19 Crimes wine has become a household name not just for its bold flavors, but for its innovative use of technology. By using augmented reality (AR), the brand allows the historical figures on its labels to come to life and tell their own stories. This interactive experience transforms a simple bottle of wine into a narrative journey through history.
If you have recently purchased a bottle and are wondering how to access these digital stories, the process is straightforward. This guide will walk you through every step needed to unlock the augmented reality features, troubleshoot common issues, and make the most of your interactive wine experience.
Understanding the 19 Crimes AR Concept
The concept behind 19 Crimes wine is rooted in history. In 18th-century Britain, there were 19 specific crimes that resulted in “transportation” to Australia rather than the death penalty. The people featured on the labels were real convicts who survived the journey and helped build a new world.
The augmented reality experience uses your smartphone’s camera to recognize the label. Once identified, the app overlays a digital animation where the convict’s face moves and speaks, sharing the details of their crime and their life. It is a unique way to combine traditional winemaking with modern digital storytelling.
Step-by-Step Guide to Starting the Experience
To begin, you will need a bottle of 19 Crimes wine, a compatible smartphone, and a stable internet connection for the initial setup. Follow these steps to get started:
1. Download the App
The first step is to download the official “Living Wine Labels” app. This app is the gateway to the AR content for 19 Crimes and several other associated wine brands. It is available for free on both the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store.
- Open your phone’s app store.
- Search for “Living Wine Labels.”
- Download and install the application.
2. Grant Necessary Permissions
When you open the app for the first time, it will ask for permission to access your camera. This is essential for the AR technology to work. The app uses the camera as a scanner to identify the specific bottle you are holding. Ensure you tap “Allow” or “Grant Permission” when prompted.
3. Prepare Your Bottle
Place your bottle of wine on a flat, stable surface like a table or counter. Ensure there is adequate lighting in the room. If the room is too dark, the camera may struggle to recognize the details of the convict’s face on the label.
4. Scan the Label
Open the Living Wine Labels app and point your phone’s camera at the bottle. You should see a frame or a guide on your screen. Align the convict’s face within that frame. Hold your phone steady for a few seconds while the app processes the image.
5. Watch the Story Unfold
Once the app recognizes the label, the convict will begin to speak. You can move your phone slightly to see the 3D effect, but try to keep the label within the camera’s view to prevent the animation from stopping. Make sure your volume is turned up so you can hear the narration.
Tips for the Best AR Experience
While the technology is designed to be user-friendly, a few factors can impact how well it performs. To ensure a smooth experience, keep the following tips in mind:
- Check Your Lighting: Avoid glare from overhead lights or direct sunlight hitting the label. Glare can obscure the details the app needs to track.
- Steady Your Hands: If the image is blurry, the app cannot “lock on” to the label. Rest your elbows on the table if you find it hard to hold the phone still.
- Keep the Label Clean: Scratches, wine stains, or torn labels can interfere with the recognition software. Try to keep the label in good condition.
- Update the App: Developers frequently release updates to improve recognition speed and add new character stories. Check your app store for updates regularly.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
If you are having trouble getting the label to speak, do not worry. Most issues are related to technical settings or environmental factors. Here are some common solutions:
The App Won’t Recognize the Bottle
If the app is stuck on the “scanning” phase, try moving your phone closer to or further away from the bottle. Sometimes the camera needs a moment to autofocus. Also, ensure you are scanning a bottle that is actually part of the 19 Crimes collection, as not every wine label in the world is AR-compatible.
There is No Sound
If the character is moving their mouth but you hear nothing, check your phone’s silent switch. On many devices, the app follows the system’s “mute” or “vibrate” settings. Ensure your media volume is turned up and that your phone is not connected to a Bluetooth device in another room.
The App Crashes
If the app closes unexpectedly, it may be due to low device memory. Try closing other background applications and restarting the Living Wine Labels app. If the problem persists, deleting and reinstalling the app often fixes corrupted data issues.
Exploring the Different Characters
One of the most enjoyable parts of the 19 Crimes experience is discovering the different stories. Each bottle features a different convict with a unique history. For example:
- James Wilson: Featured on the Cabernet Sauvignon, Wilson was a man who stood up for his convictions and survived a harrowing journey.
- Jane Castings: Found on the Hard Chard, she represents the many women who were transported for crimes like receiving stolen goods.
- John Boyle O’Reilly: A famous poet who escaped from Australia to the United States, his story is one of the most popular in the collection.
By collecting different bottles, you can build a digital library of these historical narratives. The app often saves the stories you have unlocked, allowing you to revisit them later.
Sharing the Experience with Others
The 19 Crimes AR experience is a great conversation starter at dinner parties or social gatherings. Many people are surprised to see a wine label come to life. You can even use the app’s built-in features to record the animation and share it on social media, allowing friends and family to see the technology in action.
If you are hosting a tasting, consider setting up a dedicated space with good lighting where guests can take turns scanning the bottles. It adds an educational and entertaining element to the evening that goes beyond the wine itself.
Final Thoughts on the 19 Crimes Experience
Using the 19 Crimes augmented reality feature is a simple way to add depth to your wine-drinking experience. By following the steps outlined above—downloading the app, ensuring good lighting, and holding your phone steady—you can easily unlock the stories of the past. It is a testament to how technology can make history more accessible and engaging for everyone.
Once you have mastered the 19 Crimes labels, you might want to explore other ways technology is changing the way we interact with everyday products. There are many other interactive experiences waiting to be discovered in the world of modern packaging and digital storytelling.