It seems like every day more and more of the sci-fi technology from the movies is coming to life. Remember in Terminator when Arnie can recognise objects just by looking at them? Yeah well that sci-fi dream is now coming true. It seems like the sky is the limit, the digital world and the real world are colliding to create a new type of technology called augmented reality. This new “cyborg” technology allows users to see a live display whilst merging computer generated graphics over the top. Currently being put to the test in numerous different applications augmented reality is going to lead a huge wave of new technology and could potentially change the way we lead our day-to-day lives.

Confused? Scared? Excited? Arnie??? Fear not Headbox has done the research and we have put together a top 5 of the forthcoming augmented reality applications that will be flying your way soon…

5) TwittARound – An iPhone application that will show you where the nearest tweets to you have been made!

Beware of what you post, soon people around you can see who you are after you have tweeted. More Info.
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4) Stargazer – An application from Google that tells exactly what you are looking at when you are…well… star gazing!

This application builds upon Google Sky and identifies constellations and planets in the sky when your pointing your phone towards the heavens. So next time you are out star gazing you will be able to tell your Casseopeia from your Capricornus! More Info.

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3) Sekai Camera – As you would expect Japanese developers are getting involved with their creation… Air Tagging!

Tokyo-based smartphone app developers Tonchidot have come up with Sekai camera application. It allows users to “air tag”, basically tagging things in the real world. For example local restaurants can be tagged, and when pointing your camera at the restaurant, you can see menu’s and reviews. Didn’t enjoy a meal? Leave your comments floating in this augmented universe and warn potential customers to stay away. More Info.

2) Nearest Tube – This very clever application lets you see the world and the tube through your phones camera.

Unbelivably the Nearest Tube application shows you where the nearest tube station is and also when you point your camera at the ground it shows you what lines run underneath you. No more endlessly walking in circles looking for a tube station! More Info.

1) Layar – Pretty much the most forward thinking augmented reality application out there!

Currently only available in Holland but soon to be rolled out in several other European companies, this wonderful application rolls everything into 1. The world around you is merged with the digital and on your phone screen, you can see nearby ATMS, cafe’s, clubs, homes for sale (like the video above), job listings, etc, etc, etc!!

This is one of the few augmented reality applications actually available for use on mobiles phones at the moment and shows that what was once just in the head of the Terminator is now in circulation in the real world. More info.