With the phrase “augmented reality” popping up in the news lately, I thought it would be worthwhile to share with you one of the coolest new travel applications that’s available for the iPhone: Word Lens. This app is part of the growing trend for smart phones that give the user an augmented reality. What augmented reality means is that the apps takes advantage of the forward and rear facing cameras on the new smart phones and tablets. When you turn the camera on, rather than just showing you what is actually there, it overlays information about the subject on the screen. For example: if you pointed the camera at a building, instead of just showing the building on the screen, it would overlay details about what is housed in that building.

Word Lens is an app developed by Quest Visual and is currently available for English to Spanish and Spanish to English translations. All you have to do is point your camera phone at a sign (or any written word) and it will translate in real time. It doesn’t do this as a subtitle; it actually changes the appearance of the sign itself. Rather than try and explain watch this video:

Kemwel offers international car rentals, which will give you a chance to try this app yourself. Contact us today for your travel needs.

Bookmark to: