So, Mobilizy just released a new update for Wikitude, one that allows you to point your phone at ground zero and see a 3d virtual version of the Twin Towers on the phone’s screen.
- First we should congratulate Mobilizy for intergrating 3d objects into Wikitude. That’s only two weeks after Layar made a similar move. If I understand correctly, Wikitude doesn’t let folks upload their own 3d models yet, but that’s surely not that difficult.
- We should also congratulate Mobilizy for a smart marketing move. Yes, it’s very respectful, and I actually think that there should be such a virtual memorial. However, one cannot deny that such videos as the above create buzz, something that Wikitude’s competitors usually excel at. I can only imagine the impact of such application if they had released it last month, for 9/11.
- I’m fascianted by how the AR illusion is completly destroyed at around 00:18, when the buildings look very small just because there’s a tree in the background. That’s not Wikitude’s fault, but it just shows us how much there’s still to be done to make AR look good.
More details at TechCrunch.
Filed under: Uncategorized | Tagged: GPS and Compass, Handhelds and Cellphones, Mobilizy, Tourism and Outdoors, Wikitude |
Games Alfresco 
“I’m fascianted by how the AR illusion is completly destroyed at around 00:18″… yep, that was my first thought. would have been incredibly difficult to find another spot without an occluding tree. *g* A neat step forward by Mobilizy, though.
On the one hand them doing this as it IS a bit of a publicity stunt. Ive no problem them rebuilding the trade centres virtually, but to make it the first thing you do is a bit going after the press, imho.
That said, it demonstrates nicely something AR is perfect for; Showing us stuff that’s no longer there.
Historic and destroyed building overlays I can see becoming very big in AR.
One question though; I know its earlier days and hardware isnt that powerfull….but surely we could still have textured objects no?
@Thomas,
Yes textures are possible..