Aurasma, available from the app store is the first of an intriguing number of Iphone Augmented Reality Apps that really do peak my interest. There has been an ever increasing number of such applications but this is the first to implement the type of Augmented Reality we expect to see as portrayed in Hollywood.
Users are invited to create a profile, which can then be used to create Augmented Reality relations visible to those who follow that profile. Currently, at time of writing, no major companies offer such profiles for following, but users can still create their own. For example, one early adopter launched the app and linked the headline picture from the New York Times to a related video of the event on the NYT website. Thus, any followers of that user would be able to buy their own copy of the newspaper, view it through their iPhone camera and the video would begin playing in place of the picture, still surrounded by the text of the actual newspaper.
Still in a beta stage, the technology is undeniably in development and its potential is yet to be fully realised. There is no word on when we can expect to see companies offering this service themselves, yet it can only be a matter of time. In the age of decreasing hard copy newspaper sales, any strive toward digitalising them forward to the 21st Century could only be a good thing.
Never again would you have to type web addresses seen in adverts into your browser to find out more information. Instead, simply view the advert through your iPhone to instantly access video demonstrations, reviews, video advertisements. Not bad all from a handheld mobile phone.
There are however, disadvantages to such technology. It is not inconceivable to imagine a World where everything around you will become an advert. Viewing your slightly worn Converse shoes will trigger promotions for the latest colour and cut, observing buildings will only briefly tell you about their history before launching into full detail of the current companies product range. For this to catch on, it requires user discretion and tastefulness. The only question that remains is not if this becomes popular, but when.
Users are invited to create a profile, which can then be used to create Augmented Reality relations visible to those who follow that profile. Currently, at time of writing, no major companies offer such profiles for following, but users can still create their own. For example, one early adopter launched the app and linked the headline picture from the New York Times to a related video of the event on the NYT website. Thus, any followers of that user would be able to buy their own copy of the newspaper, view it through their iPhone camera and the video would begin playing in place of the picture, still surrounded by the text of the actual newspaper.
Still in a beta stage, the technology is undeniably in development and its potential is yet to be fully realised. There is no word on when we can expect to see companies offering this service themselves, yet it can only be a matter of time. In the age of decreasing hard copy newspaper sales, any strive toward digitalising them forward to the 21st Century could only be a good thing.
Never again would you have to type web addresses seen in adverts into your browser to find out more information. Instead, simply view the advert through your iPhone to instantly access video demonstrations, reviews, video advertisements. Not bad all from a handheld mobile phone.
There are however, disadvantages to such technology. It is not inconceivable to imagine a World where everything around you will become an advert. Viewing your slightly worn Converse shoes will trigger promotions for the latest colour and cut, observing buildings will only briefly tell you about their history before launching into full detail of the current companies product range. For this to catch on, it requires user discretion and tastefulness. The only question that remains is not if this becomes popular, but when.
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