The Big Issue, the street magazine aimed at tackling homelessness and poverty, is turning to augmented reality (AR) to bring stories to life.

Working with Japanese electronics company Konica Minolta, The Big Issue is delivering AR interactions throughout its publication on a bi-monthly basis. Readers can download the GenARate app and use it to scan trigger images, which are marked with an AR icon, to unlock exclusive interactive content.

Today’s (7 January) first issue featuring AR-powered content focuses on using ‘Tech for Good’ and includes the cover story of vendor Ann Warke, 53, who turned to The Big issue when she could no longer afford to pay her rent after losing her job. The issue also features video content from ex-Razorlight drummer and Snowman and Snowdog composer Andy Burrows and Notes On a Nervous Planet author Matt Haig, as well as David Tennant reading an extract from Cressida Cowells new Wizards of Once book and a musical playlist from foreign correspondent John Simpson.

“As we continue to innovate and evolve in a digital society, we couldn’t be more excited to partner with Konica Minolta to offer an enhanced magazine for our readers and hardworking vendors,” said Ben Sullivan, digital editor at The Big Issue. “The ‘Tech for Good’ special not only shows the ways in which we’re pushing the boundaries of what print magazines can achieve, but also gives readers enhanced insights into the lives of our vendors, as their stories are brought into video and audio right in front of our readers’ eyes.”