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3D greeting cards have been introduced for Valentine's Day. Image courtesy Hallmark Cards, Inc.

Hallmark Launches Webcam Greetings Card with 3D Augmented Reality
KANSAS CITY, MO, (PRNewswire), February 1, 2010- Hallmark Cards, Inc., has unveiled the release of webcam greetings, new cards that use augmented reality technology to bring the card to life on a computer screen in time for Valentine's Day.

Hallmark is led by Donald J. Hall, Jr., president and CEO, and his brother, David E. Hall, president of the company's North American business. Privately held and headquartered in Kansas City, it encompasses subsidiaries like Crayola and the top-rated cable Hallmark Channel, employs more than 14,000 people full time, sells products in more than 41,000 retail outlets in the U.S. and produces products in 30 languages sold in 100 countries.

As digital technology changes every facet of life, president and CEO Hall is enthusiastic about the power of the Hallmark brand and potential of the business. The digital explosion makes possible new options for greeting cards, he says, and opens new ways to help people connect.

"Making emotional connections is a universal need that reaches across the tools and customs of any point in time," the founder's grandson says. "Today our brand helps make those connections in many ways - through paper greeting cards, gifts and ornaments, online tools and mobile phones, and quality television programming from the Hallmark Hall of Fame and Hallmark Channel.

"If you're looking for a way to celebrate, console, thank, encourage or laugh with someone, Hallmark will be there with a way to help, whether it's delivered on paper, through your computer, phone or television, or ways yet to be imagined."

The person receiving the card can visit www.hallmark.com/extra and follow the directions to be able to view a 3D animated feature by holding the greeting card up to the web camera. The technology breathes a digital life into the card. The animation tracks with the movement of the card, so no matter which way the card is moved, the animation will rotate along in full 3D. In many cards, various scenes appear as the card is turned in different angles in front of the webcam for a range of digital experiences.

"As Hallmark embarks upon our next 100 years in business, it's important to continually identify new ways to help amplify the emotions our consumers feel when experiencing and sharing our products," said Monic Muldrew, associate product manager. "With the experience available through these cards that come to life with a webcam, we hope consumers will fully explore and interact with this fun new way to connect."

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