Augmented reality or the ability to digitally overlay content in real-time, has finally come to the consumer realm. Most will know augmented reality from sporting events where logos, field lines and info boxes are digitally overlaid. Augmented reality has many unexplored applications and will eventually become ubiquitous like GPS. This first to the iPhone application called “Nearest Tube” allows users to see subway tunnels and station entrances combined with their current perspective in one virtual yet real view. Utilizing the iPhone 3GS digital compass and GPS receiver, Nearest Tube from AcrossAir provides a never before seen perspective of our world.

“When you load the app, holding it flat, all 13 lines of the London underground are displayed in coloured arrows. By tilting the phone upwards, you will see the nearest stations: what direction they are in relation to your location, how many kilometres and miles away they are and what tube lines they are on. If you continue to tilt the phone upwards, you will see stations further away, as stacked icons.” Nearest Tube [acrossair.com].