augmented reality

November 04, 2009

Everyone is going bananas for mobile aps. With more than 2bn apps launched so far, high-profile brands continue jumping aboard. The latest buzz around town is about augmented reality.

Wondering what that is? Well, it’s a field of computer research, which deals with the combination of real world and computer-generated data. As you point your phone’s camera at a business, landmark, sporting venue, hotel etc, text bubble information boxes pop up. The information includes location descriptions, facts about the subject, user star ratings, links to web pages etc.

How does it work? The latest generation of mobile phones have GPS functions and the key to augmented reality is geolocation.

Layar is one of the most popular augmented reality applications but you can also check out GraffitiGeo, Total Immersion and RjDj.

Interested in some examples? Click here.