augmented-reality

Augmented reality comes to mobile phones

If you thought location-aware search and other mobile mapping technologies were cool, hold onto your hat. A new wave of innovation in the mobile market will bring augmented reality to smartphones, allowing users to interact virtually with their surroundings.

Augmented reality, or AR, is a term that refers to technology that superimposes computer-generated content over live images viewed through cameras. The technology, which has been used in gaming and in military applications on computers, has been around for years. But thanks to more sophisticated devices, faster wireless broadband networks, and new developments at the chip level by companies like Qualcomm, it has become inexpensive enough to put into smartphones and tablets.

Even though these are still the early days for the technology--chip vendors like Qualcomm are just now giving demonstrations--augmented reality could have a major impact on smartphones in the coming years.

"The idea that a mobile device knows where I am and can access, manipulate, and overlay that information on real images that are right in front of me really gets my science fiction juices flowing," said Mark Donovan, senior analyst at ComScore. "It's just beginning now, and it will likely be one of the most interesting trends in mobile in the next few years."

Just as location-based services have begun to change how wireless subscribers use their cell phones and marketers reach an increasingly mobile audience, augmented reality will go a step further, bringing a wealth of collected data to users' fingertips.

Today, GPS and other location-based technologies allow people to track and find friends on the go. It allows them to "check in" at particular locations. In other words, wireless subscribers provide information about their surroundings, such as where they are, and that information is stored and shared with others via the Internet cloud. That information can be used so friends can locate you, or it can be used by marketers to send you coupons and other promotions.… Read more

Taking flight: Parrot AR.Drone quadricopter

Parrot's AR.Drone is a mash-up of several interesting tech concepts. It's a remote control quadricopter that's piloted via an iPhone/iPod Touch app, while also providing a live-to-screen video feed from its built-in video camera, as well as optional augmented reality gaming apps.

A free App Store download called AR.FreeFlight is necessary for pairing and controlling the Drone. Once set up and installed, you have two flight-control options. In the beginner mode, users hold the left onscreen button to maneuver the Drone with the iPhone's accelerometer--tilt it left and the Drone glides to the … Read more

'Virtual mirror' tells you how to look better

People who wear makeup (I would have typed "ladies," but this is 2010, after all) might have a new shopping buddy. A system that's powered by IBM technology and being marketed by a company called EZFace uses augmented reality to help customers try on makeup without having to actually use any.

A "virtual mirror" takes a photo of a shopper's face. It then allows shoppers to scan in the barcode of a specific mascara, foundation, eye shadow, blush, lip gloss, and so on, and see how they would look with that makeup applied. It … Read more

Cookie headset: Do we smell the future of sweets?

We are now messing with things that mankind has no business messing with: confectionary treats.

"Meta Cookie" is an "interactive gustatory display" by Takuji Narumi of the University of Tokyo meant to test how computers can manipulate the way people perceive taste.

The mad scientist has created a helmet with goggles that connect to a camera. Wearing the headgear, the subject sees video images of a variety of cookie types and chooses the one that appeals.

Once a cookie flavor is selected, the goggles use augmented reality to make a plain old cookie look like the … Read more

Android Atlas Weekly 6: 2GHz phone coming soon? (podcast)

A 2GHz Android phone from Samsung, how to get a free Droid X, and Froyo trounces iOS4 in Javascript speed tests. Plus guest Molly Wood reviews the Kindle for Android app, and we discuss how to wipe the data from your phone.

Android 2.2 demolishes iOS4 in JavaScript benchmarks Yahoo! Launches Android Apps Report: More than half of Android apps are free Qualcomm unveils augmented reality platform for Google Android phones 21 Droid X phones are hidden waiting for you to find them … Read more

Augmented reality edges closer to mainstream

SANTA CLARA, Calif.--To an unenlightened observer, Ron Haidenger's demonstration of playing a video game by tilting a piece of cardboard back and forth looks more than a little bit nutty.

But to anyone wearing his company's computer-enhanced glasses, which seamlessly delete the image of the cardboard and replace it with a metal ball spinning through a gleaming three-dimensional maze, it's a near-hypnotic experience.

"The response no matter where we show it is phenomenal," says Haidenger, manager of Vuzix's consumer division. "There's a huge hunger in the market for AR hardware."

AR is, of course, short for "augmented reality." The concept isn't entirely new: it's crept into public consciousness in the last few years in the form of those virtual yellow line markers in broadcasts of football games and heads-up displays in some cars.

But a new crop of entrepreneurs and venture capitalists has more ambitious plans. They gathered here this week in the Santa Clara Convention Center for a conference that's not called one--the official title is the first Augmented Reality Event--to come up with concepts that will convince all but the most technophobic that they should be looking at the world through a new set of spectacles. … Read more

Wikitude Drive for Android brings augmented reality to navigation

Mobilizy, maker of the Wikitude augmented-reality apps for iPhone, Android, and Nokia phones, has announced Wikitude Drive, the first augmented-reality turn-by-turn navigation app for Android phones (OS version 1.6 or greater). The app utilizes the phone's camera and GPS receiver in tandem, layering the selected route over a live view of what's ahead of the car. Sort of like Google Maps' Street View, but in real time.

The Wikitude Drive app entered limited beta Thursday for the first 2,000 downloads from the Android Market. Once the app hits the 2,000 mark, it will be pulled … Read more

Spot hot properties with augmented-reality app

Hate trolling through property listings? You can now whip out your smartphone and use an augmented-reality app to see what's on the market.

Junaio is a free AR app for iPhone 3GS and Android devices that overlays real-estate information on camera views. Users point their phones at a building, street, or neighborhood and relevant data such as monthly rent, photos, and contact details pop up.

Junaio can highlight properties within a radius of several miles. Map views and list views are also available.

Junaio is linked to real-estate search engines HotPads, which lists housing for sale and for rent, … Read more

The 404 580: Where Jeff and Natali do not speak Farsi (podcast)

Jeff and Natali attended a special event last night to kick off the June 4 launch of the HTC Evo 4G and were also given a sneak peak of Hollywood's latest video game movie adaptation, "Prince of Persia: Sands of Time." Without dropping any spoilers, suffice it to say it means a lot when you walk out of a movie with free admission and cupcakes.

The takeaway was the pricing details and release date announced at the event--the HTC Evo 4G is already available for preorder at Best Buy and Radio Shack for $199 with a two-year … Read more

Watchmaker: It's time for augmented reality

Wonder how that bright yellow watchband will look on your pasty wrist? Swiss watchmaker Tissot has launched an application that lets consumers try on various styles at home--digitally, in 3D.

Users just download the app, put on a cardboard cut-out watch template, and hold their wrist in front of a Webcam to try on watches and change models, colors, and styles from Tissot's Touch collection.

The app, which is compatible with PCs and Intel-based Macs, also lets consumers experiment with the touch-screen features on Tissot watches, including the diver functionality of the Sea-Touch model. As shoppers try on a … Read more