check out the internet of things. an old idea creating a mesh of things were virtual & real worlds finally become one. it's a long shot right now, but probably also the end of "augmented" and the beginning of "integrated" economics.

While we have done traditional end-user and installation-based Augmented Reality in the past (www.GetImaginality.com, which uses an iTunes-like business model) this use-case demanded a different approach that could be highly robust and secure, very easy to use, no staff overheads, small space requirements and complex visuals.

Currently, this approach is not possible to the same degree in mobile handsets, but I am sure a day will come when it is. However, it will require a different business model and considerably more customer awareness/education. In my opinion, this is a larger challenge than the technology in many situations.

New Zealand TV1′s NZI Business recently ran the peice on our Digital Binocular Station at the Canterbury Museum. It is available to view at http://tvnz.co.nz/business-news/nzi-business-november-10-mindspace-takes-interactive-learning-next-level-2-40-3123877

Video, images and more info are at http://www.DigitalBinocularStation.com

About 3 years ago I thought Mobile RFID (or NFC?) can be a next generation 'Offline / Physical Hypertext to Online' in the future.

But RFID technology now find its way on the Supply Chain Management, not mobile service in Korea.

That's why the ownership of RFID chip cost is ambiguous and RFID-reader embedded phone is not widly spread yet.

The service cases of combined camera phone and augement reality shows the edge of next generation service, I think.

Output type: Multi-layered, Input type: Multi-modal.

About it we will need more shiny ideas as well as technology.

Brad Cho

http://www.visionarena.net

New money being realized with old technologies, that have found it´s value through new applications and services. Latest from MNO 3 in Sweden, a family subscription including mobile where all family members can follow each others geographical position on a map on the screen. (not sure my daughter ant that switched on on hers, though…)

I think also company wikis with blogs , all the news and more will make way into mobiles, but still require openness in allowing any content be posted by workers and colleagues. We are not there yet with the openness.

Br, Magnus
http://whatsyourideaoftomorrow.blogspot.com/ http://twitter.com/TelecaMobile

Very well written article.

I'd also add that here in China companies such as The9 and Sohu are also finding ways to generate revenues from virtual games.

One difference v the West is that they rely very little on advertising and focus on upselling virtual goods, esp goods the improve a user's social status.

For example, during holiday periods game players will bling up their avatars to demonstrate their social status, albeit online.

Something that's also catching on here is 'renting' virtual goods such as backgrounds and decorations.

They rent these for limited time periods and then pony up for the real thing or try another item.

Other companies let you trade back items, though at a reduced value.

Regards,

Ivan Walsh

http://www.ivanwalsh.com at The Virtual Currency Report

You may find my article "16 Top Augmented Reality Business Models" a useful supplement to your intro?

http://www.personalizemedia.com/16-top-augmented-…

Best Gary