Augmented Reality is becoming bigger and bigger. After introducing you Layar earlier (and the issues it brings with it) and Zugara, my latest find, SARA, shouldn’t be missed either.
SARA was created by the Netherlands Architecture Institute (NAi) in partnership with IN10 Communicatie and Layar, is the world’s first mobile architecture application featuring augmented reality with 3D models. Simply hold up your smartphone to see photos, video, 3D models, scale models and other details about buildings, whether already there gone or planned to be there. The app currently only shows the new Market Hall in Rotterdam’s Blaak district. Although it’s still under construction, those with the app can view a 3D model of the finished building.
SARA also allows users to add their own information about any building or map tours of their favourite architecture. Beginning next month, the entire city of Rotterdam will be viewable through SARA; within five years, NAi expects the whole country to be covered. The technology was launched last month on the Layar platform and will be downloadable from the Apple App Store and Android Market beginning next month.
Amazing isn’t it? I hope they can get enough data to fill the app to an interesting level which I think is critical for app’s like these. But compliments for pushing the boundaries!
I’ve written about the augmented reality browser Layar before, which tracks your location trough GPS and built in compass, and allows you to see in real time what is in your surroundings by pointing your camera to it. There are multiple ‘Layars’ available currently including a real estate browser and one which allows you to track restaurants. However, the most controversial one is the so called BN’er Spotter (Famous People Finder).
This Layar allows you to track the houses of celebrities wherever you are. In the movie below the dutch crew of Beste Product uses a new Samsung phone to show how it works. And it works. They track down Brad Pitt in his house, who is obviously not amused. This truly reveals how invading these new technologies can be. Is our near-term future to be filled with people laughing maniacally while pointing their cellphones at each other? The video is in Dutch, but the reaction at 2 minutes and 40 seconds is a good example of how awkward it can get…
Meet Layar, the worlds first augmented reality browser. This browser, developed by SPRXmobile, ads a live layer to the image that comes through the camera of the mobile phone. This application tracks your location trough GPS and built in compass, and allows you to see in real time what is in your surroundings by pointing your camera to it. Point your camera to a restaurant, and it will show you reviews and ratings on your screen. Is this next level or not? Thinks of all the applications you could build through this… Amazing. Currently available only on Android phones, but I expect it’s only a matter of time before it reaches other platforms. Check out the video below and be amazed!
