Apps
Augmented reality apps have always been something of an amazing concept for mobile device owners. Well executed apps that take advantage of the Windows Phone 7 Mango APIs to create cool experiences always get a lot of good attention for the platform and developers, and the novelty of it all does not easily wear off.
Shank, an NTU Intern at Microsoft Singapore, has realized that many app developers are interested in building their own agumented reality apps but don't have all of the know-how necessary to make that interest a reality. He's created a set of videos and articles on Innovate Singapore to help get developers started; from learning how to setup the camera to using the motion sensors and finally packaging it all together. With a little elbow grease and understanding of how the development tools work, you too can watch through the extensive tutorials and start work on your on augmented reality apps sooner rather than later.
Developers, it's time to stop thinking about that app concept you've been daydreaming on for so long and take the first steps needed to get the job done. While the tutorials may not be for the lighthearted or those brand new to app development, we've looked through the work that Shank has done ourselves and found it to be very complete and fairly simple to follow along.
Do you have an idea for an augmented reality app that you'd like to see made? Leave some thoughts in the comments below and maybe a developer can put the two together, your idea and Shank's tutorials, to get your app in the store.
Source: Innovate Singapore; Thanks, Shank
Comments
Great, except that MS don't provide a common API for the (mandatory) compass chip, leaving to OEMs to supply their own drivers. So a compass-aware app on a Samsung won't work on an LG or vice-versa (and AFAIK none work so far in Mango). MS have also stated that compass drivers won't be available until Mango is finally released by the manufacturers unless you're one of the lucky few who've been given access to pre-production v2 hardware. So, unless this policy has changed, even with the latest betas there's no way for most folk to test if their apps will work! http://forums.create.msdn.com/forums/p/85942/517505.aspx
Isn't that a little short sided? Couldn't the GPS, gyro and camera still orient you? It's probably a lot more work and heartache to do it but once you find North you know where everything else is. It's been a while so forgive me if I'm saying the wrong function for the wrong sensor but if I'm not mistaken, Camera can help determine height, scale and depth perception using the Pythagorean Formulas. The gyro can determine where the phone is with relation to x and y axis; x being the operative axis to determine left and right (for west and east or east and west) and the GPS alone can determine cardinal direction. An app could do something simple like ask the user to take 15 steps in a direction to orient itself. (of course, this is probably very primitive now. Looking at the local scout information you can get from just polling the GPS should be a big enough indicator of that).Again, a pain to code considering that the Compass is on board but still, it's not impossible. Or you know, a dev can just wait. :)
Microsoft does provide common API - however that API cannot work without OEM-specific drivers (same as all other hardware features of the phones). No surprise here!
"at the current moment" for 7712. Should not be as such for final release. GPS and Camera on pre-mango devices are perfect example.
1. There is a common API in the Mango SDK2. OEMs have yet to supply their own drivers in 7712, which is why the Motion.IsSupported would yield a false in retail phones running 7712. If i am not wrong, currently the OEMs would be putting in their drivers as well as customization for 7720 before the update goes out3. A compass aware app on Samsung WILL WORK on a LG, if you code using the common APIs provided in the Mango SDK (final)4. Correct on that part. Developers could always contact their local microsoft phone reps or Evangelist to arrange for a time for you to test your AR code on their devices.
I want his desktop, with the Windows 8 Style :D looks awesome.
Same thoughts :))) As I have found - it's Rainmeter combined with Omnimo 4.1.
yea :D Am using Rainmeter with Omnnimo for my "Metro-ish" desktop
Welcome to WPCentral Tim! Did you officially convert from webOS now and which WP7 device are you using?