Sotheby’s International Realty announced its second update in two months to Curate, the brokerage’s roOomy-powered augmented reality staging app.
The update enables Sotheby’s agents to provide buyers with an immersive virtual reality experience through spatial computing company Magic Leap’s Magic Leap One headset.
“Taking Curate by Sotheby’s International Realty beyond augmented reality and into the spatial computing platform demonstrates how the Sotheby’s International Realty brand continues to focus on visualization tools that enable real estate professionals to expand their business and serve their clients,” Sotheby’s Global Vice President of Interactive Marketing John Passerini said in a prepared statement.
The headset allows buyers to experience the luxury designs in Sotheby’s Curate app like never before with an easy-to-use headset and controller that enables buyers to immerse themselves in a virtually staged room.
To use Magic Leap One, Sotheby’s agents must download the Magic Leap app via Apple’s App Store or Google Play. From there, they’ll be able to access the Curate platform and its five exclusive staging collections designed by Perigold, Emily Henderson, Elle Decor, Veranda and Town and Country.
After putting on the headset, buyers will be able to use the controller to select and rearrange furniture and decor to their liking. If they like what they see, agents can help buyers purchase their favorite pieces directly from the Curate platform.
Magic Leap One’s headset provides users with an ultra-realistic experience by allowing natural light to filter through the lenses, according to Magic Leap.
“Magic Leap One’s unique design and technology lets in natural light waves together with softly layered synthetic lightfields,” according to a Magic Leap explainer. “Both the real world and virtual light rays initiate neural signals that pass from the retina to the visual part of the brain, creating unbelievably believable experiences.”
Sotheby’s agents can purchase the Magic Leap One headset for approximately $2,000 or rent it for a little under $500 per month.
“Through the Magic Leap affiliation, Sotheby’s International Realty arms independent sales associates with innovative technology that both exceeds consumer demand and sets a standard for the industry,” Passerini said.
“We envision the addition of spatial computing will be implemented in various homebuying and selling scenarios, but particularly in helping agents demonstrate to developers how they can leverage technology to help prospective buyers imagine themselves in a new home.”
In an emailed statement to Inman, Passerini revealed Sotheby’s is already planning ways to make the Magic Leap One experience better for consumers.
“Additionally, we are currently exploring capabilities with roOomy to introduce QR code scans later this year to better offer consumers a fully customizable experience,” he said.
