Augmented reality (AR) is an engaging way of combining live video with computer-generated data and visualisations. It is an area that has grabbed my attention lately, and it’s going to be a big deal.
Amazing things will happen in this space in the years to come, but what about today? Are there live applications out there already? Sure there are, although it is early days and many of these examples are alpha demos. Nevertheless, they truly shine a light on the possibilities with augmented reality.
I have collated a bunch of videos that highlight the opportunities with augmented reality. You will be able to use AR to create real-world applications that fulfil human needs in a way that still feels ever so slightly sci-fi. You can try out a number of these AR demos from your desktop if you have a printer and webcam.
I have to say that the possibilities for world-class mobile applications are really exciting, but the upside for brand marketers is also vast, as AR can improve on-pack promotions, point of sale, print and billboard advertising, and so on. And if you think this is all tomorrow's world, it isn't. Take a look at the Glasses Direct interactive video mirror, for an example of how augmented reality can play a role in helping improve your conversion rates today.
So sit back and tune into augmented reality. And have a think about what you might be able to do in this space...
Augmented ID, by Swedish mobile firm TAT
This is a conceptual app that links face recognition software to social networking profiles. Ok, it's a bit scary, but it's a lot cool…
Augmented Reality Business Card
Sometimes a moo.com business card simply won’t convey enough information. Enter Skive Creative’s James Alliban. Watch his video to see his rich business card in action, and read his blog to try it out for yourself:
Layar: The Augmented Reality Browser
Developed by mobile visionaries at SPRXmobile, this is an AR browser that layers real time information over your camera display. So point your phone’s viewfinder down a street to find out information on all kinds of things, from real estate, to bars and restaurants, to historical / tourist information. We interviewed Layar co-founder Claire Boonstra earlier this week if you want the background on this app.
Layar is now available for smartphone owners in The Netherlands, which is yet another reason to move there.
Nearest New York Subway
Made by acrossair, who did something similar for the Tube, this does what it says on the tin, as this video explains all in less than a minute:
IBM’s Wimbledon app
This app was created to help Wimbledon fans figure out how to navigate around the tennis courts, to find bars, toilets, courts, etc. Included real time data feeds to help visitors avoid queues. As such, it is obviously brilliant…
SREngine for iPhone
This prototype app determines information about your surroundings via image recognition. It’s pretty far out, to say the least…
GE’s Augmented Reality demo
If you have a webcam and a printer you can try this one now. Watch this video to find out more, and then give it a whirl. It’s a crazy, scaleable 3D solar farm that you can PUT IN YOUR HANDS. Check it out…
Papervision3D Wormhole
Here’s another one you can try out. This is a demo that will turn a shape into a wormhole. It works in a 3D environment. Reminds me of Donnie Darko. Check out the video and give it a whirl…
Augmented Reality in Marketing and Sales
Yes! There are a bunch of neat applications for AR in helping to shift more product! The days of flipcharts and crappy brochures may soon be long gone. Here’s a showreel of a range of difference ways in which AR has been introduced into a sales and marketing environment:
Augmented Reality Rapid Prototyping
A walkthrough of a conceptual AR app for an offline dating app by Nathan Partington. Funnily enough this is the exact application Patricio Robles and I discussed launching last night. Nathan... get in touch!
Mmmmm, augmented reality... what's not to like?
Chris Lake is Director of Product Development at Econsultancy, an entrepreneur and a long-term internet fiend. Follow him on Twitter, Google+ or connect via Linkedin.
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5:19PM on 24th July 2009
Truly exciting stuff! Thanks for presenting these top videos in one place.
6:32PM on 24th July 2009
Augmented Reality + Motion Capture + Social Media + Online Shopping = The Webcam Social Shopper...
http://weareorganizedchaos.com/index.php/2009/06/23/zugara-launches-online-shopping-app-utilizing-augmented-reality-and-motion-capture/
On another note...Augmented Reality does have some barriers to adoption on the web - specifically web browser plug-ins that are required for some of the leading AR tech....
http://weareorganizedchaos.com/index.php/2009/07/17/augmented-realitys-biggest-barrier-to-adoption-on-the-web/
4:05PM on 2nd August 2009
Wrigley France- 5 gum have developed an AR music mixer using flash 10 - so no big issues with the plugins mentioned before - it uses 4 markers and you can record your own mix and upload to a gallery - video here
3:17PM on 4th August 2009
It is very intesting stuff.
Thanks
8:15PM on 25th August 2009
some great demos.
I am looking forward to TAT becoming real.
PR Manager at Digitalis Media
4:22PM on 19th October 2009
Augmented Reality really is the way forward with all these iPhone apps coming out. Also cool is Intel's http://ultra-thin.intel.com/en-uk/home.aspx?iid=ULV_SOT_UK site that demonstrates 3D Augmented Reality in action – an A4 sheet of paper turning into the thinnest virtual laptop on Earth
9:01PM on 16th December 2009
Another fantastic app for the holidays or whenever: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t5OuZJ2aqLA www.zoomcreates.com/jollify
9:02PM on 16th December 2009
Here is the correct URL www.zoomcreates.com/jollified
4:34AM on 31st December 2009
yo check out www.DaeVision.com
Augmented Reality for the masses
2:54PM on 17th January 2010
It's the mobile phone market that will drive Augmented Reality as it has both the ease and use via the mobile phone and the revenue from advertisers looking to focus on certain demographics.
9:26AM on 28th January 2010
Another excellent post - thank you so much for all the information on AR. I am currently reading your Mobile Marketing Buyers Guide which I am finding very interesting and well worth a read.
2:30PM on 4th July 2010
why do we need this crap?
11:16PM on 14th September 2010
Massive gimmick and flash in the pan. Unsustainable and pointless with limited applications.
3:19AM on 1st October 2010
Some of these are pretty good, but I just came across this on vimeo, and its by far the smoothest working AR I've seen for the iPhone - http://www.vimeo.com/15307676
11:21AM on 8th December 2010
aasb 139
5:10PM on 7th January 2011
I agree with Ian "It's the mobile phone market that will drive Augmented Reality as it has both the ease and use via the mobile phone and the revenue from advertisers looking to focus on certain demographics." combine this with the next generation eyeware and we've got a winner!
12:10PM on 12th January 2011
Have your tried BlippAR. Its worlds first augemented reality social network using augmented reality balloons traveling across the world carrying your message. Anyone holding a phone underneath in the journey of the balloon can interact with the balloon and add messaging and media to it.
It awesome. blippar.com
4:49PM on 12th January 2011
have you seen this? http://www.msinternet.co.uk/augmented-reality.html
8:56AM on 11th February 2011
Great AR post. . . Some cool little ideas, so now you have watched AR, why not try AR - we have compiled 30 great augmented reality experiences from around the world.
8:52PM on 11th July 2011
Places AR - discover where your friends are using augmented reality.
9:30AM on 25th August 2011
why do we need this crap?
3:36PM on 27th September 2011
Thank u for posting.