The principle of augmented reality based iPhone apps is to use the superb multitasking and image processing capabilities provided by the iPhone. Even though the technology of augmented reality is still in an embryonic stage, these smart iPhone apps give us a small glimpse of what’s to come. Most of these apps are available at Apple’s iTunes App Store. So check out the top 10 best Augmented reality apps for iPhone in 2012 Here are some really cool iPhone apps with augmented reality features.

1. AugMeasure

AugMeasure is an augmented reality iPhone app that approximately calculates short distances for you. It uses a digital overlay of an inch or centimeter scale. Rough estimates of measurements to up to 30 cm can be made.

2. Pocket Universe

Your iPhone will turn into a sky guide with this one-of-a-kind app. It provides you with the latest info about the night sky, like stars, planets, meteor showers and comets. All this info is calculated relative to the time of the date at your location. It is an awesome application to have for amateur and professional stargazers alike.

3. WorkSnug

‘WorkSnug’ was developed by a company called Plantronics. It is devised to guide people to locations around a city where they can work, relax or simply hang out. It presents information as a digital overlay over the real time camera feed. Info on power connectivity, wi-fi connectivity, noise levels and even the quality of coffee at a particular café is shown. Simply point your iPhone camera at a place and it displays all the information as a graphic overlay. However, it is only available in select cities including Berlin, Paris, Barcelona, New York, Rotterdam, Leiden, Brighton, Madrid, Hague and San Fransisco.

4. Le Bar Guide

Drunken people, waving their iPhones around the street is not advisable. However, if you drink responsibly (which this app urges you to do) then Le Bar Guide is for you. This iPhone app can point to the nearest bars from your location and provide info about them like distance, address, prices etc.

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5. DishPointer

DishPointer is an app devoted to locating the nearest satellites in the sky. All one needs to do is point at the patch of sky directly overhead and the app will ‘augment reality’ for you and displays a virtual overlay of satellite orbit paths and current locations.

6. Layar

Layar is, in my opinion, the most remarkable augmented reality iPhone app ever. The app captures the view from your iPhone camera and using this info fetches satellite data and GPS coordinates and then displays a virtual overlay of photos and information about the places around you!

7. Theodolite

This app provides the virtual substitute for a theodolite view through your iPhone camera. It functions both as a inclinometer and compass. It displays data about your current coordinates, as well as slope and elevation. It is a useful augmented reality app for mountaineering and trekking enthusiasts!

8. Panoramascope

This app makes a digital overlay of topographical details over image in front of the iPhone’s camera. It uses actual data from NASA. Panoramascope is a really cool and useful application to have when you go trekking.

9. Bionic Eye

Almost like ‘Theodolite’, this app provides information about any location that the iPhone is pointed at. It mainly provides info about local points of interest (restaurants, cafes, bars, theatres etc) and guides you to them.

10. SnapShop Showroom

Visualize, using augmented reality based virtual overlays, a piece of furniture over an actual room seen through the iPhone camera! Now you can virtually see how a piece of furniture will look in your living room using this app!

Have any other apps that should be in the list of Top 10 Best Augmented Reality Apps For 2012? Let us know in the comment section below.

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About the author: Kelly is a blogger by profession. She loves writing on technology and luxury. Beside this she is fond of gadgets. Recently an article on most expensive computer attracted her attention. These days she is busy in writing an article on mobiles in india. 

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