Augmented reality app makes Japanese newspaper more engaging for kids

Japanese newspaper Tokyo Shimbun has launched the AR News app, which enables kids to scan articles with their smartphones and reveal more kid-friendly versions of current affairs. The app was developed by creative agency Dentsu, which was tasked with finding a new way to make newspapers appealing to younger readers. Parents can encourage kids to use the app by placing their smartphones over those articles, revealing animated characters and graphics, pop-up headlines and explanations about the topics being discussed.