14 DAY TRIAL // Total Immersion has announced the introduction of the first augmented reality m-Commerce application for the iPhone 4. Using an iPhone 4 or a fourth generation iPod touch, the app identifies a face and applies virtual glasses, allowing the user to move about, and see how the glasses fit.
According to the makers of the app, users are able to adjust the fit, select their eyes and hair shades, choose different styles, frames and colors, and find their perfect look.
Total Immersion does not specifically provide a name for their application, but it is known to require a fourth-generation iPhone or iPod touch - the only two iOS devices currently boasting a front facing camera.
The app is tightly integrated with various social networks, allowing customers to connect with their friends and family from within the app, and instantly ask for an opinion.
In addition to the ability of sending photos through social networks, the app also allows users to connect to a map pinpointing the nearest store to buy offline, or complete the transaction online.
"This is the most fully realized mobile commerce application ever to use augmented reality, and the first AR app in the m-commerce space featuring face- tracking technology, newly available on mobile," said Bruno Uzzan, co-founder and CEO, Total Immersion.
"Face tracking is ideally suited to purchases like eyeglass frames, where it's essential to try before you buy. Product selection is virtually unlimited - and those with corrective lenses can keep them on through the AR fitting," Uzzan said.
Ebay in the US and French retailer Atol have adapted this augmented reality tool to their m-commerce platform since January. The solution proved profitable, to say the least, according to Uzzan.
"This app was adapted by Total Immersion from a very successful Web-based AR application for the mobile environment," Bruno Uzzan said. "On the Web, the app generated a 50 percent month-on-month traffic increase, and more than 30 percent of visitors tried the AR experience.”