Fun with AR: Strangers on a (BART) Train

Augmented reality poses all kinds of exciting opportunities for gaming and advertising alike. However, we sometimes like to ignore those and think about what can go horribly, horribly wrong.

(Click for a readable size.)

Imagine a world where everything fits right. And matches.

Augmented Reality Texture Extraction Experiment from Lee Felarca on Vimeo.

There are a million possible applications for this awesomeness, most of which are probably also completely awesome. But, being a consumer whore, I decided to write about just one seriously consumerrific use for being able to upload the volume and texture of a product: making sure shit perfectly fits _____ body part/hallway/dining room color scheme before you buy it. (With your AR mobile PayPal account.)

Take that, stupid Ikea coffee table that I'm always stubbing my toe on.


Extra thanks to zero point nine for being rad and showing me awesome stuff.

PayPal's convenient, yet germaphobically horrifying vision of the future.

San Francisco ad shop EVB made this video for their client PayPal. Give it a good watch for me and then continue on to my craziness below.



1. Yes. You guys rock.
2. Touchscreens everywhere = serious OCD germaphobia madness. I already use hand sanitizer after looking at the 38 Geary. Movie posters that have probably been pissed on are not going to be my preferred point of sale.
3. Good luck getting this concept in practice before anyone else. No I mean it. It's probably the only thing that will save PayPal.
4. A more practical but less cool-looking scenario would be an augmented reality program for existing devices with ad and product recognition. Paypal could partner with advertisers to put an AR marker - or just a bar code - on any physical ad, menu, or even the product itself for an instant online mobile purchase. "OMG I love your shoes! Can I scan them???" Also, fewer germs.


Thanks to EVB for getting my thinker thinkifying.