How You Can Augment Your Reality Right Now
The future is here — and these are some cool apps you can download now
Augmented reality technology has been around for some time now, despite all the futuristic hype around it. This is because AR is just super-imposing images generated by a computer over your view of reality, hence it is ‘augmenting’ your reality.
In 2017, both Apple and Google released mobile AR kits — AR Kit and AR Core, making it easier for developers to get AR apps onto your phones. This means we should be seeing a lot more of augmented reality in 2018. Here are a few top apps already using the technology if you want to get a head start.
Pokémon Go
I’ll just get this one out of the way because it’s impossible to leave off this list — Niantic’s Pokémon Go, which caused quite a stir when it came out and caused thousands of people to be roaming the streets in search of Pokémon (one lady even happened upon a dead body). The game marks your location using GPS and move your avatar, while your camera shows you the Pokémon in your real world surroundings.
The app gives you a fun (maybe dangerous) excuse to go on very long walks with your face in your phone in search of rare Pokémon and to be social by joining gyms and battling Pokémon with your friends.
Download for iOS here, and android here.
Ikea Place
The Ikea Place app aims to solve a very real issue of imagining furniture in your own home and making sure it fits without having to purchase the item and drag it all the way home to find out it doesn’t. Ikea built the app on Apple’s AR Kit and claims the 3D furniture shows up at scale with 98 percent accuracy with true life textures, patterns and lighting. How does it work? The app uses your cameras sensors to map digital objects in the room, essentially measuring for you, which Apple calls ‘world tracking.’
Currently the app is available free for iphones upgraded to iOS 11 here.
Ink Hunter
Switching pace a little — Ink Hunter is a free app that is good for people on the fence about getting a new tattoo and where to put it. It’s a big commitment, so this app aims to help people visualize their tattoo on their body before getting it put there forever. You can use pre-made designs in the app, or your own custom designs and place them anywhere on your body, in any position — the camera tries to make it look as realistic as it can without actually getting the tattoo.
You can download the app for iOS here, and android here.
WallaMe
WallaMe is a free app that lets you leave hidden messages all around the world that can only be seen by other people with the app. To leave a message, you snap a photo of the location, draw or write something over it inside the app, and post it. People who use the app in your location can use their cameras to see your hidden message, which can also be made private just for your friends to find.
You can download for iOS here, and android here.
World Brush
Similar to WallaMe, the World Brush app lets you tag parks, buildings — really anything on earth without actually vandalizing anything. The app lets you create virtual paintings that are only visible to other app users. Unlike WallaMe, the paintings can be seen by everyone and are anonymous, allowing others to like or dislike the art. Users of the app can simply hold up their camera and see the art as they walk about their daily lives.
Currently World Brush is only available for iOS here.
Google Translate
Google Translate makes this list because of a specific AR feature that is incredibly useful for travelers, and general use. Simply snap a photo of text you don’t understand, and Google Translate will translate your photo in real time. This really is a game changer for travel when you don’t speak or read the language — you can even download languages you know you’ll need and use the app without wi fi connection.
Google Translate is available for iOS here, and android here.
Wikitude World Browser
Another great app for traveling is the Wikitude World Browser app. Using your smart camera to view your surroundings, Wikipedia and over 3,500 other content providers will offer you geographically-relevant information that may be valuable for your travels. Information usually appears in the form of Wikipedia articles about the location, or directions to the nearest ATM, or highest-rated restaurant. The app will also allow you to find hotels and attractions, linking up with Yelp and TripAdvisor and provide coupons. Other in app features are games like Alien Attack and the ability to share favorite spots on Facebook.
Download for iOS here, and android here.
MeasureKit
MeasureKit is another handy app to have whenever you’re somewhere without your tape measure on hand. It’s still not quite as accurate as you having an actual tape measure on hand, but for quick approximations, MeasureKit has your back. To use, you tap the screen to create floating anchor points which MeasureKit uses to relay the approximate distance between. It can also distinguish angles, levels and trajectories.
Download it for iOS here.
Augmented Car Finder
This one is for all of you out there who have trouble remembering where you left your car. When you park, you set your car’s location and the app creates a visible marker over your parking spot, which will show you the distance you are from your car and directions back to it when you need to find it. It’s particularly useful for large events, like sporting or concerts where you may have to walk quite a ways from your car. The app can also help you find your seats in the arena after leaving your car as well.
Download the app for iOS here. Android users can download a similar app called Car Finder here.
You can find a lot more AR apps to check out in this Digital Trends article.
