Augmented Reality ATM Finder

Apple’s iPhone is truly an amazing product; the applications it can be used for are increasing as the days go on. In the past I have spoken about a variety of apps for the iPhone, which allow the user to find various bank branch locations, atm locations, etc. The common feature with all of these apps was that they used the GPS on the iPhone to show you where it is located on Google maps.

It recently came to my attention that a company has taken it a step further, implementing augmented reality technology.

Augmented reality is a technology, which draws off the mobile phone GPS data to identify your position. Contextual information specific to your location is then layered on top of your iPhone screen in real time.

The application that uses augmented reality to help you find ATMs is called Junaio.

I have used augmented reality on the iPhone before, with an application called Layar.

I will not lie to you guys, the moment I read about Junaio, I stopped what I was doing and went to download it to test it out for myself. It was only until I downloaded the app, and went to the “Channel” ATM Finder, I realized it was only for the United States.

It was honestly a sad moment for me when I realized that it is only for the States, however it gives me hope that Canada is not to far away from having this technology incorporated to its ATM finder apps.

Junaio displays every ATM in the United States, allowing you to see all banks and credit unions included in the results. The creator of this great app is Addison Avenue FCU.

Interestingly enough, Junaio will even provide you with information as to whether the ATM you are pointing to will charge a fee or not, however if you do bank with Addison Avenue FCU, you will have no problem finding one of the 28,000 free ATMs at your disposal.

If you are interested in downloading Junaio, click here.

Below are a few images from Junaio, it is a great app, however many of its features are only available in the US.

What Does Layar have to offer?

I never thought of using Layar to find ATMs, banks or anything like that, based on the fact that I already have countless apps which do that. After reading about Junaio, and how people in the U.S. have that feature, it is an interesting thing to have, or even test out. I love using Layar to find restaurants and stores; it is a great tool to have when you are out walking and wish to find the nearest restuarant.

Layar works by having different “Layars”, which as you can tell is a play on Layers, and each Layar serves a specific purpose. One might help you find all Starbucks locations, or another will let you search for restaurants. Layar does a 10 km search, which is incredible.

I hope to see a Layar implemented like Junaio has to find ATMs. On another note, Layar may not be able to pinpoint ATMs, however it can find yourself branch locations; I tried to find locations for the Royal Bank of Canada (RBC)

If you are interested in downloading Layar, click here.

Layar is also available for Android users, and I would recommend it to anyone, it is a great way to see what is available to you through your phone.

Below are a few images of Layar, and how the app would look if you were to do a search. The search I did was something all Canadians love, Tim Hortons. As you can see, there is a small radar which shows the points of interests, and as you turn around, the camera on the iPhone will highlight the location you are facing.

What is your take on augmented reality? Would you find it useful in everyday life?