work on refining and tightening their technology, I can’t help but wonder if other tracking barriers, such as facial tracking, are also in the verge of crumbling!

    Multiple Hand Tracking
  • Disney Contributing to Location-Based Experiences

    Disney Contributing to Location-Based Experiences

    I like to stay abreast with technological developments which not only advance location-based entertainment but interactive storytelling as well. This new announcement from Disney sounds interesting. Disney research just filed a patent for a new head mounted display(HMD) and a gizmo which is referred to as an “Air Flow Generator”. I have no information about the HMD but the air-flow generator sounds interesting.

    This air-flow generator evidently generates gusts of directed airfields which can be used to simulate the haptic sensation of the movement of a virtual object such as sword swinging, animal moving etc. In addition, the generator can also manipulate the smell of the generated air gusts to simulate particular smells such as the smell of soil, smell of flower, etc.

    For sure there are many other air field generators, (fans), which can be actuated by trigger events within an experience. However, these have always been very “low frequency, high amplitude”, for lack of better terms, sensations. This generator sounds very localized and directed. There have also been other manufacturers of HMD attachments promising custom generated scents. This gizmo, as an external generator, promotes more of a collaborative, shared experience. The Void produces similar sensations in their experiences. I am unfamiliar with their technology.

    In a conversation with an Imagineer many years ago, I think Disney is on to a product which can really contribute to large scale experiences. He told me exactly how such a gizmo exactly like this could be implemented. Maybe he decided to have Disney research actually implement it?

    If this product is what I think it is then I believe it could make a significant contribution for the location-based entertainment market. An apparatus such as this could not be marketed for home use. If location-based immersive experiences are to be bigger, bolder and more fantastic than home based experiences, then this technology could aid in widening the gap between home and location-based. Of course there is a huge dependency on how reconfigurable this device is. However, if it fully reconfigurable and “dynamic”, then it will contribute to an experience that is physical, collaborative and highly memorable, (Always unique) – Just what the iMyth team ordered.

  • Steam VR V2 Demonstrated

    Steam VR V2 Demonstrated

    A quick little update of the evolution of Steam VR 2.0 Tracking.

    A VR Arcade proprietor, Tower Tag, successfully pulled off a large multi-player experience involving 6 players using 4 new Steam VR Base stations.

    This is exciting news since this group was able to hook everything up without too much major reconfiguration.

    Just as an update, the old Steam VR Tracking was specked at 5m x 5m space whereas the new Steam VR Tracking is specked out to handle a 10mx10m space. iMyth was able to spread those initial configurations to 20’x20′ with two participants but the coverage was spotty with dead zones. This seems crystal clear at 10mx10m with six participants.

    Can’t wait `till I get my hands on a set of these along with cartloads of new Steam VR tracking pucks.

  • Steam VR Approaching House Scale Tracking?

    Steam VR Approaching House Scale Tracking?

    One of the Holy Grails to rise above the first generation of VR is to move from room-scale tracking to warehouse or house scale tracking. During the The Courier prototyping phase, the iMyth crew was able to extend the Steam VR Tracking to 20 feet by 20 feet. There were artifacts with this scale including dead zones and intermittent spotty coverage. I have been anxiously waiting the arrival of Steam Tracking 2.0. I though it would be available by last December however it is only just starting to show up with certain Vive Pro packages.

    To hype the release of the new Steam VR tracking, Vive China President Alvin Wang Graylin Twitted a video of seven new SteamVR 2.0 base stations hooked up to a single Steam account after a SteamVR beta update. Inside the video, a participant navigates continuously through three separate rooms and interacts with multiple tracked objects. Seven V2.0 Lighthouses were used to track the experience space. We have no idea what the viewing experience was like but it did not seem as if the participant was slowed by dropped coverage or dead zones. He even travels through closed doors.

    https://twitter.com/twitter/statuses/1016992465742585857

    One of the really impressive aspects of this is that the group achieved a tracking area 67 square meters which more than double the recommended size of 25 square meters of the Steam Tracking 1.0. Here is the floor space schematic of the test.

    While currently being distributed, Steam Tracking 2.0 is still being developed and it will still be a while before technology at this scale reaches the consuming public. Evidently the off-the-shelf version of the trackers will only work with 4 trackers not 7 as reported by lead Steam VR Tracking developer Alan Yates. He confirmed that while it is possible to link 4 lighthouses at the moment, the released video is still prototype and a bit premature.

    Even though 7 Lighthouses is still not within grasp, I would still love to get my hands on 4 Lighthouses. Who knows? Maybe if the Lighthouses could be daisy chained in a linear sequence we could still achieve 75 square meters of tracked coverage. The imagination just spins!