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
Dec 19, 20244 Hotels to Stay at for 2025 Sporting Events
Diehard sports fans often travel near and far to watch their favorite teams. With plenty of exciting sporting events taking place in 2025, these hotels offer a respite for sports fanatics after the events.
Sponsored Content
Discover Greece’s Tower Towns: A Journey Through History
Greece's tower towns offer a captivating blend of history, architecture and stunning landscapes that make them perfect for curious travelers. These towns, particularly found in the Mani region of the Peloponnese, are defined by stone towers built during the medieval period. Constructed for both defense and as symbols of family pride, the towers stand as a testament to the region's turbulent history and its residents’ resilience.
Hotel
Dec 19, 2024Postcard Cabins Brand Now Part of Marriott
More than 1,200 glamping cabins recently joined Marriott in an acquisition set to bring more travelers closer to nature. Postcard Cabins, formerly Getaway, was founded in 2015 with the mission to bring free time in nature to more people.
Destinations / Europe
Dec 18, 2024Why You Should Visit Florence in January
Ready to book your first 2025 getaway? Consider Florence, Italy, for two can’t-miss events in January.
Sponsored Content
Seoul: Your Favorite Worldwide City
Seoul is the place for your next bleisure destination.
Hotel
Dec 18, 2024Brookmere Debuts Today in Saratoga Springs, New York
Brookmere debuts today in Saratoga Springs, New York, for its soft opening. Situated on 10 acres near many of Saratoga Springs’ iconic attractions, this property boasts 88 guestrooms and suites alongside a host of well-appointed amenities.
ShareThis