Atmoph, Digital Window for Travelers
A window that opens to stunning granite rocks of Yosemite Park basking in the warming rays…Wait, in the middle of Kyoto?
Welcome to Atmoph's office.
Kyoto-based startup, supported by Makers Boot Camp, produces a digital window that displays 4K videos of beautiful sceneries around the world. By placing it on your desk or hanging on the wall, you can virtually travel to a new destination without making it off your couch. It not only makes a room seem more spacious, but also helps you to relax and get rejuvenated for a new day.
Combat the windowless blues
10 years ago, Atmoph CEO Kyohi Kang was a graduate student in Los Angeles pursuing a specialty in robotics. Motivated by more than a passion for learning, every day he spent studying, doing his research and mastering English. Although it was a time of new experiences, sometimes he felt a great deal of stress that he attributed to the study and challenges of a new environment.
Kyohi Kang: One day I noticed that view from my window was very limited. All I could see was a building next door. I felt trapped and craving for an openness in my room.
From time to time, Kyohi recalled his problem and tried to solve it. Neither computer, TV or VR headset were the solutions. He played DVD with Hawaiian beach, but it was inconvenient because of too many windows opened on his computer. While VR headset seemed like a great idea, the moment he took it off sent him back to the minuscule room.
Kyohi’s interest in robotics that stemmed from his curiosity about the science lead him to experiments. The first prototype he built up was a screen connected to computer and loaded with some videos shot in the street. He realized that this device could envision a new future: confined first to bulky TV screens, then slimmer computer screens and smartphones, video content may soon be seamlessly embedded into the environment like never before.
Atmoph First Steps
While working for Nintendo as a software engineer, Kyohi formed deep bonds with a fellow employee Kyohei who later became Atmoph co-founder. By working together, they shared an enormous amount of time and efforts to the company. After successful Kickstarter campaign, Atmoph emerged as a business.
Kyohi Kang: To launch a project on Kickstarter, we needed a working prototype. Therefore, I bought a 4k camera and headed alone to New Zealand for the unparalleled natural beauty. I started filming for the first time and shot the most incredible views I have ever seen.
As of now, Atmoph is collaborating with 7 videographers from the US, Japan, France, Germany and others. They filmed 1000 places around the world so far. Shooting all of the most beautiful places in the world could take a lifetime, so many places like Africa are yet to be covered.
2017 was a great year for Atmoph, and 2018 is going to be more exciting. They started shipping the first units of windows with 60 percent of customers based in Japan and the rest in US, UK and other EU countries. The next milestone is to improve a prototype and make a bigger one for business customers with high ceilings. Atmoph also seeking collaborations with other partners from various industries.
Window Views to Marvel at
A basic set comes with 10 views from Italy, UK, Hawaii, New Zealand etc. Every time you purchase an additional view, you can download it from the cloud and keep on 32 GB device. Each video is around 1GB, and if the storage is full, old ones are removed to the library. However, you can always select it and download back anytime.
Most of the views are nature scenery — rivers, oceans, mountains, the rest are urban landscapes like London bridges. There are 50 views of Kyoto such as Kamogawa river, temples and gardens. The highlight of the collection is Hosenin with its moss-covered rocks and picture-framed garden.
Kyohi Kang: My favourite ones are the views of Iceland. The serene beauty of the steaming fields and sparkling glaciers is a wonderful site to behold. I wish I could travel there one day.
Travel lover Kyohi thinks that half of the customers share his passion. When purchasing a view, they can recall the past experiences or plan a next journey. People are motivated to travel, he says.
Suggestions from Kyohi Kang:
For a bright morning: breathtaking mountain view that makes you feel like waking up in a mountain lodge.
For a big company: why not to make Hawaiian party with your friends? Order some pizza topped with pineapple and cheese, and download a view of serene tropical paradise.
Find a digital window appealing? Let us know your opinion at Makers Boot Camp!
