During the Nokia and Microsoft Switch To Lumia event in New York today, Nokia unveiled and demonstrated their new City Lens features which have been built to be used with Windows Phone 8 and uses Nokia Maps technology.
Nokia City Lens is a feature that is included on the new Nokia Lumia 920 smartphone officially announced today, and allows you to get an augmented reality view of city streets, on the screen of your Lumia 920.
How Nokia City Lens Works
Once powered up, Nokia City Lens overlays information on the screen of Nokia as you point your camera at city streets. This augmented reality feature provides you with easy access to more information about restaurants, shops, landmarks, and other points of interest. By simply pointing your Lumia 920 at a location, you can instantly see reviews, contact information, and even directions.
The integration with Nokia Maps ensures that you not only get visual information but also detailed directions. Whether you are walking or driving, Nokia Maps can guide you to your destination seamlessly. This combination of augmented reality and mapping technology makes exploring new cities and neighborhoods more intuitive and engaging.
Practical Applications and Benefits
Nokia City Lens is particularly useful for tourists and new residents in a city. Imagine you are visiting New York for the first time. With Nokia City Lens, you can walk down Times Square and instantly get information about the best places to eat, shop, and visit. This can save you time and enhance your travel experience by helping you make informed decisions on the go.
For example, if you are looking for a place to dine, you can point your Lumia 920 at a street filled with restaurants. City Lens will display the names, ratings, and even menus of the restaurants, allowing you to choose the best option without having to search manually. This feature is also beneficial for finding hidden gems that you might otherwise overlook.
Another practical application is for daily commuting. If you are in a new part of town and need to find the nearest subway station or bus stop, City Lens can quickly point you in the right direction. This can be particularly helpful in large cities where public transportation options are abundant but sometimes confusing.
Watch the video after the jump to learn more about the City Lens feature and see it in action. “Nokia City Lens provides the most intuitive way to explore the world around you.”
Source: Nokia
In addition to its practical uses, Nokia City Lens also offers a fun and interactive way to engage with your surroundings. For instance, you can use it to discover historical landmarks and learn about their significance, making your city exploration both educational and entertaining.
Moreover, businesses can benefit from being featured on City Lens. By ensuring their information is up-to-date and engaging, they can attract more customers who are using the app to find services and products. This creates a symbiotic relationship between users and local businesses, enhancing the overall urban experience.
In conclusion, Nokia City Lens is a groundbreaking feature that leverages augmented reality and mapping technology to provide a richer, more informative urban exploration experience. Whether you are a tourist, a new resident, or a daily commuter, City Lens offers valuable insights and directions that make navigating city streets easier and more enjoyable.
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