It also doesn't require special guns, no one has to wear bulky sensors which can be covered up, and it can be done on a device that many people carry with them wherever they go.
So it's innovative, but only in the aspect of being easier and having a low barrier of entry.
I think the innovation lies solely in being able to implement this on iPhone's limited hardware. I didn't mean to de-emphasize that achievement. I just wanted to point out that being able to shoot your friends without them actually dying is something already achieved.
I also think that with customized equipment using GPS and image recognition instead of sensors could improve current laser-tagging offerings. Digital zoom for scoped snipers, gps for king of the hill/domination type games, etc.
Right, and if you read my previous posts I never said it was not innovative.
I've actually never played laser tag. I just imagined that it might be easy for someone, like me, who has never played laser tag, to attribute the perceptions of innovation of laser tag all to this application, when really the innovation is in reimplementing laser tag using modern mobile technology.
But then you downplayed that innovation because it is only iterative. My point is that most innovation - even meaningful innovations that change the technology landscape - are iterative.
I don't really think this is the next iteration of laser tag. It's a different take on laser tag, and I didn't mean to downplay the innovation at all. I simply wanted to point out that this ain't laser tag 2.0, but rather a new way to play the game. I want to emphasize their achievement in porting laser tag to the iphone platform, and not on their achievements of making shooting your friends possible.
Plus, all progress is either random, or iterative, so I'm not sure I understand your point.
So it's innovative, but only in the aspect of being easier and having a low barrier of entry.