In 2035, Taro redefines the act of reading without losing the essence of books as cultural and slow media. This transformation is made possible through the use of Smartglasses, which allow readers to experience immersive settings that adapt dynamically to the content and their personal interpretations. Taro enhances the traditional reading experience by integrating artificial intelligence to generate interactive, immersive spaces and character maps. These visual enhancements bring the reader’s imagination to life, aligning with the content of the book, while maintaining the core of what makes reading a reflective and personal activity.
Developed by BÖV Digital, a fictional subsidiary of the Börsenverein des Deutschen Buchhandels, Taro was born out of a mission to innovate while staying closely aligned with the interests of the broader publishing industry. This collaboration ensures that Taro remains respectful of the cultural heritage of books while pushing the boundaries of what reading can become. By using advanced AI algorithms, Taro generates style presets and descriptive keywords for each page, guiding readers to visualize scenes more vividly or customize their own immersive environments through personalized prompts.
Moreover, Taro’s community platform takes the reading experience beyond individual imagination. Users can share immersive spaces and character maps with others, encouraging creative collaboration and fostering a deeper engagement with the text. This feature allows readers to connect with one another, exchanging interpretations and collaborating on the creative extensions of their literary journey.
Taro operates on a freemium business model, making the core application freely available while offering premium content—such as author-designed character cards and immersive environments—for purchase. These additional non-consumable items enhance personalization, allowing readers to create bespoke experiences that elevate their engagement with the narrative. From stylistic elements that shape the look and feel of immersive spaces to unique character interactions, readers have endless possibilities to enhance and personalize their literary adventures.
In an age where digital advancements often threaten to overshadow traditional media, Taro represents a bridge between the timeless pleasure of reading and the innovative potential of immersive technology. It keeps the cultural heritage of books intact while enhancing the experience, making reading more interactive, engaging, and deeply personal.

In collaboration with:
Marie Köhle