Lenovo, Disney launch ‘Star Wars’ Jedi augmented reality game that lets you use a Lightsaber (original) (raw)

The "Star Wars: Jedi Challenges" game requires players to wear the Lenovo Mirage augmented reality (AR) headset. While wearing this, the game will be overlaid onto the real world, allowing players to battle enemies with the Lightsaber controller that comes with the game.

Disney | Lenovo

Disney has partnered with Lenovo to create an augmented reality (AR) "Star Wars" game which users play via their phone, a headset, and a Lightsaber.

Google Android and Apple iPhone users can pre-order "Star Wars: Jedi Challenges" with the products being available in November in certain markets.

Here's how it works:

• Users download the "Star Wars: Jedi Challenges" app onto their phone
• Then they slot their phone into the Lenovo Mirage AR headset
• A tracking sensor that comes with the headset is placed on the floor to detect the user's position in the room
• The headset pairs with a Lightsaber controller which allows players to point and battle in the game

"Players will hone their Jedi talents across a variety of augmented reality-based experiences, each offering multiple levels of deep and immersive gameplay," a Lenovo press release said.

Disney has introduced a new character called the Archivist who instructs players in the way of the "Force" and Jedi knowledge.

"Throughout these challenges, users will train to perfect their lightsaber skills by taking on some of the most menacing villains the dark side has to offer, command armies in combat missions to defeat the Empire, and outwit their opponents in Holochess, all in augmented reality," the press release explained.

Lenovo has not yet released pricing but said it will vary by market.

Augmented reality is a huge area of focus for many of the major technology players. Apple released a set of developer tools called ARKit recently, followed by Google with its own version called ARCore.

Lenovo has been venturing into AR. Last year it released a device called the PHAB2 Pro, its first device with AR technology. This is the company's latest foray into AR but takes a new tact by selling hardware in the form of the lightsaber and AR-specific headset.

The Chinese firm is hoping the Force is with it with this latest venture.