Layar Reality Browser [Free - iTunes link] is technically an augmented reality browser for the iPhone 3GS (it depends in large part on the compass to work its wonders).
For the uninitiated, augmented reality typically uses GPS location and internet data to layer information on the screen over live video. In Layar’s case, for example, to show local search results for “pizza” over the restaurants in an intersection you’re looking at on your iPhone.
Whether cool translates into usefulness — we’ll see. But on cool alone, it’s definitely worth a look. (You can also view search results in map and list view, but what’s the fun in that?”
Presslite, the folks behind Métro Paris [$0.99 - iTunes link] and London Bus [$0.99 - iTunes link] for iPhone let us know that their apps are now updated in the App Store to contain… augmented reality!
For those unfamiliar with the concept, basically it uses the iPhone 3GS compass, GPS, and live video (what the camera sees) to figure out where you are and what you’re looking at, and then adds an information layer (text, icons, etc.) on top of the live video to expound upon what you’re looking at. For example, bus routes and schedules could be layered over a street corner, hotel room rates and vacancy over a building, Twitter status in the direction of a person you follow, etc.
Yelp! 3.0 [Free - iTunes link] has apparently also gotten into the AR game but through an Easter Egg that is activated when you run the app and then shake the iPhone 3 times. Check out Mashable’s video after the break!
Augmented reality applications, where live streaming video is overlaid with data in real-time, is coming with iPhone 3.1, and here’s a demo Twitter client to show yet another example about how this may be the next great killer app, or the next great killed-by-hype. Either way, we have only one question: is this how Skynet and the Matrix will find and terminate Twitter users first?
The L.A. Times (via MacRumors) confirms what TiPb heard following the release of iPhone 3.1Beta 2 — public APIs for information overlay of live video will allow “augmented reality” apps to make their way into the App Store.
Apple told Acrossair, developer of the Nearest Tube train finder, that the app will be approved for distribution after Apple releases version 3.1 of the iPhone software, which the developer expects will land in early September.
This time frame, if accurate, will likely also coincide with Apple’s traditional iPod and iTunes event, which for the last two years has seen the iPod touch center stage, and last year also introduced iPhone 2.1.
Following up on last night‘ release of iPhone 3.1 Beta 2 firmware and SDK, developers are finding more changes and new features.
TUAW reports that the AT&T IPCC hack, where the carrier file was modified to allow iPhone tethering sans official AT&T sanction no longer works. Bummer, given AT&T still hasn’t announced anything about legitimate tethering support or pricing.
Engadget Mobile’s been informed that new APIs have been introduced allowing for the manipulation of live video to produce “augmented reality” apps (where information is layered on top of the video).
Ars Technica reports iPhone 3.1 Beta 2 allows developers to connect to test devices via Wi-Fi, rather than having to tether via USB as in previous releases, and still access instruments and other features.
