West Palm Beach brings downtown to life through the “DowntownWPB Unlocked” Augmented Reality Tour | News
The West Palm Beach Downtown Development Authority (WPB DDA) is partnering with app developers Hoverlay to launch an ambitious experience that brings Downtown West Palm Beach to life in a whole new and digital way. DowntownWPB Unlocked is an interactive augmented reality (AR) walking tour that transforms everyday streets, establishments, landmarks and public spaces into immersive encounters that allow visitors to discover the secrets and surprises of downtown, all in the palm of their hand.
“Downtown West Palm Beach is more than a collection of buildings and streets; it is a living story,” said Teneka James-Feaman, DDA Executive Director. “DowntownWPB Unlocked invites everyone to experience that story in a new way by using technology we use every day to rediscover what makes our downtown so vibrant.”
By downloading the free Hoverlay mobile app, anyone in Downtown West Palm Beach can follow guided routes and unlock multimedia content – including videos, soundscapes, animations and stories – that appear virtually on their smartphone while they are near the location. Each stop reveals a hidden layer of the city’s culture, history, art and architecture through the lens of augmented reality.
“DowntownWPB Unlocked is about bringing people together and helping our community experience the heart of our city in a more meaningful way,” said Mayor Keith A. James. “It invites residents and visitors alike to connect with our culture, our history and each other in a way that feels engaging, accessible and unique to West Palm Beach.”
The DDA identified more than 30 locations within the district boundaries to collaborate with local artists, cultural institutions, businesses and other partners to uniquely enhance them as interactive activations on smartphones. Tour stops include municipal monuments, public art installations and spaces, as well as local shops and restaurants.
How to Explore DowntownWPB Unlocked
Visit DowntownWPB.com/Unlocked, download the free Hoverlay app (available on iOS and Android)
Search for the channel “DowntownWPB” to access the digital map of locations
Provide access to “Camera” and “Location Services” on smartphone and visit participating DowntownWPB Unlocked locations using the in-app map
Click on the Hoverlay icon or hold your phone up at each stop and follow the short instructions to activate the AR treatment
DowntownWPB Unlocked not only provides a new perspective on both well-known and overlooked spaces in Downtown WPB, but also illustrates the DDA’s forward-thinking to reinvigorate downtown tourism through technology.
“With DowntownWPB Unlocked, we are merging placemaking and digital applications at a scale that no other downtown in Florida has achieved to date,” said James-Feaman. “Augmented reality is transforming the way people experience urban spaces – transforming sidewalks into storylines and landmarks in living media. By embracing AR as part of the framework of our city, we are not only redefining tourism, but building a blueprint for how technology can deepen civic engagement and create economic value for the region.”
