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Hong Kong has a new Augmented Reality travel guide app, letting users point their phone at the real world to find tourist hotspots. It's the work of developer XS2TheWorld, working with the Hong Kong Tourist Board, Cathay Pacific Airways and agency McCann Erickson. In itself, a sign of the kind of partnerships emerging around branded apps.
Hong Kong is one of the biggest, busiest, but also one of the most modern cities in the World. To fully enjoy the city and to discover all the delights Hong Kong has to offer in a modern way XS2TheWorld and McCann Erickson have developed an AR application for The Hong Kong Tourism board and Cathay Pacific. It is designed to allow tourists to discover Hong Kong in an easy and innovative way.
The app utilises the latest innovative Augmented Reality (AR) technology which means that as the user’s phone camera scans its surroundings, the app recognises what the camera is seeing and provides images, information and directions depending on where and what is being looking at. An Internet connection isn’t required to use the app, as all the maps and information are available offline, meaning no extra roaming charges*.
The DiscoverHongKong AR features over 100 attractions, 5,000 retail outlets and 2,000 dining establishments, as well as the shopping malls and open-air markets all over Hong Kong.
Combining Augmented Reality technology with the global positioning system (GPS) and camera of the smart phone, the application shows points of interest, including major attractions, shops accredited under the HKTB’s Quality Tourism Services Scheme and award-winning restaurants, in visitors’ vicinity. All visitors need to do is use the camera on their phone as a viewer, and the points of interest will appear overlaid on the real-world views on the phone screen. They can also tap each of these points of interest for detailed information (such as introduction and address), and refer to the offline map for transportation routes, making the application a round-the-clock digital travel guide for travellers.
Hong Kong has worked hard to promote the city across globe, helping to foster the development of the city’s economy and tourism industry. The new app will help to publicise Hong Kong and further boost the experience for those visiting one of Asia’s major cities. Next to that the mobile application also provides a platform for the HKTB to introduce mega events and activities, as well as retail and dining outlets in the city, maximising the effectiveness of their promotions.
In its first month of availability, the application was downloaded over 15.000 times and received great ratings from users.
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