Video-In and Magnetometers Could Introduce Interesting iPhone App Possibilites

[MacRumors]

The discovery that Apple's next iPhone might contain both video input as well as a magnetometer (digital compass) opens up some interesting possibilities for future iPhone applications.

Over at TouchArcade, game researcher Blair MacIntyre demonstrated an example of an Augmented Reality application that was in testing on the iPhone. Augmented Reality is described as a combination of real-world and computer-generated data, where computer graphics objects are blended into video footage in real time.

The example shown demonstrated the realtime overlaying graphics on top of video on the iPhone:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_0bitKDKdg0

A more sophisticated example of a Zombie shooter was also shown using non-iPhone hardware. Due to SDK video restrictions, these apps would not be allowed in the App Store at this time, but both of these would be possible on the new iPhone if the rumors hold true.

The inclusion of a magnetometer (Digital Compass) will also introduce a number of new possibilities. Unlike accelerometers, a 3-axis magnetometer can determine absolute position. A Nokia blog post details what this could mean:

A traditional compass only works when it is held horizontally. As Paul Coulton recently described in his Forum Nokia Blogs posting, the Nokia 6210 includes a 3-axis magnetometer. Through some calculations, it is possible to find out the absolute direction in which the phone is facing, no matter how the phone is oriented.

Examples of how this could be used include pointing your iPhone's camera at a building and the phone telling you what building it is by combining GPS, accelerometer and compass information. The iPhone could even overlay graphics and text on top of the image to provide additional information. Another possible application described is the ability to show information about stars and constellations simply pointing your iPhone towards the sky.

These sensors could also make this mockup/concept application a reality as well:

http://vimeo.com/1496857

Such an application is not possible with the current iPhone's accelerometers alone.

Article Link: Video-In and Magnetometers Could Introduce Interesting iPhone App Possibilites

[Harpo]

Originally Posted by MacRumors

The iPhone could even overlay graphics and text on top of the image to provide additional information.

That's very futuristic, like Back to the Future II.

[roberry82]

It's exciting to think all that's in store in technology for us.

[djourd]

wow this is cool

[DeathSticks]

Soon to live in a Star Wars reality.. thanx Apple

[coolfactor]

Two words...

Unbelievably Amazing!!

again....

Unbelievably Amazing!!

The iPhone truly is living beyond what many of us could've imagined 2 years ago.

[Rychy]

Holy crap that sounds cool!!

[MikeELL]

I'm in love with this phone already.
2 more months, 2 more months...!

Can you imagine a new generation of first person shooter games: like paintballing or laser skirmish but in ANY environment you wanted to. Or going for runs every afternoon but racing a ghost of yourself from previous runs. Doing renovations of your house and being able to walk through an architect's 3d model. Surgeons being able to view a patient's CAT scans from any angle while in the middle of an operation.

Augmented reality... here we come.

[winks360]

How did these guys make these if the new iPhone is yet to be released

[Emulsion]

I really like this idea. I just hope someone makes an add on for those of us that can't upgrade this time around.

[kastenbrust]

Originally Posted by MikeELL

I'm in love with this phone already.
2 more months, 2 more months...!

Can you imagine a new generation of first person shooter games: like paintballing or laser skirmish but in ANY environment you wanted to. Or going for runs every afternoon but racing a ghost of yourself from previous runs. Doing renovations of your house and being able to walk through an architect's 3d model. Surgeons being able to view a patient's CAT scans from any angle while in the middle of an operation.

Augmented reality... here we come.

Seriously man, become a programmer.

It is rather cool though, in that second vid the cat looked like it was popping out the screen

[DipDog3]

I'll play them all!

[dmmcintyre3]

Originally Posted by kastenbrust

It is rather cool though, in that second vid the cat looked like it was popping out the screen

It did.

I would use it to make it look like I had a 30 inch display and a Mac Pro

[MrSmith]

Would the compass work with the current 3Gs? I mean, is the required hardware already in the phone?

[ravenvii]

If this actually becomes reality in the new iPhone, I'm officially old.

When you are so mind blown by technology like that, is when you know you're no longer a member of the current generation.

[kastenbrust]

Originally Posted by dmmcintyre3

It did.

I would use it to make it look like I had a 30 inch display and a Mac Pro

Dual 30" Displays obviously.

Compass + GPS + Google Maps = Heaven.

[vvebsta]

Originally Posted by kastenbrust

Dual 30" Displays obviously.

Compass + GPS + Google Maps = Heaven.

Compass + GPS + Google Maps =Fountain of Youth, City of Atlantis, El Dorado

[Cleve]

Future versions of iPhoto could build a 3D world just like Microsoft Photosynth does...even 4 D if you take pictures over time
http://9to5mac.com/iphone-video-camera-interface

also the voice control in the camera seems interesting

[arn]

Originally Posted by winks360

How did these guys make these if the new iPhone is yet to be released

1st one is on an iPhone but Apple doesn't allow Video in officially, so it's a hack.

2nd one is a mockup.

arn

[kajitox]

This is VERY interesting stuff, thanks arn!

[SFStateStudent]

I totally love this stuff. Virtual Pet rocz...

[mikeinternet]

This would be great to use with google street view.

[talkingfuture]

Magnetometer is the coolest word ever!

[dongmin]

Google is already well on their way in creating 3D maps of major city centers. All that is required now is an efficient framework to stream 3D data to your phone.

Imagine another couple of years when people can wear special goggles with magnetometers built-in that can overlay 3D information onto the real world you're viewing through your goggles. Imagine also being able to project this information onto your car windshield. The possibilities are really endless. This could be a whole new paradigm of combining the internet's vast data with the physical world.

Not too far off really. All that's required is an iPhone Goggle™ and a really fast network connection to constantly fetch 3D overlay data.

[MrSmith]

Originally Posted by dongmin

Imagine another couple of years when people can wear special goggles with magnetometers built-in that can overlay 3D information onto the real world you're viewing through your goggles.

Even wearing earphones can be dangerous along roads.