Photo from XTR3D.com

I wrote a story last month, in the February issue of SD Times, about Total Immersion’s Augmented Reality software that allows end-users to experience simulations of real events or items – from trying on fashion accessories to “trying-on” a new couch in their living room – with their cell phone. The concept also extended to PC gaming, baseball cards and, of course, video games.

Qualcomm, at Mobile World Conference, demonstrated their AR SDK and some games for Android-based cell phones. The technology is not only being used for games and retail, but it is also being considered for education, particularly in the medical field.

Immersion also demonstrated their technology for mobile devices, Haptics, – which literally "touches" you back, as David Rubinstein wrote in his blog post on the subject – furthr enhancing the abilities of mobile devices, including Tablets.

XTR3D also demonstrated their technology at Mobile World Conference. The technology allows end-users to perform actions on their phone or tablet device (and eventually Web TVs and PCs, according to CEO Dor Givon) with motions, such as an open hand to answer a call and a closed hand to hang-up. These motions can also be applied to applications that require the user to “scroll” through, like a newspaper or Web app, and also to work virtually hands-free while in a car or otherwise occupied.

This XTR3D technology works with devices on the market – any device that has a front facing camera can utilize their SDK and it is meant to be cross platform, according to Givon.

The camera captures the motions of the end-user and tracks the person’s movements in front of the device, then it analyzes what the motions mean – based on gestures assigned to different device processes – and then the device performs the desired action.

This technology is interesting, mainly because of how it is displayed in their promotional videos – the possibilities are truly endless. You can turn on your phone, read a newspaper, answer the phone, change your GPS direction and do a hundred other things with the flick of your hand.

How will this change how we interact with our devices? Do you think the devices will become even more installed in our daily activities? Will more laws (such as the do not text and drive, driving with a hands free device) need to be passed to include these capabilities? Share your thoughts with us.