So, what is Augmented Reality? Well, its touted as the next big thing and just how far away it is, remains to be been. A recent event in the Netherlands showcasing Augmented Reality has left brands wondering how they can use it and how it will affect the way they do business.
In a nutshell, augmented reality combines real-world images with computer-generated images on a screen, usually in real time.
For example, someone holding up a mobile phone equipped with a camera, a global positioning satellite (GPS) sensor, a compass and the right software, can point to a city street and overlay older images of historic buildings or streets.
So basically as a user is means you can stand somewhere and see what businesses are in the area, which houses are for sale and which stores are stocking your favourite brand of jeans.
Dutch company Layar has developed the software for both the iPhone and Google’s Android smart phone.
Augmented reality has been around for many years in computer games, however the introduction of smart phones opens the door to advertisers who will market goods and services by inserting digital images and cues to the user.
Augmented Reality gives small business users yet another opportunity to connect with customers using technology.
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