Augmented Reality X Singapore

Hi, good afternoon!
I've never witnessed augmented reality (AR) for myself in Singapore.

Ultimate confession hahahhaha!
So I was surprised to find lots of news coverage and ideas on AR when I googled it! :D

Here are some interesting events/ideas I found:

#1 WINTER WONDERLAND AT MARINA SQUARE
Firstly, Marina square is one of my longest favourite shopping mall hahhaha!! Korean bbq, yummy food court food, and the newest addition to my favourite list: LADY M. Delicious Green tea cakes mmmm. So in 2013, Christmas was a crazy wild experience for many @ Marina Sq!
People could actually immerse themselves in 3D AR of the North Pole! and see polar bears!!
I wished I knew about this hahaha!



#2 AR in Shopping. I repeat, shopping!!! hahahah! 
So cool!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This whole was based in the UK, so I guess Sg doesn't have it yet.



To be honest, I still cannot tell if someone looks good in an apparel, so this idea is not completely flawless. But it is fun hahhhaa! and definitely a new experience for shoppers. I wonder if they would take into account body type of an indidual,HEHEHE! :)

So, what is Augmented Reality??!
Fusing the real and virtual world by overlaying digital data on to the real-world analogue views. Anyone with a mobile phone or laptop with built-in video capability can augment and extend their reality with easy-to-use applications :D

How does Augmented Reality works?!??
It's like magic! Hahahahaha!~
Basically, it uses two approaches: Marker-based or Location-based

Markers work by having software recognise a particular pattern, such as a barcode or symbol, when a camera points at it, and overlaying a digital image at that point on the screen. If the image is three-dimensional or animated, the effect is of a digital experience unfolding on the surface upon which the pattern is printed.

Location-based applications use the ability of a particular device to record its position in the world and then offer data that’s relevant to that location: finding your way around a city, remembering where you parked the car, naming the mountains around you or the stars in the sky. 

What skills would you need to be the AR MASTER? 
☼     A mixture of advanced computer vision skills

      ☼     3D modelling - includes texturing, shading and rendering

      ☼     Desktop, web or mobile programming

      ☼     Preferred programming languages can vary according to the platform but are usually C++ and C#

      ☼     A passion for pushing the boundaries of new technologies

      ☼     Open to new research in the field 

What are some platforms for you to experiment AR? :)
DOWNLOAD LAYAR ON YOUR SMARTPHONE. RIGHT NOW. AND YOU'LL SEE WHAT I MEAN. HEEHEE!~


Till then. Lets await for Augmented reality to seep into our lives :)

Find out more here! :)