Hologram Media unveils nationwide 3D ad network in malls

Hologram Media Network has introduced the world's first continuous holographic advertising network at 30 locations nationwide, in a partnership with Proto Hologram.

The network employs Proto's advanced Luma devices and has been installed across various prominent Simon malls, including Del Amo Mall in Los Angeles, Roosevelt Field Mall in New York, Lenox Square Mall in Atlanta, Opry Mills in Nashville, and Woodfield Mall in Chicago. This platform allows advertisers to blend digital storytelling with real-world shopping experiences, featuring monthly curated holographic shows that include exclusive intellectual property collaborations and interactive events with celebrities.

The inaugural content showcase captivated audiences with an interactive 3D experience linked to "Sonic the Hedgehog 3" by Paramount Pictures, enhancing customer engagement through lifelike holograms of the popular character.

Initial metrics indicate significant engagement, with customers interacting with the holograms for an average of 24 seconds—considerably surpassing video engagement on platforms like TikTok. Additionally, integrated Augmented Reality experiences have achieved a 35% click-through rate in the initial two weeks, highlighting customer interest in this form of media.

James Andrew Felts, CEO of HMN, stated, "Today's consumers live in a world where engaging with 3D experiences is becoming second nature. Platforms like Meta Quest, Fortnite, and Roblox have normalized interacting with immersive content. HMN elevates this trend by bringing experiential media to real-world spaces at scale, bridging the digital and physical spaces in ways that match changing customer expectations."

Felts also noted, "Our vision is not just to present holograms but to create a dynamic ecosystem where customers can interact with digital content in the real world. This is a glimpse into the future we envision, where consumers experience the blending of their online and physical worlds."

David Nussbaum, Proto Founder, remarked on the progression of media technology by saying, "I've witnessed the evolution of countless mediums, but nothing compares to this. Together with HMN, we're not just delivering ads—we're creating personal, unforgettable moments at scale. This is a new era for interactive media, where the lines between the digital and physical worlds disappear."

The Proto Luma devices used in this network are specially designed for retail environments, more compact and cost-effective than the Proto Epic, ensuring vivid 3D holograms. These devices incorporate proprietary AI Persona tools and the RetailSage management system for seamless scale operations.

The HMN installations also offer Augmented Reality (AR) as a key feature, allowing viewers to unlock exclusive AR experiences, which can be saved and revisited via personalised accounts. For instance, the Sonic 3 showcase enabled viewers to engage with a QR code for additional interactive AR content.

The partnership with Simon aligns with the mall giant's history of integrating advanced technology to enhance shopping experiences. Dennis Tietjen, Senior Vice President of Business Development at Simon, commented, "Hologram Media Network (HMN) represents the next frontier of engagement for Simon. We're excited to collaborate on bringing this revolutionary technology to our properties, transforming the way brands connect with shoppers and delivering an unparalleled experience for our guests."

Looking ahead, HMN plans to expand its network to 100 locations by the end of 2025, with further deployments slated for additional malls. The long-term goal is to establish 150 Proto units, reflecting an ambition to blend advertising with interactive media experiences at scale.