Metaio is demoing a new possible future in the evolutionary path for input control of wearable computing devices and it should be no surprise that Augmented Reality plays a role. There is a known UI problem with which many software and hardware makers have grappled: What is the best way to interact with the HUD (heads up display) and to control it, for example, if you are looking at a… Read More
Developer Metaio knows a thing or two about augmented reality, and building on the magic of its Audi eKurzinfo app, it’s created some prototype software for Google Glass that straps a car’s instruction manual to your face. Instead of relying on markers, GPS or point-cloud processing, the Glass app uses reference CAD models to identify what you’re looking at and overlay directions on a 3D plane. As useful as it may be for walking you through a washer fluid refill (video after the jump), Metaio has created the app to showcase its updated AR platform that’s intended to work with wearables like Epson’s Moverio and the Vuzix M100, as well as Mountain View’s monocle. The firm’s Glass app may never progress beyond proof of concept, but those attending Metaio’s annual InsideAR conference in Munich this October can look forward to a live demo.
Filed under: Peripherals, Transportation, Wearables, Mobile
Source: Metaio
Metaio announced today that it has developed the first hands-free, marker-less augmented reality car manual on Google Glass, the prototype has been developed as a proof-of-concept of the capabilities of Metaio’s AR platform on wearable devices. The core technology and platform will both be updated to accommodate wearable devices from other manufacturers such as Epson and Vuzix.
Up until now, AR technology has used point clouds or algorithms to recognize objects or images before overlaying the related content. Metaio’s platform uses 3D model frameworks of objects, making it easier for the camera to recognize objects and overlay content in dynamic environments, such as the outdoors or under variable lighting. Metaio calls it “edge-based tracking”, since the camera is essentially comparing a lite 3D model to the actual object. Edges are lined up and the augmented reality experience immediately starts. It can also track things like furniture, cars, toys, airplanes, product packaging, electronics and even entire buildings. This technology will be showcased at InsideAR 2013, Metaio’s annual tech conference which takes place between October 10 and October 11 in Munich, Germany. Attendees will be able to try out the demo on Google Glass and will also be able to experience many other wearable demos that feature hands-free AR.
Metaio To Unveil First Hands-Free AR Car Manual on Google Glass At InsideAR 2013 original content from Ubergizmo. 
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Both Metaio and Audi have worked together to deliver something which will definitely appeal to modern day drivers who want nothing but the most up to date technology around them – an interactive augmented reality manual, now how about that? Metaio happens to be a world leader in augmented reality (AR) software and solutions, while Audi – ‘nuff said. Both of them has just announced the release of the Audi A3 eKurzinfo augmented reality mobile application, which is available as a free download on iOS devices, so owning an iPhone or an iPad would be compulsory.
This is not the first time the Audi eKurzinfo app has appeared, as it did make its way for the Audi A1 before which happened to be one of the nominees for the 2013 GSMA Global Mobile Awards for Best Mobile Solution for the Automotive Industry. Seeing such success, Audi AG decided to make it available to the spanking new Audi A3, where this app can recognize more than 300 individual elements of the Audi A3, ranging from the insignia on the windshield wipers and entertainment system to actual engine components that are located under the hood, delivering relevant how-to information as well as virtual overlays of maintenance instructions that are animated in real-time 3D. You need not worry about app updates, since Metaio’s cloud-based architecture will push all the latest digital information directly to your device. [Press Release]
Interactive Augmented Reality Manual By Metaio And Audi original content from Ubergizmo. 
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Ever read your car’s instruction manual? We didn’t think so, and apparently, neither did the folks at Audi. Not too long ago, the firm introduced a unique twist on vehicle documentation, offering A1 owners an augmented reality app that could tell them about the car’s basic functions at a glance. The eKurzinfo app’s initial release only recognized 65 elements of the vehicle — but has since been improved and is now available for the A3 sedan. Say you notice the car’s new-fangled temperature gauge, but don’t quite understand how it works. Point your phone at the instrument cluster, load up the app and it will explain that when the LEDs reach the top part of the display, the engine temperature is too high. Simple. The app will even show you where to find the coolant refill tank under the hood.
The app’s developer, Metaio, says the upgraded eKurzinfo can recognize over 300 individual aspects of Audi’s A3 — from the smallest details like insignias on the car’s windshield wipers to individual engine components. This should be more than enough data for drivers who are opposed to the traditional approach of RTFM (reading the freaking manual).
Filed under: Transportation, Mobile
Earlier this morning, we read about how Metaio, having launched their augmented reality SDK in just less than two years ago, have already successfully surpassed the 50,000 developer mark – and still counting, of course. Having said that, you might […]
Like It , +1 , Tweet It , Pin It Original content from Ubergizmo. 
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Augment reality has always been cool, but it’s never been too practical for extended use. Crazy processor demands chew up battery power and deliver a workable experience, but not one that can last. Metaio aims to but an end to that with the first ever dedicated augmented-reality chip, and it’s coming as soon as the end of this year. More »
[MWC 2013] Today, Metaio announced an agreement with ST-Ericsson, in which the semi conductor manufacturer agrees to integrate Metaio’s Augmented Reality hardware IP, also known as “AREngine”, into its upcoming mobile platforms via the “first application processor accelerating Augmented Reality performance on mobile devices”, according to Metaio.
We know Metaio from its Augmented Reality mobile browser, and its multiple innovations in the field.
We do not know much about this new hardware from the information we got from Metaio, we need to ask for more details. According to the company, the new chipset “will improve nearly all aspects of an Augmented Reality experience, yielding performance increases in speed, precision and power consumption, with up to 60 times faster initialization, more than an AR app running on existing platforms – the highest to date in the mobile industry”. In addition, Metaio claims that its AREngine “drastically reduces power consumption making all-day AR experiences possible”.
By Ubergizmo. Related articles: NVIDIA Tegra 4i LTE Processor, Slacker Music Application Rebranded,
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Augmented reality is the user interface of the future. Metaio’s technology enables real-world interaction with digital content, and is leading the way in outstanding implementations of Augmented Reality. From LEGO’s in-store Digital Box that visualizes toys on product packaging to the new IKEA Catalog App, full of rich 3-D content viewed right through a smartphone.
Each year Metaio unveils the latest advances in the exciting field of Augmented Reality (AR). Business and technology professionals come from all over the world to see the newest industrial installations, the latest mobile app developments, wearable computing prototypes, and futuristic projects straight from the R&D labs of metaio and its international network of partners.
“The only way of discovering the limits of the possible is to venture a little way past them into the impossible.” – Arthur C. Clarke
More info here: http://www.metaio.com/insideAR/ and in the complete article
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