Yelp's has cunningly added augmented reality functionality as a hidden feature in its existing iPhone app, for iPhone 3Gs users.
The Easter egg can be unearthed by simply shaking the app a few times (actually, to the amusement of my colleagues, I shook my phone for about five minutes before it decided to work). It's only available for the newer version of the iPhone because it needs to use the compass.
Once activated the AR function works via a new button on the top right of the screen, labelled 'Monocle'. Click it to access a camera plus overlay that features restaurants, bars and other markers. You rotate your phone to reveal the markers on the screen, to help you navigate towards them.
Although this is a first stab at AR for Yelp the app works well. A screenshot shows a marker for Yo Sushi right next to my local Yo Sushi branch.
You can also check out the video below to see how it works:
The Yelp app is available for download from the App Store for free.
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.
Recommended reports
Mobile Statistics
The Mobile Statistics documents are part of Econsultancy's Internet Statistics Compendium package, a comprehensive compilation of internet statistics and online market research with data, facts, charts and figures that are ideal for presentations, business cases or client pitches, RFPs and understanding the marketplace as a whole.
Mobile Marketing Buyer's Guide
This buyer's guide is aimed at those who are investigating the market for mobile marketing, with profiles of 14 leading suppliers offering platforms and related services. The report provides details on the issues and trends affecting this sector, as well as information about best practice and tips for successful mobile marketing and advertising campaigns.
Editor at Econsultancy
6:03PM on 8th September 2009
Very nice. Pity I'm stuck with the old 3G iPhone...