Augmented Reality Puzzles First-Ever Electronic Labyrinth Game

Ravensburger Wows With Interactive 'Augmented Reality' Puzzles, First-Ever Electronic Labyrinth Game and More

Global Puzzle, Game and Toy Leader Showcases Thomas & Friends™ Line with Debut CGI Artwork Under Newly-Extended Contract, Presents Live Demos by Make 'N' Break Game Developers

NEWTON, N.H., Feb. 12, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Fun with family and friends is moving into high gear with Ravensburger!  Known for its high-quality puzzles and playthings, Ravensburger launches its Augmented Reality line of interactive puzzles that come to life with a free app from the App Store that utilizes the camera function of the iPhone^® or iPad^®2 to animate the scene.  Also debuting is the first-ever Electronic Labyrinth game and a gorgeous new line of Thomas & Friends^™ puzzles featuring new CGI artwork.  Ravensburger's lineup of puzzles, games and WOW brand toys will be on display at the 2012 American International Toy Fair, February 12-15 at the Javits Convention Center, Booth #441.

[caption id="attachment_216" align="aligncenter" width="500"] Ravensburger Wows With Interactive ‘Augmented Reality’ Puzzles[/caption]

In addition, Andrew and Jack Lawson, creators of Ravensburger's award-winning game series, Make 'N' Break, will be at the company's booth, Sunday, February 12, from 10am-12pm, and Monday, February 13, from 9am-2pm, conducting demonstrations of the popular line.  Each Make 'N' Break game features wooden building blocks that players use to assemble the structures shown on the game cards.

"For the first time, Ravensburger is presenting a collection of puzzles and games that encompass both traditional and digital features, helping to take family enjoyment to a whole new level," said Thomas Kaeppler, CEO of Ravensburger.  "Our 2012 offerings provide endless opportunities for learning, sharing – and creating lasting memories together."

Especially exciting for Ravensburger is the launch of its groundbreaking Augmented Reality collection of four, 1,000-pc puzzles that combine traditional puzzle play with an innovative digital component.  Available this fall, the new AR puzzles include: Above the Roofs of Paris; Colorful Underwater World, African Animals and Lofoten, Norway.

Ravensburger also is thrilled to introduce its Thomas & Friends^™ puzzles, featuring new CGI artwork, fresh designs and innovative packaging.  A cornerstone license for the company through 2014 under its newly-extended contract, Ravensburger will debut nine items at Toy Fair, including four 4-in-1 shaped puzzles, four 24-pc floor puzzles and four 35-pc puzzles.  This premiere range will be followed by the launch of more new Thomas & Friends products this fall.

Other licensed lines debuting include: the Chuggington^™ collection with seven brightly-colored puzzles based on the CGI-animated children's TV hit from Ludorum, and Me to You^™ from Carte Blanche Greetings Limited, one of the fastest-growing non-media-based brands in the world.

Also, Ravensburger has put the pieces in place for an expansive puzzle collection that pushes the boundaries of design with eye-catching offerings such as the American Heritage Series, American history-inspired puzzles perfectly timed for this presidential election year; Wooden Structure Puzzles, featuring a wood grain look; Chromadepth Puzzles with 3D Glasses;Krypt, a supremely-challenging 654-pc monochromatic concept; and 3D Building Sets, a collection of four of the world's most recognizable structures – Empire State Building, Eiffel Tower, Big Ben and a New England Lighthouse – that takes puzzle-building skyward, to display-worthy structures that stand up to 18" tall with exacting details.

New games are highlighted too, with Electronic Labyrinth, the latest in Ravensburger's best-selling shifting maze series.  The interactive board game features an electronic book that helps players free the wise wizard from the evil witch who banished him to the labyrinth.  Also now available in the U.S. are three of Ravensburger's most popular European strategy games: The Castles of Burgundy, which immerses players in 15th Century European aristocracy where they must build and manage their estate; Asara, in which players take on the roles of famous architects who compete to build the grandest tower; and Seeland, where players assume the roles of 19th Century Dutch merchants striving to harvest the most crops.

And, for preschoolers, Ravensburger is showcasing a new assortment of WOW brand toys.  Each ultra-durable WOW toy comes with a ten-year satisfaction guarantee and features "push and go" friction motors and realistic sounds.  Among the 2012 offerings are Jurassic Jimmy, a dinosaur-themed play set, and Cupcake Chloe, a pretty-in-pink bakeshop set for young chefs-in-training.

About Ravensburger

Newton, NH-based Ravensburger is the U.S. subsidiary of Ravensburger Spieleverlag GmbH, a German toy and game manufacturer with a 125-year history of tradition.  Founded in Ravensburg, Germany in 1883, Ravensburger is a leading producer of toys loved the world over and celebrated for its meticulous commitment to detail, high production standards and superior quality control.  In addition to Ravensburger-branded puzzles, games and arts & crafts, the company is the exclusive distributor of WOW Preschool Toys and holds licenses for such well-known brands as Chuggington^™, Thomas and Friends^™, Animal Planet^™, Highlights^™, Me to You^® and more.

 

SOURCE Ravensburger

News Release Source : http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ravensburger-wows-with-interactive-augmented-reality-puzzles-first-ever-electronic-labyrinth-game-and-more-139179379.html

Augmented Reality : real world to be merged with live, dynamic web updates

Aurasma Augments the Real World With Real-time Web Updates

**Company unveils new live update feature at MWC for its free augmented reality platform**

**Feature enables the "Internet of Things" to become an Augmented Reality**

BARCELONA, Spain, Feb. 28, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Aurasma, the world's leading augmented reality platform, has announced today at Mobile World Congress (MWC 12) a new feature that enables the real world to be merged with live, dynamic web updates. This announcement follows hot on the heels of Aurasma's launch of its 3D engine at CES 12, since rolled out by commercial partners including Bandai – one of the world's largest toy manufacturers.

[caption id="attachment_224" align="aligncenter" width="500"] Aurasma Augments the Real World With Real-time Web Updates[/caption]

The new feature, powered by HTML5, allows partners to deliver live web updates augmented into the real world. When viewed with Aurasma, print, products and even places can show live twitter feeds; buildings can be augmented with real-time information from social networks to show who is inside; share prices can be continually updated in newspapers; and tickets for public transport can show travellers the latest travel information. Being able to view live web updates using a mobile device in this way enables the "Internet of things" to become an augmented reality.

Launched in June 2011, Aurasma now has over three million users and three thousand commercial partners are also using Aurasma's free technology to merge their online and offline activity, making it one of the fastest growing platforms in the world.

With Aurasma, even everyday items can have digital depths.  The MWC delegate badge now delivers twitter updates of tweets that include the hashtags #MWC12 and #Aurasma. The back of a 20 Euro note transforms into an interactive audio-visual experience. To watch a video, click here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=izjbnI_JTgw

Available as a free app for iOS and Android devices or as a free SDK for app developers, Aurasma uses advanced image and pattern recognition technology combined with a meaning-based approach to computing to recognise and understand images and objects in the real world.  It then augments the real world with interactive digital content, such as videos, 3D animations and now, live web updates.

James Loxam, Chief Technology Officer at Aurasma said:

"Integrating live web updates into the platform allows partners to deliver up to the minute content within an 'Aura' – our name for when the physical and virtual worlds merge.  This feature, powered by HTML 5, adds a new, real-time dimension to the augmented Aurasma experience and opens up a host of new use-cases – we're looking forward to seeing how our partners innovate around it."

Martina King, Managing Director at Aurasma said:

"There are a host of applications for this new live feature on the Aurasma Platform. It enables the 'Internet of things' to become an augmented reality, with print, products and places delivering real-time information and to access it, you just point your mobile phone at them.  Aurasma is changing the way millions of people see and interact with the world using their mobile devices and this new feature looks set to spark a new wave of innovation on the platform by our partners."

Aurasma will be demonstrating on the HP Stand (7C37) at Mobile World Congress (27 Feb – 1 Mar)

For Aurasma enquiries at Mobile World Congress 2012 please contact Tamara Roukaerts, Head of Marketing at Aurasma on +44 7795 463 276 or Tamara@aurasma.com

For further information or visuals, please contact the Aurasma team at Mischief PR on +44 203 128 6600 orAurasma@mischiefpr.com

ABOUT AURASMA

Aurasma is the world's leading augmented reality platform, using mobile devices to merge the physical world with the virtual. Available as a free app for iPhone3G, 4 and 4S, iPad2 and high-powered Android devices or as a free kernel for app developers, Aurasma uses advanced image and pattern recognition to recognise and understand real-world images and objects in much in way the human brain does. It then seamlessly blends the real-world with rich interactive content such as videos and animations called "Auras". Auras can be created for printed images, product packaging, clothing, physical places and users can even use the app to create and share their own.

Since its launch in June 2011, Aurasma has had more than three million downloads. Over 3,000 partners in more than 70 countries worldwide are using the free technology in their campaigns or embedding the technology in their own applications, including global brands such as Panasonic, Mazda, Virgin Atlantic, Sky, BMW, Procter & Gamble, NET-A-PORTER, BBC Worldwide, Hyundai, UniCredit and Universal Pictures. Aurasma was developed by software company Autonomy – an HP Company.

Links
MWC 12 badge shows twitter updates: http://vimeo.com/37539813
20 Euro note comes to life when viewed with Aurasma: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=izjbnI_JTgw

Aurasma:
http://www.aurasma.com
http://www.facebook.com/aurasma/
http://www.twitter.com/aurasma/
http://www.youtube.com/user/AurasmaLite
http://aurasmalite.tumblr.com/

SOURCE Aurasma

News Release Source : http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/aurasma-augments-the-real-world-with-real-time-web-updates-140710813.html

Location Based Augmented Reality Gaming

Location Based Augmented Reality Gaming Company Borglar Launches at SXSW 2012.

Borglar is proud to announce its foray into the realm of location-based augmented reality.

San Diego, California (PRWEB) February 23, 2012

Borglar is proud to announce its foray into the realm of location-based augmented reality. Borglar exists in the space between real and virtual worlds. Borglar wants to accompany it's gamers on a real-life adventure while along the way guiding them in collecting virtual coins, medallions and other special items, allowing the gamer to exchange them for real-world rewards.

[caption id="attachment_228" align="aligncenter" width="555"] Location Based Augmented Reality Gaming[/caption]

The Borglar gaming application is powered by a proprietary, patent-pending hyper geo-location based augmented reality cross promotional delivery system. Borglar allows virtual goods to be placed on specific GPS coordinates ensuring unique users are exposed directly to marketing messages at the precise location of the merchant’s choosing.

“We want to give our players a fun and interactive gaming experience and combine that with tangible items to be acquired in the real world. Whether it is actual items, discounts or location-based information about something in their local area, we believe this interaction between the real and virtual is what people have wanted to see in augmented reality games, but the technology wasn’t quite there yet. It is very exciting we are able to give it to them now”. Founder and CEO Andrew Couch

The application is a real-time, multi-dimensional cross-promotional platform that can be easily integrated or added onto any current two-dimensional promotional campaign to ensure direct brand visibility in a non-intrusive, fun and interactive environment for the game player.

For the merchant, login to Borglar on your computer anytime from any place to start a new campaign with immediate implementation of promotions and watch as Borglar players interact with them. Borglar delivers real-time promotions and brand communication through a highly functional, incentive-based game layer where the environmental factors facilitate immediate interaction between virtual and real world goods and services in real-time.

Interact with the Borglar yourself when the Android application launches at SXSW in Austin, Texas on March 9th. A press conference will be held in the Palmer Events Center rooms 4&5 on Friday March 9, 2012 from 1:30 to 2:30PM – lunch will be provided for the press.

To gather more information about Borglar or to schedule an interview with Andrew Couch, please call 619.379.007 or email at contact(at)borgar(dot)info

Source : http://www.prweb.com/releases/2012/2/prweb9224157.htm

Augmented Reality for Mobile Applications Development

Augmented Reality – A Core Concept for Mobile Applications Development

Author: hunkatech

You are already aware about augmented reality. You have seen it so many times; it’s just that you don’t know what it is called. Putting up in simple words, Augmented Reality is about creating an extended environment for what you see in the reality. Augmented Reality can also be understood as a combination of the real and the virtual world. It is a fine blend of real time environment and computer-generated data.

[caption id="attachment_234" align="aligncenter" width="468"] Augmented Reality for Mobile Applications Development[/caption]

An augmented reality application has to be interactive in real-time and it should be in 3D.A well known example of Augmented Reality which almost everyone might have seen but not noticed till date is the analysis used while showing sports such as football, rugby, cricket and swimming. Swimming telecasts often add a line across the lanes to indicate the position of the current record holder as a race proceeds to allow viewers to compare the current race to the best performance which can be taken as an example to understand Augmented Reality.

Augmented Reality is an enhancement of real time objects and real- time environment with the help of digital technology. It can provide you with the information present in a real time object which you cannot see otherwise. In other words, augmented reality uses technologies to deepen your understanding by furnishing details about a real-time object or space.

There are two types of augmented reality- desktop augmented reality and mobile augmented reality. Major mobile application development companies focus on mobile augmented technology with provisions for both iPhone and Android users. Augmented Reality can be classified into Marker based, Markerless and Location –based. Technologies. In the Marker- based AR a visual marker is embedded into the contents that the marketer wants to showcase. Markerless AR uses graphics instead of a marker to showcase their ads. This type of AR has been used by Starbucks with their Starbucks Cup Magic app. When a Smartphone is positioned over the Starbucks Valentines Day Cup, the heart present on the Starbucks cup multiplies and starts flying in a 3D fashion which is quite amazing. In location based AR, which is free for android and Apple devices, the user can point their Smartphone in any direction and look through the camera viewers and get information they want. This utilizes features GPS and the sensors that are in-built in the smart phones. Location based AR enables you to get information about local restaurants or search property and their details by getting the latitude and longitude of the location.

Augmented Reality is the technology of the future. It has already been put to use in various fields including the mobile phone market. Augmented Reality is also being used by Toy companies. It is being used for marketing purposes by companies such as Starbucks and BMW. Augmented reality can be used in video- games to add on to the fun –factor. AR may also be used for real-time navigation information that may be in-built in the car for entertainment and guidance purposes. All –in-all, augmented reality has a lot of untapped potential which when put to use can work wonders for the society. Augmented reality has the power to benefit everyone from a visitor, doctor, soldier or a local looking for a closest subway. There is no single place where augmented reality can’t be applied. Augmented Reality has the ability to change the way one perceives the world.

About Hunka Technologies

Hunka Technologies is on one of the leading mobile applications development company based in India. Hunka specializes in Apple iphone application development, android application development, windows mobile application development and HTML 5. Hunka also has a specialized team for iphone game development, ipod & ipad game development and android game development. For more information please check our website: http://www.hunkatech.com

Article Source: http://www.articlealley.com/http://www.articlealley.com/augmented-reality--a-core-concept-for-mobile-applications-development-2415573.html

Augmented Reality Marketing For Your Marketing Goals

Augmented Reality Marketing: How To Use This New Technology For Your Marketing Goals

By Jerry O Smith

Augmented reality (AR) is defined as a live, direct view of the physical environment augmented by computer-assisted sensory input including sound, video, graphics or GPS information. As a result, the technology functions by enhancing one's current perception of reality. When AR is combined with mobile commerce or mCommerce, large retailers poise themselves in the front of the pack by deciding and planning their marketing strategies in using this system. Augmented reality marketing is now being coined as the new and hottest marketing techniques out there.

[caption id="attachment_260" align="aligncenter" width="500"] Augmented Reality Marketing[/caption]

"The biggest story is that people are becoming more attached to their PDA's and using them more in their daily lives", said Al Ferrera, national director of retail and consumer product practice at BDO USA, Chicago. A recent survey of the chief financial officers from the top 100 largest retailers found that 100 percent of ten of the largest retailers and 54 percent of the rest studied said that they planned to increase their mobile investments in 2012.

By implementing AR with the mobile apps, large retailers are able to touch their customers more closely while creating a more intriguing experience for the consumer when presenting their products and services. Augmented reality marketing entirely enhances the shopping experience by artfully attracting the consumer's attention and allowing them to virtually participate in their shopping experience.

A good example of this is a company that created an AR mobile app for the iPhone where the app gets frames from an eyeglass company and allows consumers to virtually try on various frames and styles. This interesting app also allows the consumers to send photos of themselves through the various social networks in order to glean the opinion of friends, who might be able to give good advice. This web-based AR mobile app generated a 50 percent month to month increase in revenue for this particular company while 30 percent of the visitors participated in what AR had to offer. Large retailers are also experimenting with AR and mCommerce apps that allow consumers the ability to virtually try on jewelry or even apply make-up.

Our entire shopping experience is currently being completely transformed by augmented reality marketing. Not only will shopping become easier and faster, it appears that it's going to become much more interesting as well. As of now, we are only seeing the tip of the iceberg of a new and exciting approach to cutting edge marketing.

Augmented reality marketing is the bleeding edge of mobile marketing techniques; learn more about this new trend on our website.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jerry_O_Smith
http://EzineArticles.com/?Augmented-Reality-Marketing:-How-To-Use-This-New-Technology-For-Your-Marketing-Goals&id=6822565

Augmented Reality in the Tourism Industry

Augmented Reality and the Tourism Industry

Author:Carla Fourie

Augmented Reality (AR) allows recorded and animated images to blend and be viewed in real time. Most of the past augmented reality apps mainly focused on entertainment, such as the Lego Kiosks, futuristic baseball cards and even a virtual tour of the starship Enterprise. More recent apps however, have shifted their focus: providing travelers with useful information and answers to their possible questions.

[caption id="attachment_263" align="aligncenter" width="500"] Augmented Reality in the Tourism Industry[/caption]

What does augmented reality mean for tourism? Augmented reality apps comprise different layers, such as museums, historic sites, dining and real estate to name but a few. The tourism layer, however, is the one most commonly used. This makes sense since tourists need information which will make their travelling experience easier, more informed and more secure, allowing travelers to experience the destination before they arrive.

A few examples of how augmented reality was used in tourism TripAdvisor launched their Augmented Reality Tours app for iPad this month, using images from Google Street View to create a virtual walk through various destinations. This app might not be as advanced as apps by Layar, Lonely Planet or mTrip, but is still more useful and fun to use than 2D maps.

The Beijing Institute of Technology created a virtual reconstruction of Yuanmingyuan, a local historic site destroyed in 1860 during the Opium War, by using various paintings and sketches. They built a coin-operated viewing platform which tourists can use to see what Yuanmingyuan used to look like.

The Cluny Abbey Museum in France has a giant augmented reality screen, a 'window to the past' if you will, allowing users to 'travel back in time' and view a pre-destruction example of the Abbey. GraffitiGeo launched the first ever augmented reality restaurant recommendations app. Just point your phone towards a restaurant and see immediate reviews.

There are a lot of augmented reality apps, too many to mention in only one blog. Did I miss your favourite? Please share it with us in the comments.

About FormFunction

FormFunction is not just another development agency; we're a digital consultancy delivering functional websites, web and mobile applications and business solutions. Take a look at our blog for more interesting technology-related posts.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/internet-marketing-articles/augmented-reality-and-the-tourism-industry-4533883.html

About the Author

About FormFunction

FormFunction is not just another development agency; we're a digital consultancy delivering functional websites, web and mobile applications and business solutions.

Augmented reality in Australia Open with KIA

Augmented reality at the Australia

Open with KIA and Explore Engage

Author:Alessio

At the Australian Open Explore Engage presented to the market, together with KIA, a new augmented reality application.

The application, which is available for both the iPhone and Android, use the augmented reality to bring the latest model of the Korean carmaker (Optima) from the TV screen onto the user's phone in an interactive 3D model that allows you to have fun discovering all its features.

The application for Kia and is one of the first in Australia to actually use augmented reality for advertising purposes using both television and other media such as web and print media. Explore Engage and Kia are then exploring a field that probably will have a prominent role the future of advertising.

To launch the application just point the camera to the KIA logo that will appear on TV and immediately the punchy Optima will roar its way 'out of the logo in headlights. The three-dimensionality of the model will allow you to see the vehicles in its details and interact with it by raising the hood or by turning the headlights on and off

(as shown in the video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zygBTf3-i00).

'We at Kia we are constantly looking for new ways to connect and engage with the people . We are excited about the launch of this product to coincide with the Australian Open,' said Gerrit Walters, Brand and Advertising Manager, Kia Motors.

For its part Explore Engage has always had experimentation and innovation among its goals  and therefore  they say they are very satisfied with the cooperation with KIA

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/cell-phones-articles/augmented-reality-at-the-australia-open-with-kia-and-explore-engage-4123300.html

About the Author

Augmented Reality (AR) - The World is Your Playground

Augmented Reality (AR) - The World is Your Playground

By Josh Hunt

One of the most exciting current developments in gaming technology in my eyes has to be Augmented Reality (AR). The possibilities this technology provides developers are endless and although AR is still in a fairly primitive state I believe that development of the technology is going to accelerate very quickly over the next 5 years. For those of you that don't know what Augmented Reality is, the simplest way to define it is that it is where a virtual environment is combined or placed over a real world environment to deliver a single reality which we call Augmented Reality. A good example of this is in Terminator 2 where Arnold Schwarzenegger as the Terminator has augmented vision where he can see the real world around him but also has various different scans and data being presented around the real world objects. Another example I've given in the past is that with Augmented Reality in theory you could walk down a busy street with real world people and virtual characters from Star Wars or Lord of the Rings looking through shop windows or climbing up lampposts.

[caption id="attachment_276" align="aligncenter" width="500"] Augmented Reality (AR) - The World is Your Playground[/caption]

Augmented Reality is currently being developed because of its usefulness in everyday life, imagine you're someone with a very busy and hectic lifestyle, with Augmented Reality you could have a device built in to your prescription spectacles that allows you to walk to work or catch a train whilst accessing your emails and surfing the internet viewing all this through your the spectacle lenses. Obviously Augmented Reality has much greater uses and can be used in just about any scenario but what really interests me is when you apply AR to the gaming industry. I've recently written an article about the development of AR contact lenses, imagine as a gamer going to a local forest, quarry, beach or just about anywhere on your own or with friends and being able to play a first person shooter with real world surroundings wearing these AR lenses. In theory you could be playing a game like Halo and have crazy alien characters jumping out from behind real world trees and buildings firing lasers and throwing grenades at you. Augmented Reality could even reach a state where it is able to enhance and alter the appearance of the real world around you to make it look for example like the world of Pandora from James Cameron's recent blockbuster hit film Avatar. To be able to walk around a beautifully enhanced version of an area that doesn't really hold any interesting features in the real world would be incredible and people could escape into their own utopia whilst for example sitting on a bus. The possibilities with this technology really are endless and not just in gaming.

Augmented Reality as a concept really does start to become interesting when you combine it with other technologies. As we've seen from demonstrations of Xbox's upcoming innovation Project Natal voice recognition technology has come on leaps and bounds and is starting to be applied effectively to video games. Although voice recognition has been used in the past it has been clumsy and frustrating to work with and now we're really starting to see the human voice become a feasible control option. If we were to combine voice and facial recognition with Augmented Reality it is easy to see the potential that Augmented Reality has to providing an immersive gaming experience within a real world environment. With this combination of technologies you could in theory be able to have two way communication with high definition computer generated characters within your augmented world opening up a whole new avenue of potential in how we play games. I like to think of the experience as something similar to paintball shooting. Paintball shooting in essence is a role playing activity as the people involved in a game are recreating a scenario you would find in warfare. Augmented Reality can provide a similar experience without the need for paintballs and safety gear and instead of shooting real people you could be shooting real people and virtual characters with virtual ammunition. You'd probably still need some kind of gun controller in the example of a first person shooter but it wouldn't fire any ammunition in the real world, just the augmented environment.

Obviously this is all conjecture and most of what we write on this site is. I imagine this idea would work by connecting the AR lenses wirelessly to a portable console (possibly built into your mobile phone as we are talking about the future here) and obviously you would have audio delivered to a pair of wireless or bluetooth headphones that also provided a built in microphone for communicating with the virtual and real world characters.

In recent years video games have received a great deal of bad press in terms of how it is believed they help prevent the social, physical and mental development of young people and in some cases you would have to agree that this is true. The thing I love most about the potential with Augmented Reality is that it will mean young people will be outdoors more, socialising with friends, learning the importance of teambuilding, exercising and basically developing the skills and experience that are required later in life. The truth is Augmented Reality could be used everywhere to help make life easier and to improve the quality of life, we will probably see it in education, healthcare, security, design, manufacturing, sales, teambuilding and the list goes on endlessly. Augmented Reality clearly has unlimited potential and I hope some of the possible developments I have outlined in this article will come to fruition along with millions of others, but I guess time will tell. Please leave your own ideas, comments, thoughts and suggestions on how you could picture this technology changing the video game industry or of course whether you disagree with my ideas and believe AR is unlikely to become mainstream.

For more articles similar to this, visit [http://www.nugamer.com].

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Josh_Hunt
http://EzineArticles.com/?Augmented-Reality-(AR)---The-World-is-Your-Playground&id=3741774

Augmented Reality TV Coming Soon

Augmented Reality TV Coming To Your Home Soon

by Jessica Drew

Recently a science game show in Germany, called Galileo, ran an interactive quiz through the TV for any viewer who downloaded Junaio, an augmented reality app for smartphones. What is this exactly? Basically, if you were a viewer, you could download and launch the app on your phone, hold your phone's camera up facing your TV and select answers to the multiple choice questions displayed on the TV by tapping the answer on your smartphone.

[caption id="attachment_251" align="aligncenter" width="620"] Augmented Reality TV Coming To Your Home Soon[/caption]

The image recognition software in the Junaio app detected the answers a viewer chose and automatically submitted it to Galileo's servers. Viewers instantly knew if they were right or wrong and the show's producers could display how well players as a whole were doing in real time. It's as if the smartphone app, in conjunction with the game show's display, can turn your TV into a touch screen interface.

Techies call this augmented reality and this type of viewing experience, tested in Germany, will undoubtedly become a mainstream, worldwide phenomenon. Why? In an age where everyone knows at least one person addicted to Farmville on Facebook, it's evident people love socially connecting through games and augmented realities. Also because the experiment was a huge hit.

The word "Galileo" was number one in German Twitter trends the night the show aired and during the well-promoted experiment the viewership of the game show jumped to a whopping 14 % percent of the entire market share for 14 to 49 year olds. Television producers cannot ignore numbers like those and you can bet augmented reality TV is coming to your home soon.

This is another example of Augmented Reality getting more useful and another demonstration of broadcast TV facilitating the active audience by giving them an opportunity to join in. This is more than test message voting, this is live at home audience participating from the living room and advances in this area could open up a range of possibilities across TV schedules. TV shows like "Who Wants to be a Millionaire?" and others could harness this, but so could any TV content that could be enhanced through audience interaction. Once augmented reality TV does become more popular, can you imagine how Hollywood writers and other creative professionals are going to use it in conjunction with some of the craziest reality TV shows on air? The possibilities are nearly endless and it should interesting to say the least. 2012 is an election year and the televised political debates could use this technology in the debates!

Jessica Drew is a freelance writer and editor who blogs about a variety of money making topics such as personal finance, frugal living and credit cards.

Augmented Reality - Tools Used Today

Augmented Reality - Tools Used Today

Author: PackshotCreator

Augmented Reality (AR) is the blending of the real and the virtual. It is when virtual elements are augmented by computer programs and associated with reality. In this article, we will have a look at some of the AR tools used today.

Slowly but certainly, the augmented reality is paving a way of virtual dependence. Technologies are adopting the augmented reality because of its high interactivity and efficiency. Our routine way of doing things is going to change in the coming years.

[caption id="attachment_213" align="aligncenter" width="468"] Augmented Reality - Tools Used Today[/caption]

Face Tracking Technology

Face tracking technology is used mostly on cameras and mobile phones. It allows the camera to recognize and track a human face. Taking photos has become so much easy and simplified while improving quality. The camera automatically adjusts the focus, exposure and color balance.

Virtual Mirror

A lot of companies are implementing the use of virtual mirror on their websites. It is a 3D technology which allows online viewers who are sitting in front of their computer, to virtually try the latest products. A webcam is needed for it to work. For example, several companies selling sunglasses and eyeglasses have been using this interactive technology to market their products. This is also relevant in clothing. There are mirror-like displays in shops where customers can see themselves wearing different clothing items. There is no need for a fitting room and the technology allows you to modify your cloth color and appearance. It is also applicable to footwear where various shoes of different colors can be tried by just standing in front of the virtual mirror.

Intelligent Smartphones

Another example of the augmented reality is through the use of intelligent smartphones whereby you just point your Smartphone at a building or roadside and additional information instantly appear on your phone such as current location, nearest hotel, restaurant menus, wind direction, compass among others.

Interactive Marketing

One of the most important tools used, in relation to augmented reality in marketing, is interactive products animations. Using digital photo studios, marketers can instantly create 360 degree animations and 3D animations of products, irrespective of size and weight. Online customers can rotate such virtual products animations using their computer mouse. This is quite similar to actually holding the product and looking at it through every possible angle. With such appealing interactive animations, the rate of customer conversion definitely gets boosted.

The future of Augmented Reality

Augmented reality is gradually changing the world. We can already guess how the future might be; with wearable gestural interface, you might be able to do everything with your hand or with your voice. For example, tomorrow you might take photos with just your hands, you might play multiplayer games in holograms battle fields ...the possibilities are endless.

The author is currently working as English Copywriter at PackshotCreator, the interactive solution provider.

Log on to: http://www.packshot-creator.com

Article Source: http://www.articlealley.com/http://packshotcreator.articlealley.com/augmented-reality-1796934.html

Augmented Reality: An Eye-Popping New e-Learning Tool

Augmented Reality: An Eye-Popping New e-Learning Tool

Documentation and e-Learning (Part 5): Augmented Reality: An Eye-Popping New e-Learning Tool

Author: Dave Boggs

 

As I described last time, dynamic web data and web-cam feeds are marvelous ways to hold learners' interest, by exposing them to live real-world resources. This is especially true in subjects like astronomy, geology, and marine biology. But how can an e-Learning system teach people to repair a car, run a factory-floor machine, or do some other complex real life activity? Computer simulations can demonstrate such things, but real interactive learning experiences would be better.

[caption id="attachment_246" align="aligncenter" width="500"] Augmented Reality: An Eye-Popping New e-Learning Tool[/caption]

That's where a powerful new training technology called Augmented Reality (AR) can help. What you are about to see may seem unbelievable, but people are doing it now with available software on regular PCs. And their AR-based content can be delivered today on the SyberWorks Training Center or any other LMS that supports web-based courses.

Mixing Real and Virtual

Augmented Reality is the mixing of live web-cam feeds with computer-generated data, images, UI elements, and text. This is NOT the same as the pre-packaged special effects that Hollywood has been feeding us for decades. AR mixes dynamic computer-generated images with real-time feeds from PC web-cams.

Companies have been developing this technology since the early 1990s. And you can discover more about it by Googling "augmented reality" PLUS:

• microsoft
• google
• adobe
• flash
• toolkit
• e-learning

You'll discover a lot. At this writing, for example, YouTube hosted some 8,000 videos about AR. And when I did those searches, here are four of the best AR demos that I found (be sure to turn your PC speakers on):

• Here's a popular demo from GE (click the "See How It Works" link in the window that opens): ge.ecomagination.com/smartgrid/?c_id=googaugreal&gclid=CPP14ZXW-Z4CFag65QodPGAWJA#/augmented_reality

• This BMW video may be the best example I found of using AR to teach users a real-life process (car repair), and then guide trained repairmen on the shop floor:    youtube.com/watch?v=P9KPJlA5yds&feature=related

• Imagine how you might apply the technique shown in this next video to the printed materials that your students use, or that instructors display on monitor screens:    youtube.com/watch?v=iT2ek8N0VlY&NR=1

• Homeland Security even has this high-end firefighting/haz-mat application, which trains professionals realistically, but without exposing them to harm:        fdnntv.com/review.asp_Q_reviewID_E_6_A_title_E_Augmented_Reality_Training_Unit

And if you want to see more, here you go:

• video.google.com/videoplay?docid=6523761027552517909#

• video.google.com/videoplay?docid=6523761027552517909#docid=-7208350155329800209

• brandrepublic.com/Discipline/Digital/News/938024/google

• youtube.com/watch?v=1_7NW_u3VFo&feature=related

• youtube.com/watch?v=29OSzQbxpcQ&feature=related

• youtube.com/watch?v=5M-oAmBDcZk&feature=related

• youtube.com/watch?v=79Lx87MtcC0&NR=1

• youtube.com/watch?v=FENBx1h4cic&feature=related

• youtube.com/watch?v=HTYeuo6pIjY&feature=related

• youtube.com/watch?v=IZOeRhQdew8&feature=related

• youtube.com/watch?v=rgXzdUb_fug&feature=related

• youtube.com/watch?v=RsehKGygClQ&feature=fvw

• youtube.com/watch?v=sxr8oaRUq6k&feature=related

• youtube.com/watch?v=v9Zl1e5pAHA&feature=related

• youtube.com/watch?v=yFwzFby2eNo&feature=related

• youtube.com/watch?v=ZKw_Mp5YkaE&feature=related

Many AR applications use available software and web cams. Some (such as the Homeland Security and car-repair examples) involve special goggles. But many more let people view AR content directly on PC screens. In most of these, users hold black-and-white pattern cards (called "markers") in front of their PC web cams. These markers tell PCs which images to display, the data to show about them, and how this "virtual content" should change as students move the markers in front of the web cams.

But while viewing AR videos, please think about how the underlying capabilities shown might work in your training projects. This video of virtual water bouncing off a poor researcher

(  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-NAH5vlkgkk&feature=related ) brings a smile, but its important point is the "physical" real-time interaction between the man and the dynamic computer-generated objects.

So instead of bouncing virtual water off students' heads, your next AR project might let automobile designers see how air flows around a car model that they hold in their hands... and to explore how this flow changes as they move the model within its virtual AR wind-tunnel. And without any extra development effort, it could also reveal the differing aerodynamics of alternative car designs. All without actually building wind-tunnels or testing full-sized vehicles in special labs.

Ready to Try?

If you'd like to explore AR more deeply, this site:  youtube.com/watch?v=jU6PcBS1pWw&NR=1&feature=fvwp  describes one way to create AR applications using Adobe Flex and a 3D-graphics program like Google SketchUp, Maya, or Blender. The presentation is fast and you must be familiar with web coding. But if you're technically minded and seriously interested, go for it!

And at the end, it mentions how to incorporate AR material into web sites and online e-Learning screens. This hints that AR content could be used today on the SyberWorks Training Center or any other LMS that handles web-based courses.

Born in research labs, AR has been migrating into commercial, advertising, and training applications... and even to individual content-creators' desktops. You would do well to follow its progress if your e-Learning products would be more effective with:

• Computer-generated content displayed above instructor's class notes when students view them on classroom monitors, or above students' printed training materials on their own PC screens.
• Online course controls, navigation buttons, and other informative images overlaid on real-world videos (like our car-repair example).

Whether teaching "book topics" or the most complex real-time processes, your users might benefit from AR's ability to help:

• Teach learners and hold their interest.
• Certify their competency (including in "real-time test-bed" environments).
• Guide them through related tasks on-the-job, after training.

Someday, perhaps, your learners could be as lucky as that BMW repairman we saw earlier. I believe that we'll all soon include at least some AR content in our training programs and user documentation... either because we want to, or because our competitors beat us to it.

About the Author:

Dave Powell is Documentation Manager for SyberWorks, Inc., a privately-held supplier of e-Learning software and training. For the past 15 years, he has written award-winning marketing collateral and user documentation for hardware/software companies like PictureTel, 3Com, Philips Medical Systems, Polaroid, and SyberWorks. Prior to that, he edited and wrote for publications like Computerworld, Infosecurity News, Networking Management, Digital Design, LightWave, Popular Computing, Harvard Business Review, and Leaders. (During that time, he also served as an author and Editorial Advisor for Sesame Street.)

About SyberWorks, Inc.

SyberWorks, Inc. is a leader in the custom e-Learning Solutions and Learning Management System/Learning Content Management System (LMS/LCMS) industries for Fortune 1000 corporations, law enforcement, healthcare, and other industries. Located in Waltham, Massachusetts, the company serves the multi-billion-dollar e-Learning market. Since 1995, SyberWorks has developed and delivered unique and economical solutions to create, manage, measure, and improve e-Learning programs at companies and organizations in the United States, Canada, Europe, and around the world.

Article Source: http://www.articlealley.com/http://daveboggs.articlealley.com/documentation-and-elearning-part-5-augmented-reality-an-eyepopping-new-elearning-tool-1532929.html

Occupation: CEO of SyberWorks

About the Author: Dave Boggs is the founder and CEO of SyberWorks, Inc (www.syberworks.com). He has been involved with computer-based and web-based training for more than twelve years. Before founding SyberWorks, Dave was the VP of Sales and Business Development for Relational Courseware. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Physics from Union College in Schenectady, NY, and an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University in Evanston, IL. The Boggs e-Learning Chronicle Dave Boggs also writes the Boggs e-Learning Chronicle, which reports on trends, provides observations, and information about e-learning and web-based training.

http://www.syberworks.com

Android Applications Supported by TEGA v2

Android Applications Supported by TEGA v2, Offers Dual Boot into 1.6

By greymatter india

In the hype of Android applications development, Windows world has reliability only for business users. After releases lined up for Android-based, iOS-based, and RIM-based tablets, people were hands-on-the-heart to check what’s going to be for Windows, next. With looks similar to just released ViewSonic ViewPad 10, TEGA V2 is more of a netbook that has lost its keyboard. Again the 10.1 inch display working on 1024 x 600 resolutions gives user a complete feel of working on a touch screen netbook. Its main hardware features include an Intel Atom N455 processor, 2GB of RAM, and a 32GB SSD that boots Windows 7 Home Premium. What makes it portable is its 0.5-inch / 1.9-pound slate that sets itself apart by being one of the thinnest and lightest out there.

[caption id="attachment_236" align="aligncenter" width="512"] Android Applications Supported by TEGA v2[/caption]

Its elegant combination of Black front and aluminum back, gives a closer feeling to the iPad than any other plastic tablets. Talking about its sleek look, it is only 0.02-inches thicker than the iPad, and a noticeable 0.2-inches thinner than the 2goPad and the Nav9. Due to its sleekness, there is no room for Ethernet port, however, it compensates with two USB sockets, a microSD slot, a mini-VGA, as well as a combo headphone / mic jack.

Hardware specifications:

• CPU: Intel Atom N455, 1.6 GHz (single core) + GMA 3150 Graphics card


• RAM: 2 GB + DDR3


• Storage: 32 GB SSD


• Screen: 10.1-inch, wide-angle, 1024×600


• OS: Windows 7 Premium / Android


• Slots/ ports: 2-USB, Mini VGA, microSD, audio, SIM (3G)


• Battery: integrated, 3,500 mAh, 3.5 - 4 hour real-world battery life


• Connectivity: WiFi, Bluetooth, 3G (GSM)


• Webcam: 1.3 MP


• Dimensions: 10.8 x 6.7 x 0.63 inches, 1.9 lbs.

Windows and the touch compatibility

Apart from hardware features, you would be surely expecting the review on its touch screen sensitivity. Let me assure you, it has just the right sensitivity. Windows 7 works with touch better than you might expect. Light taps on the display are all it takes to make selections and gentle swipes are enough to scroll down the page or browse through pictures. The accelerometer is used for auto-rotating the display to the desired orientation, and as this feature is incorporated internally to work very well with only a slight delay observed in the process. While the capacitive screen does make it easier to get around with a finger and type on the on-screen keyboard, we wish there would have been an active digitizer to recognize handwriting making it easier for stylus input.

The fast SSD leads to good Windows Performance. The problem with all windows touch tablet is that Windows 7 is touch capable but not touch-centric. All Windows programs can handle touch operation, however, only a few are written for touch screens. Still, there are programs that cannot handle touch operations and for them you need to use external keyword and mouse. No wonder, why keyboard and mouse attachment options are provided. For those facing situations where running Windows programs is mandatory, TEGA v2 is a perfect fit. Much like Droid, Tegatech has included Back, Home, and Power buttons. Hitting ‘Home’ button would take you to the Windows desktop minimizing all your open applications. Since it’s a toggle, tapping again will bring you back to where you were opening back the minimized applications.

Running Android

Did I tell you that TEGA v2 dual boots into Android 1.6? Tegatech is working on 2.2 version currently as the older version doesn’t support newer Android applications and the apps that work on older version cannot adjust to the 10.1 inch screen. Moreover, for some reason, Wi-Fi doesn’t work with Google O/S whereas it works fine with Windows 7. Hope, Tegatech would soon release drivers for Wi-Fi to work on Android application development. Till then, Dual boot is much of a novelty than something useful. Also, TEGA v2 has an Intel processor which is why open source version of Droid is being used.

Conclusion

TEGA v2 is a solid device as a whole, mainly manufactured for people who cannot work without Windows. While iPad 2 is a super cool device, TEGA v2 will likely create a product that will meet most business needs. Try out this great tablet ordering one from Tegatech website and availing special discounts as their promotional offer.

Source: http://www.greymatterindia.com/articles/android-applications-supported-by-TEGA-v2-Offers-dual-boot-into-1-6.php

About Author :  Grey Matter India (GMI) Technologies Pvt. Ltd. is a leading IT services and solutions provider that excels at providing offshore software development, Android application development, and wireless application development service.

Articles Source: Android Applications Supported by TEGA v2, Offers Dual Boot into 1.6

Android Tablet 3 Programming : Surging Demand

Android Tablet 3 Programming : Surging Demand But Increasing Vulnerabilities

By greymatter india

Performing quick tasks on the go is now possible. Thanks to the development in the mobile industry. Smart phones are indeed a good option; however, they cannot deliver a better performance, resolution and ease, when compared to the tablet devices. Tablet market is surging with Android tablet programming needs. After the flagship release of Galaxy Tab 10.1, various tablet programmers began with app development for Android tablets. In terms of market figure, Android acquires a share of 16.26 percent.

[caption id="attachment_68" align="aligncenter" width="695" caption="Augmented Reality Technology : Android Tablet 3 Programming : Surging Demand"][/caption]

Android tablet 3 programmingoffers high scalability. Due to this quality, the tablets belonging to Android platform accommodate itself in all industries. However, using Android for business purpose is a bitter pill to gulp. A few months ago, media raised an issue concerning users about Android vulnerabilities, but the issue still persists. Researchers say they have uncovered vulnerabilities in Android’s popular component, which may be exploited to do things like disabling the apps. A malicious app could be created to disable any app or the anti-virus itself.

Moreover, HTC is embarrassed due to Android vulnerabilities and sloppy Android Tablet application programming techniques must take the blame. It means that any application given access to the internet can take a look at the confidential information stored in the smart phones such as email addresses as well as the GPS location. Trevor Eckhart, a smart phone enthusiast, raised it a while ago but wasn’t taken seriously. Apparently, when no solution evolved, Eckhart decided to go public with full details. The warning says that the vulnerabilities lie in all HTC smart phones and even in Android tablet devices.

While Google finds a fix to it, we’ll take the story further with Android’s new release, a copy of its flagship tablet. Believing that bigger is not always better, Android is planning a release one its slightly small tablet with a slightly decreased price. The Samsung Galaxy Tab 8.9 is a shrunk-down version with a better deal all around, although iPad 2 is the greatest. One has to believe that Samsung is making some of the best looking tablets with no physical buttons in the front. It is bright and reflective with 1280-by-800-pixel display with same resolution as its bigger version. Since the 8.9 is a smaller screen, the dense pixels are more pleasing to the eye.

The new tablet is extremely slim and light-weight. It’s a Wi-Fi-only tab and delivers the performance same as its older version. It works on Honeycomb 3.1 and possesses no updates ready pertaining to Honeycomb 3.2. Unfortunately, Honeycomb doesn’t own enough apps. This fact opens up a wide prospect for custom Android Tablet application programming. Although Samsung insists that thousands of phone apps run well on its tablet, thousands of others don’t. It’s difficult to chase 90,000+ apps for iPad tablets; however, developers must try and escape this inferiority through dedicated Android Tablet Application Development.

Besides, Adobe system is taking a plunge with about six of its new programs for Android Honeycomb tablets including the Photoshop. The programs are to debut in November and Adobe plans to launch them under a new Adobe Touch Apps brand, tied with new Adobe Creative Cloud: a service for sharing files. Although Android demand surges, the tablet world is not ready to accept Android as a full-fledged and fully secured tablet platform. With a minimum number of applications, Android 3.0 Tablet App Development is still a progressive field.

About the Author: Grey Matter India (GMI) Technologies Pvt. Ltd.is a prominent name in IT services and solutions provider that excels at providing customized social networking development, custom development of Community portals, and so on.

Articles Source: Android Tablet 3 Programming: Surging Demand But Increasing Vulnerabilities

Augmented Reality Unveiled for Symbian Applications

Live in Augmented Reality Unveiled for Symbian Applications

By greymatter india

Just going through good news for Nokia owners, I came across a thought as to so much have been achieved by a mobile world. Well, I am thoroughly excited to experience augmented reality on my Symbian. Yes, Layar launched its augmented reality version for Symbian applications. I am sure just like me, many of you must have thought of the disappearing charm belonging to Nokia Phones. Listening to Android and iPhone, I had almost lost faith in Symbian application development. However, Layar has rebuilt the faith proving there are still millions of Symbian Smartphone owners out there, representing a lucrative market for developers.

[caption id="attachment_58" align="aligncenter" width="243" caption="Augmented Reality Technology : Live in Augmented Reality Unveiled for Symbian Applications"][/caption]

With tons of Layars to choose from on OVI store, you can surely expect same functionality the Android and iPhone versions offer. All Symbian^3 phones are supported (Nokia N8, C7, C6-01 and E7) as well as few S60 5th Edition devices (Nokia N97 and N97 mini).

Augmented reality is something that is being heard since early 2009; however, the question arises as to why Layar thought launching its Augmented Reality browser to Nokia-based OS so late? It has been on Android and iOS for a long time now. Is it that difficult to develop a Symbian version or is there something else? I guess, we’ll soon find out.

What is augmented reality?

According to Wikipedia, our office knowledge sensei, an augmented reality is a term for a live direct or indirect view of a physical real-world environment whose elements are augmented by virtual computer-generated imagery.

People who are new to the entire concept of augmented reality; here I bring-in explanation to what it is. Augmented reality enables users to overlay digital content onto a view of the real world. As its name suggests, developers create individual ‘layers’ for the app, each of which does something different. For example, using your handset’s camera, GPS, accelerometer and digital compass, the handset can bring up information about a local business, including local tweet, shopping data, travel data, and much more.

There are various layers like weather layer that fetches the weather forecast in your city; office layer finds more details about the office and satellite tracks that spot satellites in space. A simple example of one of the augmented reality layer is, point your camera to a location and through GPS and compass you can get detail of the place.

Features of Layar for Symbian phone applications are as follows:

• Facilitates discovering places and find details about the places from the list of layers that are both free and paid.


• Switch between live and augmented reality mode easily.


• Explore 3D objects, sounds, videos and amazing interactivity with different Layers.


• Get directions to a nearby Layer location easily.


• Change between the genre of old and new look of the places.


• Share the place, take a picture and post it on twitter.


• Discover restaurants, bars, shops and houses nearby.


• Learn history of a particular building or a monument.

An Insight to Layar

Layar adopts simple things. It takes a streaming image input from your mobile phone’s camera, and adds one, or even a number of layers onto it, also knighted filters. With these filters you can find Pizza shops, bars, pubs, interesting art, or even, houses in the vicinity. With 400 layers and more, I am sure you will find something useful for yourself.

Layar’s own local search engine can be called as one of the most basic but significant filters. The layer does a Google Maps search, and surrounds you with the results on a grid. It asks you for only two things to fetch you what you need: the keyword and the distance. Layar and Google will initially show you the name and distance of the object searched for. In case you need more information, just focus on a specific information and press OK button. You’ll get the address, phone number and can even plot your route.

Layar has also proved efficient when I travel, I now use these layers to learn the history of Italy or Egypt, or simply which way to walk to the nearest subway station. Just point your camera and follow the virtual signs!

Source: http://www.greymatterindia.com/articles/live-in-augmented-reality-unveiled-for-symbian-applications.php

About the Author:Grey Matter India (GMI) Technologies Pvt. Ltd. is a leading IT services and solutions provider that excels at providing web application development Symbian application development, wireless application development, and offshore mobile application development service.

Articles Source: Live in Augmented Reality Unveiled for Symbian Applications

Augmented Reality Technology - Mobile Marketing Infusion

Augmented Reality - Mobile Marketing Infusion

 

By Gianluigi Cuccureddu

* Real-time enhancement of reality, connecting the "offline" world with the "online" world.

* Real-time creation of a more integrated experience between those two worlds.

* Real-time enriching our surroundings with meta-data through our mobile devices.

I do believe these are the opportunities and purposes where Mobile Marketing and the role of mobiles devices have been waiting for, enabled by: Augmented Reality.

[caption id="attachment_48" align="aligncenter" width="258" caption="Augmented Reality Technology : Augmented Reality - Mobile Marketing Infusion"][/caption]

Augmented Reality is defined as follow on Wikipedia:

"Augmented reality (AR) is a field of computer research which deals with the combination of real-world and computer-generated data (virtual reality), where computer graphics objects are blended into real footage in real time. The term is believed to have been coined in 1990 by Thomas Caudell, an employee of Boeing at the time.

At present, most AR research is concerned with the use of live video imagery which is digitally processed and "augmented" by the addition of computer-generated graphics. Advanced research includes the use of motion-tracking data, fiducial markers recognition using machine vision, and the construction of controlled environments containing any number of sensors and actuators. [...]"

Mobile marketing has been predicted to be a -future- trend. Looking at figures released by eMarketer and other firms, mobile is growing, advertising budgets and the usage are on the rise.

Still, I don't think mobile marketing has found its true destiny and purpose.

Thinking in terms of SWOT- and Five-Forces-analysis, the PLC etc, there are challenges to overcome like the regulatory and infrastructural restrictions, substitutes, changing consumer behavior and so on.

Is the value proposition of mobile usage optimal and significantly differentiated?

But what if the mobile device is going to provide new experiences, integrate and enhance the two worlds in a much more relevant, useful, entertaining and unique way, powered by Augmented Reality?

It will infuse business oppertunities, mobile usage and its value proposition and the benefits / needs of a  real-time connection for the mobile users.

Fundaments must be set in motion to advance this innovation cycle, which is already happening of course.

Just a few examples:

* Apple is going to allow developers to release Augmented Reality applications when iPhone OS 3.1. is rolled out,

* Investments in technology and applications by innovative companies (f.e. look at the initiatives by AT&T) and

* The 27 telecom ministers of the European Union have agreed on new laws which will arise a bigger mobile market.

Many fields and industries can benefit from Augmented Reality and the unique experiences it will create for their users, think about industries like gaming, real-estate, travel, GPS, retail, and many more which can tap into the seemingly endless creation of applications (through mobile).

Universities and innovators are already working on applications, below you'll find three examples, the first one relates to GPS, the second is a great real-estate application and the third is a social tagging service.

What is your opinion and view on Augmented Reality in relation to Mobile Marketing?

About the Author:

Originally posted on my blog: http://www.glcuccureddu.com/business/technology/augmented-reality-mobile-marketing-infusion/

Articles Source: Augmented Reality - Mobile Marketing Infusion

Augmented Reality Existing Platform

  

If you have been paying notice of brand new devices and gadgets which could be hitting the market and coming soon, you might be bound to have come across a new buzzword: Augmented Reality. This new technologies sounds cool however what's Increase Reality technology?

[caption id="attachment_43" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Augmented Reality Technology : Augmented Reality Existing Platform"][/caption]

Simply put (which it usually isn't) Augmented Actuality is any sort of mixed real world and digital interplay that occurs in the course of genuine time. OK, maybe that wasn't too just put, so let me attempt it again. Augmented Actuality is for instance like Digital Reality, except it occurs in the actual globe and never a virtual one.

You ask which sort augmented reality means. Beginning because of the phrase increase let us look and see which sort meaning first. Augment stands for manufacturing things greater, larger, and more intense. If you be a part of supplement with reality, that is every thing that is around you. By doing this you are taking your actuality and making matters within it much more intense. To help you understand it more beneficial we are going to look into instances of augmented actuality and see which sort affects it goes to have in our day by day lives. .

Augmented actuality takes the important earth and expands on it using technology. It combines the genuine universe having a electronic just one employing only 3D in real time. While the previous definitions explain Augmented Actuality technological innovation in general, the pricipal cause AR is such a large buzzword now a days is due to handheld displays that use Augmented Display technology.

United States of America
To meet component of a binding agreement agreement with VantagePoint Technologies, which was formerly referred to as Citigraphix, the city of Birmingham acquired a digital reality model of the Downtown Central Company District in April The digital actuality model includes that whole area.

The Web is a new system of communication, brand new media and source of data, brand new method that of making business, new form of political and cultural expression, new form of teaching and learning, and brand new community. From the very start of the World wide web in 1991, it has completely improved the best way corporations do business, in addition to the best way clients pay for and use items and services. The Online offers extra opportunities for marketing. The spreading of the Net continues to be so impetuous that it also has been the purpose for well-grounded analysis. The Internet, electronic reality, can certainly or can't have adverse effects on our culture and society?

The background of the Internet dates back to the primary increase in communication networks. The thought of a desktop computer community meant to offer general communication between laptop users. This practice has developed via a great amount of s. The very first approaches appeared within the 1950s. In the 1980s, technologies that was reduced to the basis of the fashionable World-wide-web began to unfold worldwide. Within the 1990s the World Broad Internet was used everywhere in the world. The infrastructure of the Net unfold all over the globe and the fashionable globe broad community of computer systems have appeared. It spread amidst the western countries, then came into the advanceing nations and made a globally admittance to communications and data and an electronic divide in admittance to this brand new infrastructure.

About a Author

Wiley Schneiders is an consultant on Augmented Reality Cell Phone, Augmented Reality Surroundings Augmented Reality who also discloses information hindi songs,Video Player Software,satellite lyrics

Article source: http://goarticles.com/article/Augmented-Reality-Existing-Platform/5302029/

Augmented Reality Browser: New Wikitude for the iPhone

Augmented Reality Browser: New Wikitude for the iPhone

Author: b.lehner

Wikitude 6.0 sets new standards for AR Browsers – now live in the App Store!

Just in time for the opening of the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona Wikitude has announced the next generation of the „Best Augmented Reality Browser 2010“ (Augmented Planet). From today Wikitude 6.0 is available for download on Apple’s App Store http://bit.ly/ihmykZ . Wikitude overlays the live picture generated by the smartphone’s camera with local information (categorised in so called content “Worlds"). The new user interface offers a customisable “Home Screen“, a full text search in all available Wikitude Worlds ( for example Wikipedia, Mobile Coupons, Twitter, Starbucks etc.) with over 125 million places worldwide. Wikitude World Browser is available for the iPhone 4 and the iPhone 3Gs. It is also available for the iPhone 3G and the iPad but without Augmented Reality, as the 3G doesn’t have a digital compass and the iPad doesn’t have a camera – yet.

[caption id="attachment_37" align="aligncenter" width="200" caption="Augmented Reality Technology : Augmented Reality Browser: New Wikitude for the iPhone"][/caption]

Speed, personalisation and intuitive handling are the key ingredients of the Wikitude World Browser for the iPhone. As soon as the app is started, all available points of interests (POIs) in your surroundings are shown. The corresponding details of the POIs are subsequently downloaded in the background – a procedure that noticeably increases the speed of the app.

Of the more than 1000 Worlds available in Wikitude, the user can drag his favourite Worlds to the Home Screen, making them easier and quicker accessible in the future. The user is also able to rearrange these Worlds, very much like rearranging Apps on the home screen of the iPhone.

A search-function located in the top area of the Home Screen enables the user to perform a full-text-search through all available Worlds. The personalised search-function can also be moved to the Home Screen itself. “Sushi" fans or “WiFi" hunters for example will love this feature.

All delivered information is available in three different ways: in Augmented-Reality-View (information is overlaid on the real-time camera view, augmenting reality so to speak) as well as on a map or as a list. With the flick of one finger the user can move between the different options. While viewing the app in the list-mode or map-mode a small yet very useful compass needle points towards the next point of interest.

Wikitude: where reality and computer based information fuse

Wikitude obtains its current location via the Smartphone’s GPS signal, connecting the real world with the digital world. If the iPhone is aimed at a specific area, all information available about objects within the camera’s view is shown. A current study from ARChart has shown, that the market potential for these types of Augmented Reality Applications is estimated to be 2.2 Billion USD by 2015.

Mobilizy’s current software-products are Wikitude Augmented Reality Browser and Wikitude Drive. Wikitude Browser aggregates content and information from thousands of sources (e.g. Mobile Coupons, YouTube, Flickr, Wikipedia and many more so called “Worlds") in the camera-view of a Smartphone. Wikitude Drive is an augmented reality based navigation system.

About Wikitude / Mobilizy GmbH

Mobilizy is an early pioneer in mobile augmented reality (AR) and the creator of the internationally renowned Wikitude World Browser for iPhone, Android, Symbian and Bada. Most recently Mobilizy has launched Wikitude Drive, the first AR navigation application with global coverage. Wikitude engages in the research and in-house development of location-based services and augmented reality experiences for smart-phones. www.wikitude.org

More information about Wikitude: www.wikitude.org

Watch Wikitude World Browser 6 User-Video: http://bit.ly/glRuKA

See and download Screenshots of Wikitude World Browser 6: http://bit.ly/f3IdrM

Wikitude Drive Social Media Channels:

http://www.twitter.com/wikitude

http://www.facebook.com/wikitude

http://www.flickr.com/wikitude

http://www.youtube.com/wikitude

Editorial enquiries:

Bernhard Lehner

bernhard [at] i5comm.com

Phone +43 664 439 86 09

Article Source: http://www.articlealley.com/http://blehner.articlealley.com/augmented-reality-browser-new-wikitude-for-the-iphone-2075876.html

Augmented Reality Technology : Top 10 Augmented Reality Apps for Android

Top 10 Augmented Reality Apps for Android

By Scott R. Evans

Android is at the forefront of the new technology with many new applications taking advantage of its well accommodating accelerometer, compass, camera and GPS system. Here is a list of the top 10 augmented reality apps for Android:

[caption id="attachment_33" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Augmented Reality Technology : Top 10 Augmented Reality Apps for Android"][/caption]

1. Wikitude World Browser - This app combines Wikipedia content with location awareness to provide real-time information about your surroundings. By panning your phone camera across a scene, you can see any POI's (points of interest) that are recognized by the app.


2. Layar Reality Browser - This is one of the first augmented reality apps to hit the market and still retains its spot near the top in popularity. Depending on what type of layer you choose to include in your view, you can see many types of real-time digital information over top your view.


3. Wikitude Drive - Wikitude Drive overlays driving instructions atop your camera's live video feed of the road. This allows users to watch the road as they are driving through their phone's screen with detailed information.


4. Weather Reality - Weather Reality allows for many types of real-time weather related interactions. You can view detailed weather reports through your phone's camera along with current conditions, radar, severe weather reports and the path of the sun and the moon.


5. AugSatNav - AugSatNav is an augmented reality navigation system primarily intended for walkers. Walking directions are provided to you through your live camera feed as you follow your path ahead.


6. 3D AR Compass - This app is an augmented reality compass which provides multiple compass types, a rotating map, degrees and current address information.


7. Tweeps Around - Tweeps Around combines Twitter with augmented reality by showing you who is tweeting in your immediate area and what they are saying. By pointing your camera in the direction of someone who's sent out a tweet, you'll see a marker with their distance and tweet.


8. TagWhat - TagWhat is an augmented reality social networking app that allows users to tag any object in their camera's view. Friends of users can then view the tags and see any details that have been included.


9. Google Goggles - Google Goggles is an app that allows you to capture an image of any object in your camera's view and then image recognition software compares it to others in its database to find a match. This can be useful to find information quickly on any object, place or words of interest.


10. Space InvadAR - This app is a vision-based augmented reality game that allows you to feed in real-time video and then augment it with aliens and spaceships that you have to fight off.

Augmented reality will undoubtedly continue to push the boundaries for how we view our physical world and with the technical capabilities needed to support such technology, Android is poised to be increasingly more integrated with augmented reality mobile apps in the future.

Scott R. Evans
support@augmentedviews.com
http://www.AugmentedViews.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Scott_R._Evans
http://EzineArticles.com/?Top-10-Augmented-Reality-Apps-for-Android&id=5685606