Excitement is mounting among children and adults alike about the upcoming return of Star Wars in movie form. A new app from publisher Egmont could stoke the fires further for kids.

It’s called Star Wars Annual 2015 App, and has been released this week for iPhone, iPad and Android. As the name implies, it ties in to the official Star Wars annual that will be going on sale soon (if not already).

It’s an augmented reality app, which is designed to be used with the printed book. “Simply open the app, tap the triangle play button and hold your device above the Annual close to the Stormtrooper marker (inside the front cover),” explains its app store listing.

Why? Well, you can view the Death Star in normal or “hologram” mode, spinning it around as you like, before starting a countdown to watch it explode. All seemingly in mid-air above the book, as viewed through your device’s camera.

And, er, that seems to be it: a single-purpose app, where we suspect the novelty will wear off fairly quickly even for hardcore Star Wars fans. Still, it’s free, and a nice touch for young Star Wars fans who might get the annual for Christmas.

Star Wars Annual 2015 App is a free download for iPhone and iPad from Apple’s App Store, and a free download for Android from the Google Play store.

Read about more Star Wars apps for kids on Apps Playground, and check out our 100 Best iPad Apps of 2013 e-book – £1.99 from Apple’s iBooks Store