As I mentioned last month, I’m very excited about augmented reality. Augmented reality, or AR, is essentially a computer-generated layer of information that sits on top of live video. For this week’s Friday Five, we’ll look at a few examples of augmented reality for you to check out. Even if you don’t have the required technology, there are some pretty good demonstration videos online–I’ve embedded some in this article.
You can try the first two examples yourself, right now, if you have a webcam and printer connected to your computer.
1. GE Smart Grid
Marketers are taking advantage of augmented reality’s current wow factor to push new products and ideas. A very nice example is GE’s Smart Grid demonstration. It’s even got interactive elements in it–try it out for yourself or watch the video below.
2. USPS Priority Mail Box Simulator
This one’s a little more practical–the USPS Priority Mail Box Simulator helps you get a sense of different packaging sizes so you can make the best decision on how to ship something.
The next three applications are examples of mobile augmented reality, requiring a handheld device with a video camera, GPS, and compass. Currently, the iPhone 3GS and Google Android fit the bill.
3. Layar
Layar, an AR browser, was released for the iPhone on Wednesday. It’s also available for Android. With Layar (and similar browsers) add a data layer atop what you see through your mobile device’s video camera.
The neat thing about Layar is it lets developers add their own content layers. Current content layers include Wikipedia, Twitter (find tweets that were posted near you), Flickr (ditto for photos), Yellow Pages, and architectural information.
4. Wikitude
Wikitude’s World Browser was also released for the iPhone on Wednesday; it’s Android version has been available for a few months. What sets Wikitude apart from other AR applications is that it helps users add their own points of interest, essentially as Wikipedia entries.
5. Yelp
Yelp’s iPhone app isn’t as multi-featured as Layar and Wikitude–its primary purpose is to direct you to reviews of restaurants and services–but it warrants mention because it was the first AR application for the iPhone. The AR component, dubbed Monocle, is available through an Easter Egg; now that Apple has formally approved apps like Layar and Wikitude this secret feature may come out of hiding.
Photo: leolovespictures on Flickr
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Tags: Augmented Reality
