Well, to Android at least. The past week has seen two augmented reality apps debut for Android smartphones (the G1 and the Magic aka Ion aka MyTouch 3G), taking advantage of the devices’ built-in GPS, camera and compass. Yep, augmented reality browsers are here now and will probably be the next big thing in smartphone apps.
First to show off early last week was Layar, which let a video out of its system using a Netherlands-only real estate layering app. The system allowed phone owners to use their camera to shoot at specific buildings, with the app showing relevant information about them, including direct links to realtors and agents so users can inquire with qualified brokers directly.
Towards the end of the week, IBM announced its latest app for the Wimbledon tournament, which integrates a highly-detailed augmented reality browser along with usual features like Twitter aggregation and event information. Called Seer Android, you can use the browser function to shoot at any facility during events (e.g. courts, restaurants, etc), with the app immediately showing a layer of information you may want to know about it.
The real value of these types of apps, of course, is when they do finalize layer standards and open that portion of development up to other parties. Can you imagine the incredible convenience of pointing your camera lens at a mall and immediately knowing whether they have an Apple Store in there? Even better, the same layer can easily point you to nearby stores in case the mall doesn’t have one. Even more importantly, can you imagine all the new games we can come up with such a feature?
Layar, for one, has stated that they are now working with several companies to develop layers in their platform. I’m pretty sure IBM can do the same, potentially setting them up to have some amount of stake in the burgeoning mobile apps market. With the iPhone 3G S (not to mention Palm Pre) now toting compasses as well, expect plenty of action in this space soon.
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