A London theme today with two augmented reality applications for Londoners and visitors to the capital.

The Museum of London have released an augmented reality application for the iPhone. The difference is you use the application to explore London rather than explore a museum.

Using the application, users are able to use augmented reality to explore their surroundings using the iPhone’s camera view and seeing photos of their location as it was in the past. Imaging being at locations such as Carnaby Street and seeing it as it was in the 60s. It’s an excellent idea for Londoners and tourists alike.
The application is free, the only thing missing in my opinion is the ability for users to upload their own historical pictures of London. I’m sure many people have many pictures sitting around in their album that they would want to share and contribute. Sharing would have made the application perfect.

You can get the Museum of London – London Street Museum here:

Keeping with the London theme, there have been many books written about London. Some of them thrillers, some of them factual. If you live in London have you ever wondered if any have been based in your neighbourhood?
Get London Reading is an augmented reality iPhone application that enables users to discover just what books were set nearby. Even the in the drab neighbourhood that I call home I was surprised to find that there is a number of books set nearby.

When I first came across this application a few weeks back I didn’t feel it warranted it’s own blog post, but having taken another look, if you like reading it throws up a lot of really interesting books that you can’t help but add to your Amazon wish list.   It’s well worth installing and discovering just how famous you area is.

Get London Reading is free and can be installed from here:

If you are not based in London, or if you think you can do better. Why not make your own neighbourhood view by creating a Wikitude World and entering the Wikitude World Cup. Every new World submitted gets entered into the competition to win a new smartphone.  Take a look at the competition here: www.wikitude.org/worldcup