Launchpad: Augmented reality

Every week,Launchpad,will bring to you hot launches from the world of technology. Watch this space for the latest and the best of gadgets,services,apps and much more.

Augmented reality

Mobile chip-maker Qualcomm recently demonstrated a few Augmented reality (AR) apps. AR is a technology whose potential seems a lot like science fiction,but is very close to being real. With Vuforia in your smartphone,you can point at a target to start the AR experience on your phone (it can launch a 3D image of the target). There are many AR companies that employ this method of recognizing images just like QR codes which gives users additional information. Imagine pointing your phone at a picture of Didier Drogba and the footballers visit to India pop up on the screen. AR is also being used to turn any target surface into a touchscreen interface. The future is here.

Seagate Backup Plus 500GB

Seagate has added Backup Plus to its external storage device line-up. It offers a convenient way to store and back-up data,integrate photos and videos from Facebook,Flickr and YouTube. The slim and light-weight Backup Plus comes in two categories. The portable models are available in 500GB and 1TB sizes and the bulky desktop drives are available in 2TB and 3TB. The drives Dashboard software interface allows users to backup and share files from or on to social networks,Windows or Mac OS devices.

Huawei HiLink E303Cs

Story continues below this ad

Huawei launched USB internet device HiLink E303Cs. It claims that the device is the worlds first true plug-and-connect device. The company says that HiLink can automatically connect users to the internet in under 15 seconds after it is plugged to the USB port,without any driver installation or manual configuration. Huawei HiLink E303Cs is the EDGE/GPRS/GSM-compatible and supports HSPA+ network with download speeds of up to 7.2 Mbps.

Canon EOS C300

Canon has launched its C300 cinema camera. The latest cinema camera is available in two models: the EOS C300,equipped with an EF lens mount; and the EOS C300 PL,offering a PL lens mount for use with industry-standard PL lenses. The camera features an approximately 8.29-megapixel CMOS sensor suited for digital cinematography. The compact C300 series should allow filmmakers to shoot from difficult vantage points,like close to the ground and alongside walls.