What is Augmented Reality? It’s a technology where you overlay the real world with computer generated graphics in real time. Think of it a bit like being able to add movie-like live special effects to what you’re seeing, although probably with less explosions than the average film! Until we all wear contact lenses with little screens in them we’ll have to resort to using mobile phones and other devices with cameras and screen in to view the effects though. I’ve a feeling AR is going to get very big in a few years.

The video below explains more and has some great examples from T-Immersion.

You can now get applications for your mobile phone such as Layar that uses the phone’s camera, GPS etc to work out where you are and where you’re looking to display information such as the nearest train station, tourist attraction or cash machine.

If that’s not cute enough for you then Sony might have the answer with their EyePet. which combines the power of the PlayStation 3 with a webcam to create a virtual pet that you can play with on your TV. This is just one of several projects and games they are working on.

I’m personally not sure how well AR adverts in newspapers and magazines will work as how many people are going to point their phone or webcam at a magazine to see the AR version of an advert? It would be a nice way to view a new car from all angles, or see more information about advertised products. Another use is customised billboards that show different adverts to different people.

Augmented Reality is nearly with us so watch this space, well any space really, as something unexpected might be about to appear.

Related posts:

1. Mobile phone in watch hybrid-combo
2. When augmented reality goes wrong?
3. Windows concept phone wows
4. QR Codes — as seen in the Guernsey Press