SmartAR: New augmented reality tech from Sony

Although augmented reality has yet to hit big time, there are numerous popular apps such as Wikitude and Augmented Car Finder which use augmented reality to provide real world benefits to users.

Smart AR is the new augmented reality technology from Sony which can be integrated into future mobile devices. Akhibara News reports that the SmartAR technology will be able to follow multiple objects at the same time. In simpler terms, augmented reality is the method of integrating virtual objects into the real world view as seen on the screens of mobile devices.

Samsung Galaxy SII touches 1 million mark in one month

Samsung Galaxy S II sales are attributed to good hardware, though even small improvements like being able to access missed calls and SMSs without unlocking the screen add to user experience.

In record breaking sales figures Samsung Galaxy SII reached the magical one million mark within only a month of its launch. Its previous version, the Samsung Galaxy S had reached the same figure in 70 days. 

The Android handset, which runs on a dual core system on a chip (SOC), hit Korean stores in April and received a rousing welcome perhaps for its good hardware.

Five must-have smartphone apps for driving

Here we have shortlisted five mobile applications that every driver who owns a smartphone must install for assistance while on the move.

The smartphone has evolved to be useful in every walk of life, bringing a world of information and utility to the palm of the person holding it.

Today smartphones are used extensively for navigation and are fast replacing standalone personal navigation devices, which are now considered bulky and limited. Most smartphones come with inbuilt GPS (Global Positioning System) that allow them to monitor the device's location using a tracking signal from geo stationary satellites.

Another advantage of smartphones over conventional navigational devices is that handsets can be used to make calls in case of emergencies like accidents.

There are applications for smartphones that can assist a driver in better driving. Here we have shortlisted five such applications that every driver who owns a smartphone must install for assistance while on the move.

Enjoy location based services on Aircel without a GPS enabled handset

Aircel subscribers will be able to use the service to find nearby restaurants or gyms, find the fastest route home, or keep track of children or the elderly with a tracking service.

Aircel plans to offer its 2G and 3G subscribers better location based services and to get real time tracking, navigation information and information services while on the move, without the need to buy a GPS enabled phone from next month.

Aircel, has selected Ericsson to provide the mobile positioning systems for its subscribers. Through these services subscribers will be able to find nearby restaurants or gyms, the fastest route home, or keep track of children or the elderly with a tracking service. Enterprises could also use the services for effective resource management.

Mallikarjun Rao, chief technology officer, Aircel, said "There is huge potential in offering this value- added service to our consumers. Most Indians spend on average 90 minutes per day on the roads; location-based services will definitely increase efficiency and enhance the quality of their life."

Ericsson's Mobile Positioning Systems (MPS) will offer advanced Location Based Services (LBS) to Aircel subscribers and can support several positioning alternatives for GSM and WCDMA(3G). This ranges from network-based methods (using cell tower based information), which will be available to all users, to more accurate terminal-based methods (in phone/device capablity) using GPS positioning for people with GPS enabled phones.

Aircel already offers 'pocketfinder' service which helps users find places of interest nearby such as petrol pumps, ATMs, hospitals, restaurants etc. However, with this new deployment these services will be expanded and their accuracy improved.