The View From Above: In Hard Focus Round-up (August 22nd, 2011)

Augmented Reality Mirror allows you to see your better self: Researchers at the Multimedia and Vision research group at Queen Mary, University of London, have created an application that allows one to change one’s appearance in real time, as reported by New Scientist. Utilizing 3D modeling and feature tracking to create a virtual mirror, the technology could have lots of real-world applications, the obvious being for aesthetic reasons like plastic surgery consultations. See the video above for an application of this technology. 

3-D GPS breakthrough will mean accuracy for scientists and consumers alike: Fast Company reports that scientists at Rice University are working to improve GPS system calculations, which are typically affected by poor altitude judgment and errors from radio signal filtering. The software in development, which aims to filter out these errors and thus improve accuracy, will certainly have wide implications for location-based services beyond simple GPS navigation, from glacier tracking to more precise location-based services and applications (think within centimeters).

Apple betting on AR with a new patent: Apple has recently filed a patent application that will essentially incorporate AR technology into the iPhone’s camera. This patent will not only bring a new layer of information to the already useful native applications (Maps and Compass, for example), but, as CNET reports, may give AR the push it needs to hit mainstream adoption and use. Not to mention, it also opens up the platform for companies and developers looking to get on the Augmented Reality train.