We see that TripAdvisor have updated their Apple app this week that now includes a new augmented reality function.
We just had to pause the routine at the motel and download the update to our iPhone to give it a test-drive.
We first encountered augmented reality with AA Travel's nifty XplrNZ app last year that also uses innovative location based service technology. This interactive feature makes the user experience very personalised.
Users of the updated TripAdvisor app now have available "Live View" functionality on the go by viewing a live picture of their immediate surroundings through their iPhone, iPod Touch or iPad 2's camera. Users can view TripAdvisor’s reviews and opinions of hotels, restaurants and attractions superimposed over what they see through their mobile device's camera.
One feature that we thought was an especially cool point of difference was the "Virtual Tours" feature that allows travellers to take a virtual walk around their travel destination with TripAdvisor reviews and opinions superimposed over Street View from Google.
Accommodation can can be booked in both the Live View and Virtual Tours mode via TripAdvisor's OTA partner sites.
Would we use it? Probably not, however we should never assume that our future guests will act like we do!
Get the full story at the TripAdvisor blog.
