iPhone's augmented reality apps coming with September OS 3.1 launch?
Looking to enjoy all those fancy augmented reality apps on your iPhone, like for finding nearby stores or subway stops? Apparently what's standing in your way from enjoying a life more akin to "gargoyles" from Snow Crash is Apple's next update to its touchscreen devices, OS 3.1, and according to Nearest Tube developer Acrossair, that'll be arriving sometime in September. Something we heard whispered at the time of the beta 2 release. We wouldn't be surprised to see that release window fluctuate, but if that's our estimate, there's still plenty of time for someone to prep an AR zombie shooter.
[Thanks, Peter S]
[Thanks, Peter S]























What does this mean?
It means this will turn your iPhone into a IRONMAN/TERMINATOR head up display for your immediate area in real time.
Nub
Dont touch my nub.
What, you want to shoot some ARhrrrr zombies too?
Too bad - iPhone doesn't have Tegra, so its highly doubtful. Other than that - it takes a picture from the camera and puts some possibly useful info on top of the picture. Supposedly, in real time. Likely in 2D.
Hey... Excuse me... You forgot RoboCop!
@Shinigami:
You're right, only Tegra can render zombies on top of a video.
I'm not sure what it means..
I'm not even sure this is something I would use. Hell, they added Search in 3.0 and I find myself using it out of novelty rather than necessity.
Wonder if this will be a 3GS only thing?
Second that! What does this mean exactly?
Hmmm I don't get it - does that mean there is some API that will be available in 3.1 that isn't yet? It seems it would be possible to make this app with 3.0...
I think I remember reading that the API's are currently in 3.0, but they are not public. Which means you could use an app with this functionality on a hacked iPhone only, as Apple would not approve an app for listing in the store if it used such APIs. Maybe they required a bit more refinement before public release, who knows. This is certainly another major turning point, not specifically for Apple, but for this kind of device in general.
I really want that NYC subway app. Sooner than later.
OMG EDEN OF THE EAST COMES TO LIFE
YESSIR. This is pure win. Boywithhair is pure win. Wingadget.
Lol I was thinkng exactly the same thing
WIN! +10,000,000,000 Yen!
I wish there is a Selecao theme for Winterboard.....
Hoy!!! Takizawa Akira!@!!!?!?@
I wonder if they plan on charging iPod Touch users for the upgrade again.
Yes, because they have always charged for point releases. Oh, wait, no they haven't.
Listen, people can complain all they want about the software upgrades, but chances are I pay a lot more each month for my iPhone than you do for your Touch.
@Dorv
Who cares how much you pay? I bought a device and I want software updates to be included in the price. Other players, like Samsung, have free updates with new features, with software ect. Why do I have to pay for Touchy updates?!
Because apple has to pay to create the update for your ipod touch
Because it doesn't hurt sales to do so and brings in cash for apple.
You're paying 10$ for a pretty huge software update that brings a lot of new functionality, not just bug fixes. Its worth the 10 dollars (hell its worth 20 dollars) so stop complaining.
@Lazarpanda:
I don't care if the new updates can end world hunger! We still shouldn't have to pay for them. I don't know about you, but $400 is quite a bit of money to drop on an MP3 player for most people. The fact that Apple then tells those people that they have to pay to add functionality that arguably should have been there to begin with is nothing but a pile of horseshit.
It's something to do with accountancy and taxing, they have to charge to add new features to a device that isn't subscription based.
Regardless, you bought a device with set features, you knew what you were buying. Now they've at least given you the option to upgrade those features, no one is forcing you to do so.
Except that I have never ever paid for a PSP software update since the device was released and a shit ton of features have been added between now and then, including the PSN store, Remote Play, PS1 emulation, Skype, etc. etc.
Just because Apple wants to charge doesn't mean they should, or even have to -- they could always find a different way of accounting for the devices. Obviously Sony has.
Hopefully you bought your device for what it could do WHEN you bought it. That's what was advertised and what was included in the price.
If they add new features (and are not just fixing bugs) they have every right to get paid for the development.
Other manufacturers add features for free because of competition, not out of the goodness of their hearts.
I think you'll find in most cases when major-feature upgrades are free it is for devices that are not number one in their market.
Man, Apple is innovation, Apple is the future. I bet in three years, the iPhone will be the only phone people ever have. This is why Apple is hated by Windows, Android, and Blackberry fannatics. Because they're jealous that Apple thought of these coo lthings before they did. I wouldn't be surprised if Android or Microsoft(which will most likely rip it off) will incorporate these onto their crappy phones. You guys are nothing but haters. You're jealous that Apple invented the App store, Multi-touch, GUI, and actual mobile web browsing.
Actually. Apple didn't invent this you tard. If anyone did, those crafty Japanese guys at Production I.G created it.
And who told you apple created multi touch? The stench of troll is heavy tonight.
Is that you, Paul a. Chapel?
First off, there's been carrier app stores before the iPhone was even thought of. Second, Apple didn't invent multitouch. Third, Apple ripped the gui from Xerox. Shows what you know, Apple Troll.
Doesn't Android already have a app like this? I use a Blackberry so I don't really follow Android apps right now but I'm pretty sure Android way beat Apple to the punch here.
Grief, I highly doubt that. Android developers do nothing but wait for Apple devs to make it right and then steal...and ultimately fail making it.
Obvious troll is obvious.
@James White: Well then moron, look up Wikitude and weep about how Android beat Apple to the punch by a long shot(that's right, I already HAVE an augmented reality app on my phone right now.)
Yeah your an idiot Android has had augmented reality apps since damn near it was launched. Wikitude has been out forever, and just about every you said was false.
Love Snow Crash!
@ James white
Android has had augmented reality apps for quite some time now.
You are an Apple hater.
No hate, just truth.
Layar, skymap and wikitude AR are some android AR apps I know off the top of my head.
Ya, he's a hater for speaking facts. Yup, the logic shines through...
Sarcasm, guys.
So is it safe to assume that we won't have MMS until 3.1 comes out or will AT&T push this capability before then? August is just a week or so away...
LOL Snow Crash...
I Spoke to an At&t rep the other day and asked them about MMS and the rep said mid august to september with the next software update but what do they know.
Thank you engadget, Hiro Protagonist FTW
yeah we need more snowcrash references.
Now someone just needs to cram an iphone's guts in to the case of that custom Eden of the East phone.
I wonder if the new iPod Touch with camera will be released around the same time. Then we can have this in iPhone and Touch! woot! I'll buy one if it is.
Will u buy me one? Ill touch you.
it also needs constant access to the internet and the 3GS exclusive magnetic compass.
think about it.
The camera is 3GS exclusive right now as well. If they add that, who says they won't add a compass? As for the Internet, not necessarily. There could be non-internet apps that let you do neat augmented reality stuff. Take pictures of people wearing silly hats drawn on screen :P And hellooooo, wifi!