Happaning: Video Street View - Explore Videos Like Never Before

Happaning: Immersive Video Through Multiple Perspectives

A newly established company, Happaning, is pioneering a more engaging video experience by enabling viewers to observe the same event from various viewpoints. As articulated by co-founder and CEO Andrew Eniwumide, the technology can be likened to “Google Street View, but with video.”

The company posits that its distinctive technological offering, providing multi-vantage-point videos, has the potential to address issues like misinformation and deep fakes. Multiple, verified perspectives of a scene could serve as a means to fact-check potentially misleading video edits.

Introducing ViiVid Technology

Happaning is launching its initial beta version today at TechCrunch Disrupt 2021 as a “wild card” in the Startup Battlefield. This version introduces the concept of multi-vantage videos, branded as “ViiVid” technology.

The system allows users to create video content via a mobile app, which is then integrated with videos captured at the same location and time. This creates a collective record of the event.

A Decentralized Approach to Video Verification

While not utilizing blockchain technology directly, Happaning shares conceptual similarities. It draws inspiration from the blockchain’s decentralized network model, where numerous sources contribute to a shared record.

However, unlike a blockchain, each user’s video is unique, offering a distinct perspective. Collectively, these videos provide a more comprehensive and accurate representation of what transpired.

Patented Technology and Initial Applications

The company has secured patents for concepts related to synchronizing multiple video streams and the user experience of navigating between different perspectives. These patents are registered in the U.K. and with the World Intellectual Property Organization.

The initial applications for this technology include recording events such as weddings, concerts, sporting events, protests, and other large gatherings. Users can swipe through different video angles and perspectives by tapping on markers within the video.

For instance, a viewer could seamlessly transition from a video filmed at the back of a concert venue to one captured from the front row.

Addressing Video Misinformation

Eniwumide founded Happaning to combat the growing problem of video manipulation and its use in spreading misinformation. He cites reports indicating that misinformation sources on platforms like Facebook receive significantly more engagement than reputable news outlets.

“Storytelling media has become increasingly sophisticated, leading to the rise of 360-degree videos,” Eniwumide explains. “However, videos are also vulnerable to abuse, careless editing, bias, and even deep fakes.”

He envisions an application capable of verifying video content, confirming its authenticity and location, as a valuable tool.

“We envision a system similar to Google Street View, but for video,” he elaborates. “Multiple users can record simultaneously, and our system synchronizes these feeds based on time, location, and audio-visual cues.”

Viewers can then navigate through the event by swiping, much like moving through Google Street View.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eCAKFQoXXt0

Future Development and Funding

The initial launch focuses on livestreamed videos, but the startup intends to evolve its technology into a standard and enable video export and publication to other platforms. The current version is an MVP and technology demonstration, with the user interface still under development.

The app is currently free to use, with plans for subscription tiers if it gains user adoption.

Eniwumide brings over 12 years of experience as a software developer and principal consultant at U.K. engineering firms like Detica and BAE Systems. He is supported by CFO Leslie Sagay, CMO Joanna Steele, CTO Colin Agbabiaka, and AJ Adesanya, who manages infrastructure.

Currently, most of the team is working part-time on the startup.

Happaning has secured £219,500 in pre-seed funding at a £3 million pre-money valuation and is seeking £500,000 in seed funding at a £4.5 million pre-money valuation.