Wikitude has released their latest AR app for Android, called Wikitude Drive, which the company calls the world’s first augmented reality navigation system. The app works by showing your navigation route on top of the camera view on your Android device.
As you can see in the photos below, your smartphone camera will show you the road ahead, and then the Wikitude Drive app puts an overlay of directions on top of what your smartphone camera displays.
“Wikitude Drive revolutionizes mobile navigation. Instead of using a digital map, the driver simply needs to follow a line projected onto his camera view. It all happens in real time”, said Martin Herdina, CEO of Wikitude. Following a line is a lot easier than following a route on a rather abstract map that hardly resembles reality. “In addition, Wikitude Drive proves to be a road safety milestone because the driver’s view never leaves the road”, Herdina pointed out one of the app’s key advantages.
How Wikitude Drive Enhances Navigation
The innovative approach of Wikitude Drive offers several benefits over traditional GPS navigation systems. Traditional systems often require drivers to glance away from the road to check their route on a digital map, which can be distracting and potentially dangerous. By integrating the navigation route directly into the camera view, Wikitude Drive ensures that drivers can keep their eyes on the road at all times. This real-time overlay of directions helps in reducing the cognitive load on drivers, making navigation simpler and safer.
Moreover, the app’s augmented reality feature provides a more intuitive way to follow directions. Instead of interpreting abstract lines and symbols on a map, drivers can see exactly where they need to go in the context of the real world. This can be particularly useful in complex driving environments, such as busy city streets or unfamiliar rural areas.
Additional Features and Benefits
Wikitude Drive isn’t just about augmented reality navigation; it also comes packed with several other features that enhance the overall driving experience. For instance, the app includes voice-guided turn-by-turn directions, which further minimizes the need for drivers to look at their screens. This feature is especially useful for long drives or when navigating through heavy traffic.
Another significant advantage of Wikitude Drive is its ability to update routes in real-time based on traffic conditions. This ensures that drivers are always taking the most efficient route to their destination, saving both time and fuel. The app also supports offline maps, which means that users can navigate even in areas with poor or no internet connectivity.
The app’s user interface is designed to be user-friendly, with clear and concise instructions that are easy to follow. The integration of augmented reality with traditional navigation elements like distance markers and estimated time of arrival makes for a comprehensive navigation tool.
“Wikitude Drive revolutionizes mobile navigation. Instead of using a digital map, the driver simply needs to follow a line projected onto his camera view. It all happens in real time”, said Martin Herdina, CEO of Wikitude. Following a line is a lot easier than following a route on a rather abstract map that hardly resembles reality. “In addition, Wikitude Drive proves to be a road safety milestone because the driver’s view never leaves the road”, Herdina pointed out one of the app’s key advantages.
The Wikitude Drive AR navigation app is now available from the Google Play Store for $9.99. Given its innovative features and the potential to significantly enhance road safety, it is a worthwhile investment for anyone who frequently relies on navigation apps. Whether you’re a daily commuter or an occasional traveler, Wikitude Drive offers a modern solution to traditional navigation challenges, making your journeys smoother and safer.
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