San Jose, California – Wobbleworks LLC, the award-winning creators of the astronomy simulation engine Luminos, today is proud to announce the release of Backyard Apollo 1.0.1 for iOS 11, a simulation of the famous NASA Saturn V rocket launches from the Apollo program missions to the Moon. Using the app, customers can virtually place a Saturn V rocket in their chosen location through Augmented Reality (AR), a technology which blends virtual objects with the real world by using advanced processing of a device’s cameras and sensors.
In the Backyard Apollo app, users can scan for suitable launch sites around them, then place a Saturn V rocket from a small 1:288 scale version, all the way up to a full size 110 meter re-creation. The Saturn V rocket will appear to rise from its landing site, then await the user’s command for a countdown and launch. All the while, actual NASA Apollo mission sounds are played using 3D positional audio to heighten anticipation of the rocket launch. Users can move around the rocket with 360 degrees of freedom, and examine labelled parts to learn more about the function and complexity of a Saturn V. After launch, users can follow their rocket in the sky, then place another to experience it again.
Backyard Apollo is built on Apple’s new ARKit technology, a programming library included in the latest iOS 11 release. ARKit assists developers in crafting augmented reality applications by providing tools for placing, tracking, and manipulating 3D objects superimposed in the device’s camera view. Using dual cameras, depth data, and surface detection, the newest augmented reality devices open the possibility for apps to create enhanced worlds where virtual objects come to life.
Language Support:
* Localized for English, French, Spanish, and German
Device Requirements:
Backyard Apollo is available for devices supporting Apple’s iOS 11 and ARKit technology. Suitable devices must include Apple’s A9 chip or higher: iPhone 6s or newer (normal or Plus size), iPhone SE, iPad Pro (any size and version) or the 2017 iPad. It requires 100 MB of storage space.
Pricing and Availability:
Backyard Apollo 1.0.1 is $1.99 USD (or equivalent amount in other currencies), with no in-app purchases or advertising, and available worldwide exclusively through the App Store in the Entertainment category. For more information, please contact Brian Albers.
Wobbleworks
Backyard Apollo 1.0.1
Purchase and Download
Screenshot (iPhone)
Screenshot (iPad)
Press Kit (zip)
Wobbleworks LLC is the family business of John Stephen and Brian Albers. Together they have more than 50 years of hardware and software experience, from small startups to large enterprises such as Apple, Microsoft, and Oracle. Now they are focusing their passion on crafting astronomy software that will delight you. Copyright (C) 2017 Wobbleworks LLC. Apple, the Apple logo, iPhone, iPod, iPad, and Apple Watch are registered trademarks of Apple Inc. in the U.S. and/or other countries. Other trademarks and registered trademarks may be the property of their respective owners.