With the release of the newest iPhone 3.0 software there has been more buzz about augmented reality and how it is going to change our lives. You may have heard the term virtual reality but augmented reality is still a bit of a newcomer on the scene in regards to everyday life. So what exactly is augmented reality?
If you’ve played any 1st person shooter video games, think head’s up display. The term augmented reality refers to overlaying images on a real time display. The images augment the reality that we are in. Point your phone’s camera at a landmark and augmented reality applications will overlay the real time image with information (address, phone number, hours of operation, historical facts) about the landmark.
There is another form of augmented reality and that is in 3D object projection. AR applications can use your computer’s camera to read icons printed on a page (similar to bar codes) and display 3D objects and animations. What to see sights from around the world from the comfort of your office? AR can help you do that. For a real life example see below:
While this is an amazing capability that opens lots of doors this post will be focusing on some of the newer apps using graphic overlays of real time images.
This technology has been around for a while now and in fact there are a few AR apps that are available now in Europe and the Netherlands. Even with these applications the quantity of functional AR apps is limited.
In regards to the mainstream (especially in the US), the functional everyday use of this fascinating new technology is still in its infancy. With the new iPhone 3GS, augmented reality is becoming more of a, for lack of a better word – reality and thus more popular with application developers. We’re expecting to see this technology available in applications with the iPhone 3.1 software release (expected this fall).
Developers are having a field day with creating apps with this new technology. Some examples are the New York Nearest Subway app created by AcrossAir. With this app you can view all of the nearest subway lines on your iphone by simply pointing your phone in various directions. There are some pretty spectacular videos out there with prototypes of ways augmented reality can be used.
So far my favorite video (see below) that I’ve seen implementing an augmented reality application involves pairing facial recognition technology with social network and contact information. For example, someone who wanted to know more about you could point their device’s camera at you and the social network profiles that you have will come up along with your contact information. According to the video you would be able to create different profiles (ie a “work” profile for the day and “weekend” profile for the weekend) where you could choose which social network profiles and information you want to make visible to others. While the thought of a complete stranger pointing their camera at me and getting my information is a little creepy (all anonymity would be lost if this application became popular), I do like the concept. With augmented reality we are getting closer to making what once was science fiction and only seen in movies about the future, a true reality.
My fav AR video:
Do you think augmented reality is going to live up to the buzz? Do you like the idea of people being able to get your information by just pointing their phone at you? Let me know in the comments.
Share This: 
