One of the future trends in technology is the concept of augmented reality, where a live view of the physical world is enhanced with computer-generated input, ranging from sounds to data to graphics. Think of the heads-up display in your favorite video game, where the hero has an augmented feed of the real world, displaying the status of your teammates and location of enemies.
The technology behind augmented reality is actually readily available, utilizing the GPS, camera and network capabilities of your smartphone. A number of apps have already begun to take advantage of this new digital world, ranging from AR Defender, which builds a tower defense game right in your surroundings, to Word Lens, a language app that translates words captured through your phone’s camera in real time.
Wikitude is one such augmented reality app that has quickly become a favorite in the tech industry. Billed as a “world browser,” Wikitude allows users to see their surroundings augmented with different “worlds,” which pulls information like restaurant reviews, historical information and events around town — the possibilities are endless. Using your smartphone’s image recognition, sensors and network connections, virtual objects populate your screen with precise accuracy.
An example of a practical use of this app would be to search for ATMs nearby. Instead of doing an internet search and looking at a map, Wikitude lets users simply point their camera anywhere (walls are not an issue), and spin around as you see all the available ATM’s near you. The process is much more informative and natural when searching for something close by. Another use would be in a museum, where you could walk amongst the paintings and pull information about the artists in real time, just by pointing your camera.
Wikitude is a proprietary freeware app, available on iOS, Android, Blackberry and Windows Mobile. Learn more at Wikitude.com.
Read This Next
Apps for the Student Abroad
Study Abroad
Aug 26, 2014All Reads on This Topic
Read Them All
#TrazeeTravel
Insta FeedHotel
Apr 25, 2024JW Marriott Hotel Nairobi Opens
JW Marriott’s second property in Kenya recently opened: JW Marriott Hotel Nairobi stands as the tallest hotel in the country at 35 stories. Located in the Westlands commercial district, JW Marriott Hotel Nairobi boasts 315 guestrooms, several dining destinations, a Spa by JW, a swimming pool, a fitness center and eight event spaces. A sky bar and lounge, as well as 51 serviced apartments, will open later this year.
Sponsored Content
Discover Nashville Neighborhoods
Whether you are interested in music, art, history, food, sports or fashion, Music City has something for everyone to sing about. Nashville is accessible, friendly and authentic, with diverse neighborhoods, a storied musical heritage and a creative culture that energizes the city.
Destinations / North America
Apr 24, 2024How to See the Northern Lights in Alberta, Canada, This Year
You may have heard 2024 is going to be one of the best years to see the northern lights and, if you’re interested in experiencing this phenomenon for yourself, you likely have been thinking about making the trip to Iceland or Scandinavia — notable destinations for northern lights viewing. However, you don’t have to leave North America to take in the Aurora Borealis. Alberta offers plenty of spots and ways to see the northern lights.
Trends
Apr 24, 2024This Internship Has You Cuddling Cows
Harvest Hosts, a membership program offering RVers access to more than 5,000 unique camping locations, recently announced the launch of its Cow Cuddling internship program for the summer. The internship offers a one-of-a-kind opportunity for people to immerse themselves in the therapeutic practice of cuddling with cows while contributing to their well-being.
Sponsored Content
Greece: A Life-Changing Experience
Experience the life-changing destination of Greece by exploring its island gems in the Ionian Sea. Scattered off the western coastline of Central Greece, to the south of Peloponnese, the Ionian Islands are an island group comprising large and small islands.
Hotel
Apr 24, 2024Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa Announces Nashville Nights Songwriter’s Series
Aloha, Nashville! Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa recently announced the launch of its Nashville Nights songwriter’s series featuring artists from Music City. Once a month for the next six months, guests can experience an evening of live music with the inaugural show scheduled for April 27 and featuring Gracee Shriver and Noel Bisesti.
ShareThis