Augmented reality, or AR, is an exciting new technology that puts information on top of the camera view of a computer screen. Our AR is mobile, meaning that we put this information on the camera view of your mobile device, wherever you are, using your device's GPS. Tagwhat is a system for creating AR and sharing it with others. Here's how it works. 

You sign in and create an account. Then, you get a world map; some call it a grid, others a canvas. No matter how you look at it, Tagwhat gives you the world. From the Kremlin to a particularly pretty flower in the corner of your neighbor's backyard - you own the globe. By clicking on the map, you can place "tags" (messages, web addresses, or photos) anywhere you like. Once you place a tag, it can be viewed on your desktop or in mobile AR (Google Android is available and iPhone 3GS will be coming very soon.) So, if you hold up your mobile at the place on the map where you put your tag, you'll see the tag and be able to interact with it in AR. 

Tag Big Ben from your desk in California? You'll see that mobile AR tag hovering over Big Ben the next time you're in London. 

But it gets better. By following others in Tagwhat, all of their tags become part of your Tagwhat experience. Say, you tag Yankee Stadium and your wife tags Madison Square Garden. So long as you follow her in Tagwhat, you'll have her MSG tag in your Tagwhat experience. And you'll be able to comment on it. Tag your company's retail locations around the world and attach a photo or link. People who follow your company will be able to see those tags on-line and in-person via mobile AR. They'll also be able to look at the photo and open the link when they're near the retail store. 

Like football? Follow football teams or fans who tag the world with football images, videos, and trivia. Like Art? Follow artists who tag the world with images or videos of beautiful things. Going on a trip to Japan? Follow users who have tagged Japan, maybe find some great restaurants at low prices or a walking tour of Tokyo. At home, review them on-line. In Japan, you'll have mobile AR to guide you around. 

Even better, you can send a private 'for your eyes only' tag to anyone in Tagwhat who follows you. That means AR notes placed anywhere on Earth to friends that only they can see.

If you don't have a Google Android or iPhone 3GS device yet, do not be alarmed! Whether or not you or your followers have the latest mobile, you can enjoy Tagwhat. Because everything, except the mobile AR, is available for you on your desktop. Explore the world and communicate with your friends in a whole new way! 

There's much more to see and explore once you get into Tagwhat: like the tag commenting system, the private messaging system, and upcoming 'channels.' So take your time, explore, and contact us with any questions. 

The Tagwhat Team