I’ve been noticing more and more apps for providing information about our environment.
Known as augmented reality – rather than artificial reality where you go into a completely fictitious world – the use of such services is increasing rapidly.
A good example is the SkyMap app on the Google Android mobile:
Simply holding up your mobile to the night sky gives you a view of all the constellations, all noted and indexed.
It is not a far cry from here to having everything noted and indexed, as demonstrated by this great little educational film form Rocket Boom:
This is where things get interesting as you could have all sorts of new bank apps, such as find your bank app – like the find the Tube app, but simply to find your nearest bank branch in a strange town.
Alternatively, and I don’t know if you caught it, but Holly mentions using facial
recognition on the iPhone augmented reality app to register the user.
So check your account app gives you a 3D view of your banking details … and also checks you out at the same time to ensure you are who you say you are … wonderful.
Oh yes, and within a few months, we’re sure to see all of this in your next pair of sunglasses (this gets interesting after about a minute):
Brilliant … if only we had some sun!
Postnote: and if you really want to get funky, howsabout this for your next laptop?