Augmented reality, also known as AR, is a term used for a progressive kind of modern information technology today. It is becoming more popular with the advent of mobile phone operating systems such as Google Android. Combined with services such as Google Maps, augmented reality is becoming a useful and convenient tool.
AR Basics
Augmented reality is basically the concept of overlaying a live video stream, such as one from the camera on a mobile phone, with a layer of data. This data may be used for entertainment or informational purposes. It is also being used for advertising.
GPS Information
Many modern mobile phones have the ability to access their location information via GPS. This enables a mobile phone user to view her location on a map using a service such as Google Maps. This also allows augmented reality software to better understand what information is more relevant to a mobile phone user.
Visual Recognition Software
Another feature of much augmented reality software is the visual recognition of objects, such as architecture, in a video stream. Combined with GPS data, augmented reality software can identify buildings in a live video stream. This enables augmented reality software to display a layer of information about a building that the camera of a mobile phone is pointing at.
As A Tool
Augmented reality has many possibilities for the future of mobile computing. An active video stream of a city can be completely layered with data about architecture, mapping information, recommended dining, transportation and much more.
Entertainment
Augmented reality can also be used for entertainment purposes. One example is the integration of animated 3D objects in a live video stream. An example is a cartoon character appearing on a street when the street is viewed with a camera.
Tags: mobile phone, video stream, augmented reality software, reality software, augmented reality, live video
