Is Augmented Reality The Next Big Mobile Tech?

Augmented reality, or the blending of real-time video with computer enhanced imagery, is causing some buzz in the marketing world. And according to a panel at International CIA Wireless 2010, it will enable brands to change passive consumers into active performers.

As an example of augmented reality, you can look at the Jack Link’s Messing with Sasquatch campaign, or the more recent Avatar action figure line released by Mattel. While both are focused around web cams on computers, it is easy to see how that same technology could be ported over to the mobile phone.

Right now, the augmented reality applications for mobile devices are fairly limited to social applications and games, but it is only a matter of time before we are seeing virtual overlays of product specs, nutritional information, and any other kind of consumer directed data. Food to think about when considering the mobile strategy for your brand…