Augmented Reality (AR) is nothing new. However, the recent Apple iOS update and iPhone announcement are certainly going to help make this immersive format more mainstream.
Nowadays, the latest advancements in the tech world are being brought directly to the everyday mobile user with all kinds of innovations and even more interactive experiences.
Here are six of the most interesting apps currently on the market with AR capabilities.
1. Eyemaps
Ever wanted a device that made you feel like a James Bond super-spy? Well, Eyemaps can offer you some secret agent-style intel on your surroundings. Even though you may not save the world with this information, you can certainly impress those around you. Eyemaps integrates AR with your device’s camera to determine your location and list geographical facts about your surroundings.
The 💜 of EU tech
The latest rumblings from the EU tech scene, a story from our wise ol' founder Boris, and some questionable AI art. It's free, every week, in your inbox. Sign up now!
It creates a 3D rendition of any location in the world, displaying the names of mountains, rivers, historic landmarks, and more. The app also includes embedded links to the Wikipedia pages of major landmarks too, offering the ultimate tour guide experience right from your device.
Eyemaps is available for iPhone and iPad on iTunes, and for Android on the Google Play store.
2. Gadget flow
One of the biggest drawbacks of online shopping is you don’t really know what you’re getting until it shows up on your doorstep. Gadget Flow aims to lessen this unfortunate effect. This app gives you an AR-fueled first glimpse at the latest tech products on the market.
An Etsy-type shopping site for the newest widgets, accessories, and all things tech, Gadget Flow has thousands of products on its platform. They make it a point to add twelve new ones every day! Gadget Flow allows you to explore each item with a 3D view, as well as an AR function that enables users to virtually handle the product and see how all the features work. In turn, providing a totally immersive experience before making a purchase.
Gadget Flow is available on iTunes and Google Play.
3. Crayola color alive
Keep the little ones entertained (or reconnect with the child in you) with Crayola’s newest and coolest AR project. With interactive color pages available on Crayola’s Color Alive webpage, you simply choose a design and color it however you want. Then, using the Color Alive app, simply scan your picture and watch it come to life with AR animation right on your screen!
Choose from Marvel Superheroes, Disney Princesses, Star Wars, and more for exciting and interactive characters that move right before your eyes.
The Color Alive app is available on iTunes, Google Play, and Amazon for Kindle products.
4. Housecraft
AR is not just restricted to fun and games; it can actually be quite helpful for your next interior design project with the help of Housecraft.
Scan any room or backyard with your phone’s camera, and then use Housecraft’s vast database of furniture, plants, objects, and home décor items to design the room of your dreams. You can adjust the sizing of the items too, so will you know the exact dimensions you’ll need before heading to the furniture store.
Housecraft is available for download on iTunes.
5. Euclidian lands
Euclidian Lands is more than just another simple puzzle game. By using AR capabilities, the app creates 3D interactive, multi-sided castles with puzzles and challenges that are sure to please.
With over 40 levels to solve, players can rotate and maneuver through the six-sided castles by rotating planes and shifting their perspective. Users have praised the high-quality graphics and exciting medieval sword fighting. The newest version, specially optimized for iOS 11, is sure to make its mark in the AR gaming sector.
Euclidian Lands is available on iTunes.
6. Measurekit
Perhaps one of the most innovative (and probably most useful) AR app on the newest iOS update is MeasureKit. The app uses your device’s camera to give you accurate measurements on angles, distances, and sizes.
This app can serve all kinds of purposes. For instance, you can create virtual, moveable objects based on dimensions to see if that huge bookcase in the living room would fit through the door frame. Or, you can use the leveling capabilities to hang a painting perfectly straight. Aside from being fun and easy to play around with, MeasureKit can actually help you accomplish that long to-do list more efficiently!
MeasureKit is available on iTunes.
In conclusion
Augmented Reality certainly has the capability to change the future as we know it. From marketing, to social media, to gaming, AR has been able to make great strides in the newest tech. Apple’s newest release is making it more accessible than ever before.
These apps are certainly making a name for themselves in the tech world. As time goes on, there will certainly be many more to look forward to!
Get the TNW newsletter
Get the most important tech news in your inbox each week.