As all digital enthusiasts will tell you augmented-reality is set to be the next big thing for 2010, with fast moving technology changing the way we view the world around us. But what exactly does it mean?
In a nutshell, when viewing the world through the camera of a smart phone or a webcam augmented-reality superimposes virtual computer-generated imagery over the top of the âreal-worldâ environment â adding sound and graphics as a way of expanding the natural world so that we can interact with it on a whole new level.
Using a phoneâs camera and GPS, augmented-reality apps provide on-screen data about a personâs surroundings in real time, be it holding your phone up to find the direction of the nearest tube to pointing it at a restaurant to read reviews, ratings and menu options.
Amazingly this technology will eventually be available in normal glasses; enabling us to receive all sorts of digital information in our field of vision with the slightest turn of the head â for example, a simple nod towards a building will tell us if the company within it is hiring any staff!
While really advanced forms of augmented-reality are being used by the military, more and more businesses this year will announce augmented-reality apps as a way of truly bringing their brands and services to life.
It might seem like tomorrowâs world but the ârealityâ is itâs already the stuff of today. Watch this space for a new campaign weâre working on…
