Augmented Reality Takes Visuals To The Next Level

Image by dannysullivan via Flickr

Augmented reality is the combination of real-world and computer-generated data (virtual reality), where computer graphic objects overlap real footage in real-time.

I first read about this a few months ago and acknowledged the potential. Obviously the hype for this is going to increase considerably over the next few months but that has to be expected as this is going to provide jaw-dropping innovation..

Today Layar, which was first launched in June 2009 in The Netherlands, announces that it’s second generation Reality Browser is now available globally on Android devices. Many new content layers are available in the Reality Browser which vary from Wikipedia, Twitter and Brightkite to local services like Yelp, Trulia, store locator’s, nearby bus stops, mobile coupons, Mazda dealers and tourist, nature and cultural guides.

Check out the full Press Release..

Brightkite a location-based social network - that I have used - already lets you see what your friends are doing in two dimensions – in a customizable real-time stream and in a map view. Through Layar they are now able to add a third dimension, which enables users of the app to view posts, photos and locations through the handsets camera. Below is a video presentation which also highlights what can be achieved through Augmented Reality -

Brightkite Augmented Reality from Brightkite on Vimeo.

With the iPhone expected to offer official support for Augmented Reality apps as soon as next month, this space is going to get very interesting. This is another reason to upgrade to the iPhone 3GS :)

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