JohnLeeToday

With the launch of Android 2.0 on the “attempt to kill iPhone” phone the Motorola Droid. The new Google maps for Android features turn by turn directions equivalent of those offered in PNDs (personal navigation devices). The great things about this is you get live and up-to-date data. The set back of having such a system is that when you are out of cell coverage you are s.o.l.. Regardless it is very cool technology which appeals to the consumer market. A Google executive confirmed that a similar native maps application is on it’s way to the iPhone. Enjoy the vid!

Since the introduction of various mobile platforms, including the iPhone and Android, we have been exposed to endless applications to use in our daily lives.  However, the key idea is: do we really need them or are they really that helpful?  Well, if you like maps and finding things around you, you’ll really love this one: Augmented Reality or simply, AR apps.  Combined with the on-board camera and compass in newer phones, AR apps take things to new level.  The only thing I’d be worried about is not keeping your eye on stuff around you, but I guess you’d be able to see that through the lens anyways (Just keep in mind that oh so forgotten warning on your vehicle’s passenger side mirror : “Objects in mirror are closer than they appear”).

Anyways, enough babbling, here’s some vids showing the early possibilities: