Pocket Talks
Pocket Talks partnered with The Sheds to test how immersive technologies could extend the reach of live events. Using augmented reality and volumetric video, the project demonstrated a new way to deliver engaging experiences beyond the limits of physical venues.
The problem
Traditional live events are limited by location, venue capacity and the cost of attendance. Aer Studios identified a gap in accessibility and inclusivity, recognising that audiences often need to be physically present to get the full experience. Travel, accommodation and venue constraints can also restrict participation and increase the environmental impact of events.
The team wanted to explore whether emerging technologies could make live events more accessible by delivering immersive experiences directly to audiences, wherever they were in the world.
The solution
Working through The Sheds' resident community, Aer Studios partnered with Condense Reality and MyWorld to develop Pocket Talks, a world-first augmented reality experience designed to bring live events into people's pockets.
Using a 3D volumetric video capture rig, live speakers were recorded and streamed in real time to an in-browser augmented reality application. Audiences could view, move and scale the experience on their own devices, creating a more immersive alternative to traditional live streaming. The Sheds provided the technical infrastructure for development and testing, as well as hosting the launch event.
The impact
The pilot launched during BTF+ 2025 (The Bristol Festival of Tech, Creativity & Culture), streaming a keynote presentation from the BBC's Manon Dave from The Sheds to audiences around the world. The project successfully demonstrated that volumetric video can be streamed to mobile browsers, proving the viability of a new approach to live event delivery.
The launch generated significant engagement, reaching 4.6 million people and generating 1.2 million social impressions. More than 6,300 attendees experienced the event, demonstrating the potential of immersive technologies to extend audience reach beyond the limitations of physical venues.