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A Few Cool Augmented Reality Apps

I've been talking a lot about augmented (AR) reality lately. Partly because I'm a technology geek, but more importantly because I feel it has the potential to become an integrated part of our lives. Maybe not any minute now, but it’s slowly creeping in on us. There are many more or less useful apps in the iPhone’s App Store now and I’ve collected a few of them here. Some are fun, some impressive and some show promise.

NearestWiki

The first augmented reality app I picked up was NearestWiki and I still find it to be one of the best to show newcomers. It doesn’t mess around with a lot of extra features and it does what it says on the tin.

It brings in content from Wikipedia and overlays in onto the “real world” through your phone’s camera. Very clever and potentially expandable (it’s Wikipedia, duh). I know Wikitude and Layar etc. get more attention, but I feel this one is better. Less clutter.

TAT Augmented ID (Polar Rose facial recognition)

This one is still a concept, but show you what NearestWiki could potentially become. It uses the camera again (as do all these apps) but is designed for recognizing people, not things. Via Polar Rose (facial recognition, cool stuff, check it out) it would identify you and display info you decide near you corporeal form. Great for work, but also for those socially awkward “I seem to have forgotten your name” moments.

WhereMark

Not out yet and there are probably others, but this is the one I stumbled upon. Reminds me of most of the other “browser” type apps, but promises to be readily able to be edited on the go. I.e. I could “tag” my house and leave a nice big floating bubble there for everyone to see. This obviously needs “the people” to create content, but image walking in the woods, finding a ruin and pulling up info via your phone, because someone already tagged that location and ruin.

Twin Towers Wikitude Extension

Yes, I know, potentially touchy subject, but look past the current use. Images walking through Rome and being able to overlay the ancient version of the city. Or how about London, Berlin, Athens... You get the idea.

NearestSubway

This is out in multiple versions. Basically gives you x-ray vision, letting you see the subway beneath you, distance to the nearest station etc..

Car Finder

This I have missed! Tag the location of your car when you park in those giant car parks, and this app will guide you back to you vehicle. Simple, but such a good idea.

What's Your Fave?

I'm sure there are tons of other greats AR apps out there. If you have any suggestions I'd love to hear them ...