Augment My Reality Any Time
After living with my new iPhone 3GS for two-and-a-half weeks, I wasn’t exactly impressed. I mean it came with the prepackaged hype of all things new and shiny. But after the novelty of the touch screen wore off, I realized it really didn’t blow my wig off.
That all changed last weekend when our account director tipped me off to the Augmented Reality feature hidden in Yelp’s latest app. (Cue nerdy, tech angels singing.) Coolest. Thing. Ever.
Not gonna run though the steps to activate it – that’s already been explained the world wide web over. The gist of how the app works: the video camera in your iPhone 3GS turns on, and as you pan across the horizon, you’ll find Yelp listings of different businesses. Even if you’re indoors, listings for bars and restaurants will pop up when you point your phone to where they’re actually located. I tried it here at the agency discovered a highly-reviewed Japanese restaurant that serves some mighty tasty yakitori.
When we first blogged about Augmented Reality, it seemed like practical usage was only in Europe. Apps for people looking to buy real estate in the Netherlands. Or Brits looking to find the nearest London subway station. For those of us stateside, A.R. was scheduled to make a big splash among iPhone 3GS users once Apple releases OS 3.1.
While we marvel at this new technology, A.R. is feverishly being developed. Expect it to change the way we shop online. How we look at maps. And how we play video games.
Who knows what reality will be like the more science augments it. For now though, I’m more than happy with my grilled chicken skewers.
It truly warms my heart to be around folkd who are as excited as I am about the potential of AR.
And if that blew your mind, 6th Sense will nuke whatever’s left of you (skip to 5:10 if you’re impatient): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mUdDhWfpqxg
I do remember reading about this in your Mid July blog – I also remember nonchalantly mentioning the possible birth of AR Billboards; Dentsu has already begun implementing the AR billboards with NTT Docomo.
I am working with marketing in Denmark and is searching for inspiration in the digital world. Thanks for inspiration
I can’t wait to virtually try on clothes using AR. My wallet, on the other hand, is very very afraid.
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