What is Augmented Reality?

In a bid to embrace augmented reality myself I downloaded the Layar Android app for my LG GW620 InTouch Max phone. In their own words:

“The idea is simple: Layar works by using a combination of the mobile phone’s camera, compass and GPS data to identify the user’s location and field of view, retrieve data based on those geographical coordinates, and overlay that data over the camera view.”

Thus, with a rumbling in my stomach and a glance at my watch I noted it was time for lunch, so I opened the food and drink option on Layar and selected that I wanted a pizza within 2 kilometers of my location. The screen sprang to life, showing not only the view from my camera but overlaid pointers as to where the nearest pizza places where, the distance between myself and said pizza restaurant and even contact details to make a reservation.

Layar  can be used for any number of navigational and fun purposes, including finding nearby bars or post offices through to house prices and architectural information.

For more information on the LG GW620 InTouch Max click here

For more information on the Layar app for Android click here