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.
Samsung is releasing an app for their Galaxy S that uses the camera to display whatever is in front your phone as the backdrop for as text messaging app. Clearly, they want to enable you to text without walking into trees or smashing into the car that just slammed on its brakes in front of you. (I mean, texting while driving is bad, don’t do it.)
This app will be available on Galaxy S phones from a Samsung app store. I have no idea yet whether or not they will charge for this, but I would hope not. It’s a cool idea, and I hope it finds its way to other Android devices.
[via AndroidCommunity]
Qualcomm it seems is trying to enter the mobile gaming market swinging. The tech giant has put out a press release detailing and demonstrating the ins and outs of their new “Augmented Reality” technology, which can turn a napkin into an arena. Qualcomm is also trying to pioneer cross platform gaming, which they claim is necessary to make some games financially viable. Just check out the video:
Qualcomm has announced plans to release the SDK for better augmented reality apps than have currently been seen on the market, beginning with Android devices.
“Augmented reality represents a quantum leap in the mobile experience,” said Matt Grob, senior vice president of engineering and head of corporate research and development at Qualcomm. “By offering a no-charge SDK with state-of-the-art image detection and tracking technology, we help developers create the new generation of applications that are richer and more compelling than anything seen on the market today.”
Mattell has created a proof-of-concept Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em game using the technology, and Unity technologies is on board to develop using the platform when it becomes available as well.
I’ve always found augmented reality apps to be fun in concept, but lackluster in their implementation. Sounds like Qualcomm plans to change all this. A beta version of the SDK will be available this fall, so we’ll see how it works in the real world.
[via Qualcomm Press Release]
Engadget have been lucky enough to get some hands-on time with SPRXmobile’s augmented reality browser for Android, and they seem impressed.
The software looks rock-solid and the initial data layers — ATMs, social joints like cafes and clubs, and job listings — appear fully populated and thus, useful. The ATM and cafe/club layers (or layars) are definitely helpful for serendipitous discovery though we’re still scratching our heads over the job search layar.
Layar is currently only available in the Netherlands, but is expected to expand to the US, Germany, and UK markets later this year.
[via Engadget.com]