How To Embrace Augmented Reaility

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As featured in

, How To Do Just About Everything ...
from eHow contributor, Z. Padmore ...

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It's "close to the real world," Blair McIntyre, a professor of Interactive Computing at Georgia Institute of Technology, says of augmented reality.

In an interview with John C. Havens, host of Tactical Transparency, McIntyre, also a manager at Augmented Environments, describes augmented reality as "3-D media, whether graphics or audio,
tightly registered with the world." In short, augmented reality is when
a real environment merges with a virtual environment.

Developers like Augmented Environments have been working on making digital worlds
interact with reality since the early days of NASA. Scientists needed
more unique ways to simulate environments in space.

We may never venture into space, but we can have a bit of this technology in
the palm of our hands. Can you recall the Jetsons pointing and zapping
objects with their hand-held devices? Well you can do something similar
with your smart phone. Add a fourth dimension to your reality with
these mobile apps.

Step 1

An easier way to follow directions. Scan your geography with Visual Map.

For those folks not skilled in topography, Visual Map comes to the rescue. It uses a split screen with a map and a live picture of the location. Find out just what "on the right" looks like with this three dimensional rendering of your destination.
Step 2

Become an audioguide, Listen with Toozla.

Toozla is a peer-to-peer audio sharing app; think Wikipedia goes audio. Stroll leisurely through historical monuments and listen for facts about the location. This app is still a bit new so you'll be doing more recording then listening. Still, it's a great way to leave an audio artifact at a location. Toozla gives a new distinct meaning to town crier.
Step 3

Never forget where you park. Locate your vehicle with Car Finder.

For those people who park and forget, this app is for you. It's a simple function. Take a picture of the car before going into your location. Car Finder adds a geotag to your car. When you're ready to leave, open the application. Car Finder offers directions to your car.
Step 4

Capture images from real to a virtual environment. Search items visually with Google Goggles.

Use your phone to scan a picture of an object. Google will use the image as a search phrase and pull up related content. Scan a product to see if it's priced lower at another location. Scan a business card and add it to email contacts. This free app makes storing information about items a snap.
Step 5

Get Local Reviews with Yelp. Find reviews of local places with Yelp.

In December, controversy about a Yelp and Google merger led technology site headlines. Critics were concerned about the reach of Google. Supporters were excited by the impact of Yelp. Its local user data would be a great asset to Google Local Search. The merger didn't happen.

Yelp continues local search dominance with its iPhone app. Resting on its large database, Yelp offers reviews of local businesses by everyday people. The mobile app works by scanning the environment and linking Yelp reviews to the site. Learn what others say of a store's products and service before stepping in the door. Rely on your virtual neighbor to point you in the right direction.

Unlike some developers, Yelp isn't exclusive. This app works on the Blackberry and other smart phones.
Step 6

Dig deep with Layar. Expand your dimensions with Layar.Layar augments reality by opening a fourth dimension. It overlays digital images atop a live space. It can also do the reverse by adding a historical image atop the live video feed. Go to aside of ruins and
Layar will re-create the former image in your app. Take a picture of an area and reveal the layers of information that resonate.
Step 7

Wikipedia goes mobile. Browse the world with Wikitude.
This app is an information junkie's dream. Wikitude combines the user-formed Wikipedia with the geotagging enthusiasm of smartphone folks. Users add information on points of interest. Going to the Louvre or see a funky rock formation, scan it with Wikitude. You can find the information linked in by a user or geographical position for your site.
Step 8

Find the lowest gas price. Get cheap gas on your route.Cheap Gas is an essential app for every driver. Cheap Gas scans gas stations nearby and offers the company and lowest prices. The cool thing about Cheap Gas is that it doesn't take you off your planned route of travel. Just point it in the direction you're travelling and it will find cheap
gas stations along the way.
Step 9

A friend is just a tweet away. Form new friendships with Twittaround.
Twittaround was a dominant app before Foursquare came on the scene. It allows you to see tweets from those nearby. If you're a bit shy but want to be more social this app is for you. Twittaround locates nearby tweeple and shows their latest tweets. Look up their bio and see if you share something in common. Mention them in a tweet. Who knows, you may find a new friend or even a new love. At the very least, you can break the ice
with a continued conversation from tweets.
Step 10

            Use sparingly. As we enter this new era, it's important to distinguish our real lives from
            virtual environments. These apps asisst us with common tasks, but watch out for a
   growing addiction to futurism. In an augmented reality, the world is always on; be clear to
           set boundaries on your smart phone use.

Read on at: http://www.ehow.com/how_5957208_embrace-augmented-reality.html?utm_...

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