The fight between the two leading augmented reality browsers, junaio and Layar, is heating up. This time it’s metaio’s (maker of junaio) turn and they announced an important update to their app. The new version of junaio is able to identify objects and “glue” object specific real-time, dynamic, social and 3D information onto the object itself. The feature, initially available with the Android app with the iPhone version coming soon, has been made possible through collaboration with kooaba and its visual object search capability.
As for how it works, junaio “sees” the object through the phone’s camera, accesses relevant information kooaba’s visual search and then virtually “glues” information displays onto it. Users can then interact with the “glued” augmented reality layer — i.e. rotate 3D displays, issue game commands, provide feedback, etc.
As a first example, users will be able to take any CD cover and access the related online information simply by pointing their smartphone at the CD. This is not a new thing — Google Goggles and I believe Nokia Point & Find can do the same thing — but it’s the first time such a feature has been implemented in an augmented reality application/service.
At the end of the press release, metaio invites companies to participate in the further junaio development and create their own channel…
And before you leave, make sure to check out a demo video of the updated junaio in action. It follows after the jump.