Junaio Updates Augmented Reality Browser To Version 3.0
Junaio has updated their Augmented Reality Browser to version 3.0. The upgrade takes their technology another step forward towards making the “Augmented World” around us come alive in every sense. The new “SCAN” function scans everything: pictures, QR codes and even product barcodes. Hit the “SCAN” button and point you camera at whatever it is you wish to get information on, provided it can be found in one of junaio’s channels, databases or connected partner platforms. Scan a painting to get information about the artist; a product barcode to get relevant consumer information or even a 3D user manual; and scan a food item to try a new recipe for a good meal. “We are using the very objects around us as markers to get virtual information”, says Peter Meier, metaio’s CTO.
The first mobile Augmented Reality browsers relied purely on GPS and internal compasses for providing location-based information, mostly simple camera overlays regarding tourist attractions, restaurants, ATMs and so on. Yet the most important sensor on a mobile device is the camera itself. This is why the junaio development team focused from the start on image recognition and natural feature tracking. It’s been more than a year now that junaio has been able to recognize images on posters, magazines or billboards, displaying videos or sophisticated AR experiences in response.
When junaio recognizes a barcode, it combines and displays data sources from various partner platforms to provide useful consumer information on a given product. Some of those will lead to a website, a shopping micro-site or other related information. It is possible in fact to scan in succession different coded food items from your fridge, maybe add a few other search items (like “tomatoes, onions”, etc) and get a recipe for that particular combination of ingredients. It is planned to further extend consumer oriented product information of this kind in the months to come.
The new scan feature is available immediately for developer use. Which leads us to the question, how will Augmented Reality impact the music business? If at all? Your thoughts?
