Augmented reality (AR) is a relatively new technology that adds a digital layer of information on top of objects and places in the real world. By pointing a smartphone or Webcam at an AR-enabled object, consumers can engage and interact with various types of experiences created by other users or brands.

Service providers need to start paying attention to this trend. Apple was just awarded a new patent related to an AR system, making it the latest handset manufacturer to place a bet that the technology will play a key role in next-generation mobile experiences. Other handset vendors (Google, Nokia, Samsung) and marketers are also supporting augmented reality. Initially, many AR-based executions relied solely on the novelty of the experience rather than including a practical application for the participant. Investments by major technology players indicate that it is time to get ahead of what is expected to be a significant wave in consumer demand for these experiences. Based on these investments, technology leaders are expecting augmented reality to play a much bigger role in how consumers access various types of content.

There have been a number of incredibly creative educational and business-related examples released in the past several months, suggesting that AR is beginning to take hold. This article provides just a few examples that have recently hit the headlines.