Admittedly, I tend to window shop at Best Buy at least twice a month, and this past weekend I got a pleasant surprise when I stopped through my favorite location in New York’s legendary Union Square. Intel recently added a new interactive installation to the middle of the store, The Intel Technology Experience, which includes a huge station to remix a single for Ne-Yo, and play stage director in a live performance from the multi-platinum selling, award-winning performer.
The setup also includes a tablet video game called Mars Escape. A single processor pad can power several tablets at a time for this interactive game, which allows you to pick your own vehicle, weapons, mission, etc. to make the perfect getaway from Mars. There is a station that offers a few facts on Augmented Reality, a technology which is being utilized by Marriott Hotels across the country. This same technology is also used in the Mars Escape game.
When you enter the Intel Experience, two pillars equipped with cameras can pick up your image and insert you into the fun. You can even build your own robot and print in 3D.
If you love music, you’ll definitely get sucked in to the large stage display with Ne-Yo. He encourages you when you help him get the crowd going, and even scolds you when you flail about with the lights or sound. You manage the stage in tablet mode, and can remix the song in laptop mode.
The very nice Best Buy associate, Kenny, let me know that due to lack of space in that location, there wasn’t as much of the planned experience to enjoy as there will be in other stores. Either way, it’s an awesome way to learn more about Intel in a fun environment in between your early holiday shopping this month.
So why make such a fun spot in the middle of your shopping? Through research in association with Toluna, Intel found that most of us in the U.S. are eager to try out new technologies, but watching someone else play games or work mixing boards on TV or YouTube gets old. We are frustrated that we can’t actually be a part of discovering the future of our electronics. By bringing the Intel Experience to 50 stores nationwide, Intel allows all of us to have fun with ideas in the making, just like the experts.
All I know is I enjoyed myself, and I plan to go back and play with that mixing board some more next weekend! Get yourself to a Best Buy near you to see this for yourself. You can find the list of participating stores and learn more about the Intel Technology Experience at BestBuy.com/Intel.
Check out a few of my pics from the Union Square display:
The reviewer has been compensated in the form of a Best Buy Gift Card and/or received the product/service at a reduced price or for free
