Wikitude bills as "augmented reality", and does so by overlaying data points of interest on the image in the camera viewfinder G1. However, with a database containing only 350,000 points of interest worldwide, the increase is a bit flat.
Wikitude is a place-based information on the application for Android Mobilizy. It is available free on the Android Market.
Wikitude was a top-50 finalist in the Android Developer Challenge, and as ShopSavvy is a good illustration of what is possible with the maceration of the capabilities of the G1. In this case, use the GPS Wikitude About a global positioning system for location awareness and combines with the wealth of information that is available in Wikipedia.
Aimed directly at tourists, this application superimposes information on points of interest, either Google (NASDAQ: GOOG) More information on a Google map or sees through the viewfinder. It calls this "augmented reality", and is a very good effect.
Battery Buster
Two caveats: Because the application uses the phone’s GPS chip and the camera viewfinder, which sucks the battery power too quickly, and GPS needs to obtain a review of their location in order to give accurate results – something it may take several minutes depending on where you are.
It’s best with any GPS-based application that is outside in a clear signal to the chip to obtain a lock on where you are – you can use the "Maps" of native applications to lock in its position before going forward.
The main criticism I have is that the database of points of interest is a bit thin, but you have to give the developer a bit of leeway on this, because it is 1) a free application, and 2) a discipline a relatively new in that.
Slim profits
In Los Angeles, for example, a list for the Hollywood Cemetery for ever, without a doubt be many people must see lists, but where is the Kodak Theater? What happens to the Getty Center and La Brea Tar pits?
As proof, I chose another destination, the Caribbean island of Antigua. Wikitude offers nearly two dozen items of interest to Antigua, but most tend to be small villages in the small note, while the points of interest are ignored. A list for Puerto Inglés (population 759), but none of the English ports the most remarkable feature, Nelson’s Dockyard.
When search sites in Rome. However, the sights are much more oriented, including notable churches, palaces and bridges, as well as the Circus Maximus. However, the Colosseum – but clearly visible in the satellite view – it is not marked.
Insurance lists for wider application grow in popularity, and now offer a good sample as possible, but are a bit sparse. This application is a good demonstration of what is possible with Android, and worth seeing.