Augmented Reality comes to Android tablets via Wikitude 6.1

by Robert Nazarian on Jun 30th 2011, 2:38pm
tagged AR, Augmented Reality, Galaxy Tab 10.1, Honeycomb, Optimus Pad, tablets, transformer, Wikitude, Xoom

There are a few Augmented Reality (AR) apps out there like Layar, Junaio, and Wikitude, but none of them could be used on a Honeycomb tablet. Well, thanks to Wikitude’s latest update (6.1), it is now possible to use your tablet’s camera to find places around you.

It is compatible with the Motorola XOOM, LG Optimus Pad, Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1, and the Asus Eee Pad Transformer. The problem is everyone seems to be leaving their tablets at home, but now that we have AR, I think it is time we take it with us, and wave that 10-inch screen in the air to find the nearest Dunkin Donuts.

Android Market Link or QR code via Apps Database

[via intomobile]

Augmented Reality Platform Incoming from Qualcomm

by Mitch Wright on Apr 27th 2011, 4:18pm
tagged Augmented Reality, qualcomm, Snapdragon

If I didn’t know better, I’d say that Qualcomm has high expectations regarding the future of augmented reality. Over half a year ago we wrote regarding an augmented reality SDK that Qualcomm had developed, and hot on the heels of this was an augmented reality app development competition that the Snapdragon manufacturer had held. Fast forward to today and we find that the company has deployed a full-on platform for the burgeoning technology. Through Qualcomm’s AR platform, developers can “build, market, and commercially distribute” their augmented reality applications. According to Qualcomm, apps built with the system will work on any Android phone running version 2.1 or later, but “optimal performance will be exhibited on phones using Qualcomm’s Snapdragon chipset.” How true that last part is will of course have to wait until apps are actually developed, but still its great to see a hardware developer so involved in application development. It’ll be very interesting to see what sorts of applications evolve from this platform. Full press release after the break. » Read the rest

Layar 5.0 for Android available now – adds facebook and twitter sharing functionality

by Jesse Bauer on Apr 12th 2011, 11:43am
tagged Android, AR, Augmented Reality, Facebook, iOS, iphone, Layar, Layar 5.0, Layar Browser, local search, screen shot, screenshot, share, sharing, social network, symbian, Twitter

Layar is a popular app that makes looking for information around you fun and intuitive by providing an augmented reality browsing experience. There are over 2,000 layars to choose from now within the app, and they’ve recently added some animation to the 3D objects, as well as Twitter and facebook functionality for sharing those gems you may find in your travels.

The new version 5.0.1 will work on any Android OS version 1.5 and up and has the following additions in its release;

Layar 5.0.1 fixes a force close problem after installation of 5.0 and of course still includes our new features:

The ability to take screenshots in AR view and share them or layers with your friends on Facebook and Twitter.

Layer are no longer limited to static content. Now icons and 3D models can come alive with animation.

It’s easier to keep track of your favorite and most recently viewed layers with an improved and easier to use user interface.

It’s Free and available in the mrket now, or through our Talk Android App Section.

[via -Android Market]

Route 66 Brings Augmented Reality To Your GPS Navigation

by Joe Sirianni on Feb 20th 2011, 3:21am
tagged Android, Augmented Reality, directions, follow me, Google, maps, route 66

Route 66, at MWC revealed their new augmented reality overlay for their map system on Android devices. Dubbed ROUTE 66 Maps + Navigation, the app uses TomTom’s software to get you to your favorite destination, whether in a vehicle or on foot. In addition to your standard features for mobile navigation applications such as 2D and 3D views, endless list of POI’s and weather, ROUTE 66 has added a new twist to the mix, separating themselves from the competition.

You can activate what is called the “follow me” option on your smartphone or tablet and the app will generate an augmented reality feature using your camera’s lens. In addition to this, it will place a virtual car in front of you to follow to your destination. Now, that’s just plain o’l cool. There’s also indicator lights that go off to inform you when to make a turn.

No word yet as to when the app will be available, but we’re told “soon”. The application will be offered free with options to upgrade (for a fee of course) to add turn-by-turn navigation and more. ROUTE 66 is also giving users a free 30 days just for downloading the app. I can’t wait to try this on my Galaxy Tablet. Let us know what you think in the comments below.

[via gizmodo]

Zoopla for Android has Augmented Reality housing search

by Jesse Bauer on Jan 17th 2011, 11:46am
tagged Android, android apps, application, AR, Augmented Reality, browser, houses, overlay, property, property search, uk, zoopla

If you’ve ever searched for property and found the information to be on the weak side, Zoopla, popular UK housing search website, has an Android App that will fill in information for you through their “Augmented Reality” mobile app. The data showing for your search results will include property pricing and historical information about the property, helping you get more relevant data to help your search for the perfect home.

The Augmented Reality camera is said to only work in your region and surrounding area, but it does the job pretty well. Really, most people look for houses in their own areas of dwelling.

Other key features of this app include;

Hundreds of thousands of properties for sale and to rent
Map-led search as well as list view and Augmented Reality
Free, instant value estimates for all 27 million UK homes
Over 15 million house prices paid dating back to 1995
Local market data including average home values by area
Search results by geography, price, keywords and more
Ability to save and email friends your favourite properties
One touch click to call or email estate agents instantly

For more information on this app, click here for our Apps Database, or scan the QR below.

Android Market Link

[via Eurodroid]

Lonely Planet Drops Augmented Reality Guides to 99¢ – Available for Download In The Market

by Joe Sirianni on Dec 22nd 2010, 9:24am
tagged Augmented Reality, city, city guides, lonely planet, maps, traveling

Lonely Planet, creators of the well known augmented reality city guide, today announced that they will slash their guide prices from $4.99 to 99¢ each. With the overwhelming majority of expected travelers this holiday season, these maps are sure to come in handy. Point your phone’s camera at virtually anything in the city and gain instant access to POI’s like sights, restaurants, bars and accommodations. This will drastically cut down your time in answering the age old question, “what are we going to do when we get there?” In addition, travelers will not have to worry about a data connection, as these guides are available offline, eliminating the fear of any roaming fees (maps not included offline). So, if you’re traveling this season, be sure to head over to Lonely Planet or the Android Market and look for your prospective city, because this deal is only available until Christmas Day! » Read the rest

App Review – Inception Mobile Architect

by Jesse Bauer on Dec 12th 2010, 8:30am
tagged Android, Android Applications, Augmented Reality, bluray, Google, google maps, inception, movie, reality

Now that I just picked up the Inception BluRay, and gave it another watch, it got me thinking that it’s amazing how many things I understood more clearly than when I watched it in the theater for the 1st time. I encourage you to watch again, it’s awesome. That said, it also made me think, ‘I wonder if there’s an app for that?’ Well, there are many apps for Inception, some are just wallpapers, some the “inception” button… but what I wanted was to be the architect, to be the designer of my dream world, or perhaps others’.

Thankfully, Inception: Mobile Architect allows you to do that on your Android device with the aid of Google Maps. The wicked effect in the movie where the city blocks came on top of each other, you can do for any street shown in Google maps. How cool is that!. It may not be an app that I use nearly as much as Angry Birds or Bubble Defense, but its good for a few creative moments as you walk about your real world.

Best part here is that it’s free, and will work on any android device sporting Android 2.1 or higher.

Scan the QR below

Android Market Link

Navigon MobileNavigator USA hits the Market, brings augmented reality

by Steve Ginter on Oct 27th 2010, 4:55pm
tagged Android Applications, Augmented Reality, gps app, mobilenavigator, navigon, navigon mobilenavigator, reality scanner, reality view pro

Navigon MobileNavigator USA has finally hit the Android market today and it’s about time. We first got a peek of the navigation app back in January when it was shown off at CES, so it took nearly 11 months before we got a chance to get our hands on it.

Aside from the standard text-to-speech and turn-by-turn directions, MobileNavigator brings a neat feature called Reality View Pro mode that shows realistic 3D views of the street signs and a new Reality Scanner mode which offers an augmented overlay with additional info at what you are looking at nearby. Pretty slick.

The app is available today and is on sale for $39 for the next 2 weeks. After that, the price climbs to $59. If you plan on picking it up, you might want to hop on wifi as the app contains full map data for the U.S. and will require 1.5GB of space.

Market Link

[via engadget]

Qualcomm releasing Augmented Reality SDK beta

by Jesse Bauer on Oct 5th 2010, 9:36pm
tagged Android, Android Development, Augmented Reality, Beta, development, qualcomm, sdk

So if you’ve read the latest Daniel Suarez novels involving the “Darknet” and believe that all we need to twist our visual world into another reality is to change the way we view things, literally, then Qualcomm has what you’re looking for.

Qualcomm is releasing its hyped Augmented Reality SDK where developers can take a stab at creating some really cool Android apps aimed at changing our perception of gaming, interaction, and well, our very senses.