Thanks to Pokemon Go we're all a little more familiar with the phrase augmented reality (AR for short) - that is, using your phone to supplement the real world with computer generated content. There's a ton of great apps which use AR, but to get you started here's Transcendit's pick of the 5 genius augmented reality apps that nobody seems to know about.
Star Walk 2 - £2.28 on iOS, Android and Windows
Ever taken a nighttime stroll and wondered what the names of those stars were? Using Star Walk you can just hold your phone up to the sky, and it tells you everything you ever wanted to know. It works in the day as well as at night, and can tell you exactly where certain constellations or planets are - or will be if the sun is still up!
Inkhunter - Get it free for iOS (Android and Windows are on the way)
This is an awesome app which allows you to 'try on' tattoos in real time. Select a sketch, or sketch your own and take a photo of it. Then draw three little lines where you want the tattoo, aim your phone and the app projects the design onto your body. You can resize, rotate and generally meddle around until you're happy with it, at which point you can snap a pic.
Wikitude - Get it free for iOS and Android
This clever little apple combines augmented reality with Google searches. Just hold your phone up to a restaurant, store, monument, magazine (pretty much anything at all) and you'll get a ton of content from reviews to tweets. It brings up any and all information about whatever you're looking at - handy for when you're exploring a new area.
Night Terrors - To be released October 2016
Ok, so what about gaming? Night Terrors isn't released yet, but the concept is exciting and terrifying in equal measure. Hold up your phone, and transform your house/flat/office into a haunted, horror-ridden maze of jump scares. You can pre-order it from their crowdfunding page. To be honest, we're scared just watching the trailer.
WallaMe - Get it free for iOS and Android
Draw something on any real world surface using the app, and anyone connected with you can go and find it to see your message. We weren't blown away by the trailer for WallaMe, but the possibilities of this app go way beyond leaving hearts around for your beloved. We're thinking hand drawn directions for that friend who always gets lost, and very elaborate treasure hunts.
