Increasing knowledge and information by Zuzana Zelenakova

There is always some new technology in the world of cell phones. This time it is a complex pack of programs called “augmented reality”. It combines GPS and wireless networks with other applications too difficult for a mere mortal to comprehend and it enables you to see the world around you with extra added knowledge and information. The function gives you information about the location your cell phone is currently in. for example, if you aim the cell phone at a particular building, information like the names of businesses in a building, restaurants and their menus with prices and others will pop on the screen. One of the phones that are pioneering the new featu! re is also Apple´s iPhone 3GS. “Things are pretty cool right now,” said Tim Sears, creator of Apple-approved augmented reality app known as Robotvision.“But they're definitely going to get better.” Just hold up your phone and you will see a whole new virtual world emerge before your eyes. Floating arrows that appear on the screen will lead you to different kinds of places, from parks, hotels, bus stops to historical sights or grocery stores. And while you are walking you can browse through photos others have taken of places you are passing by. The Amsterdam-based company Layer has involved significantly in the field of augmented reality. Currently the company is working on a 3D application scheduled to be released in November that will enable users to place their own virtual markers on different sites and buildings. These can be further shared with other users. The phenomenon of augmented reality has also great potential for businesses. It could! improve customer service and save the money at the same time.! For exa mple, it could be used in museums instead of tour guides. Walking among the exhibits information would be displayed on the screen. It would also solve the problem with tourists that speak foreign languages.

related story (sgx15549): http://tech.yahoo.com/news/ap/20091005/ap_on_hi_te/us_tec_au...

by Zuzana Zelenakova for PocketNews (http://pocketnews.tv)

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