What Can Augmented Reality Do?

Augmented reality (AR) goes way beyond Google Glass. Indeed, the sector is broad and exciting. It extends from what now is mundane – superimposing street names on a GPS display, for instance – to the truly exciting and innovative.

This slideshow presents examples of AR. More is on the way, including direct competitors to Google Glass. The bottom line is that AR can be integrated into applications, both consumer and business, in almost limitless ways. Google’s project indeed is a big deal – and these apps are as well.

Click through for present-day examples of augmented reality.

Layar

Layar provides technology that lets publishers and advertisers “activate their static print pages with digital experiences.”

ReinCloud

ReinCloud says that it “has developed a proprietary Augmented-Reality-based Automated TV technology, which enables interactive and personalized immersive content and advertising.”

Vuforia

Qualcomm says that a single augmented reality app built on its Vuforia platform can be used on iOS, Android and Unity 3D.

Vuzix

Vuzix provides mobile “products in the defense, consumer and media and entertainment markets that extend into the thermal sighting, tactical wearable and virtual and augmented reality” sectors.

POINT

POINT from TeliBrahma, is a “visual recognition augmented reality platform that helps brands engage with consumers by creating ‘real-world’ experiences of products,” the company says.

Augment

Augment, a startup based in Paris, uses AR for e-commerce and sales. The free app is available for the iPad, iPhone and Android.

Invisibility 3D with Augmented Reality

Invisibility 3D with Augmented Reality, according to Levity Novelty, “lets you reach into virtual worlds with your iPad, iPhone or iPod touch – while you apparently look right through its screen.”

metaio Engineer

Examples of what metaio Engineer can do, according to the company, include visualization of future facilities within a current environment and the illustration of work and maintenance instructions directly onto a component.