When Steve Jobs made it to the launch of the iPad 2 despite being on medical leave, he must have known it would be a winner. The powerful 3D hardware of the iPad 2 bring users some seriously sophisticated virtual content. It redefines the concept of interaction by taking it to a whole new level and opening up a world of amazing possibilities. The much awaited iPad 2, complete with big screen and twin cameras allow users to experience the joy of Augmented Reality (AR) apps.

Augmented Reality basically requires a display screen and a camera combined with location awareness. It first came to smartphones as a novel concept. The lightweight iPad 2’s large screen display is easy to hold so that the user can make optimal use of its front and rear cameras. Because of its form factor, the iPad 2 scores over its competition, Motorola’s Xoom and HP’s TouchPad. The iPad 2’s graphics capabilities are far above those of its competition, delivering real-time video processing with 3D graphics overlays.

In spite of the iPad 2’s larger size, iOS developers Germany’s Metaio are convinced that users will find augmented reality too exciting to worry about the size of the iPad 2. Ideal for playing games and shopping, the iPad 2 has got developers at Augmented Minds busy working on their Zombie Shooter game.

What makes the iPad 2-augmented reality combination so great?

Augmented Reality is expected to quickly become integrated into our professional and personal lives. Just a few of the business benefits envisaged are: Interactive training, service support and maintenance, product demonstrations, live instructions and so forth bringing major cost savings to companies. For instance, support via installing an application on the iPad 2 makes more sense than support via the phone. Metaio’s Junaio Augmented Reality browser app will shortly be available on the iPad 2 and this will enhance its potential in relation to social networking and dating apps.

Total Immersion, an augmented reality expert, developed AR Magic Mirror which integrates the virtual and real world with real-time interactive 3D graphics via its proprietary technology into live streaming video. This app allows users to try on a variety of hairstyles, glasses and accessories virtually with the help of facial recognition and the application of 3D enhancements through AR. It is predicted that the facetracking app on the iPad 2 could be leveraged as an essential makeover tool with retail beauty products. A video on their website demonstrates how.

Here are some interesting examples of what the iPad 2 – augmented apps combination can do for business travellers and the travel industry:

If you were on a flight headed somewhere and pointed your iPad 2 downwards, you would see the landscape under you in real time, thanks to augmented reality and Google Maps satellite imagery.

Another scenario would be something like this: You are waiting in the lobby of your hotel trying to decide where to lunch, and point your iPad 2 south for instance. Your AR app tells you that there are at least four restaurants nearby that you can choose from. When you touch one of the superimposed images related to a particular restaurant, you can see more images of this restaurant along with the menu, know whether it has a wi-fi connection and if there is a vacant table.

If you have experienced the magic of the iPad2 with AR apps, do share it in the comments section!

As Facebook makes the shift from its proprietary FBML to iFrames for fan pages, there’s mixed reaction on how it will impact Facebook users and marketers.

Facebook announced the upgrade for custom pages from FBML, a version of HTML to iFrames on 11 February 2011. They informed users that effective 11 March 2011, pages would not be able to add the Static FBML app or create new FBML apps.

Static FBML, a Facebook app enabled users who were not HTML or CSS savvy to create custom tabs for their fan pages. The change to iFrames will mean that these fan page owners must educate themselves about how to use iFrames and PHP if they want to continue adding customised tabs to their fan pages. Sure enough, there are development companies such Wildfire and Involver, ready to help users create iFrame apps and fangating through free tools.

The question is will existing tabs built with FBML continue to function?

While Facebook assures users that this is possible, FBML will be phased out sooner than later. For those who are not keen on learning the ins and outs of iFrames, there are plenty of third-party tools available. Facebook users can also benefit from a series of tutorials on how to add iFrame apps to the Facebook page from HyperArt, a web development company.

While Facebook’s move from FBML to iFrames will mean more exciting apps and better engagement along with a more integrated fan page with the business’s main website, the DIYers will have a difficult time adjusting to the change since marketers must quickly find a provider who will help them build and host the iFrame. For third party app developers, this means more business. It also means that more Facebook users will be exposed to malware. When a new Facebook page is set up with a default landing tab including an app with an iFrame that has JavaScript, it can easily redirect the user to just about any site of its choice, including those that can harm the user’s system and crash it.

Still, in spite of the issues perceived, the outcome will be positive for regular users, marketers and consumers alike. After all, iFrames brings on the full potential of HTML and more. Let us know your thoughts in the comments.

Here is great news for Audi lovers, you can now ‘upgrade’ your car’s model just by downloading a mobile app and playing and winning a game within the app. Gameloft, a French video game developer and publisher of digitally distributed video games, have teamed up with premium car brand Audi to launch a mobile app named Asphalt Audi RS 3. The game pits players against each other and offers them the chance to win the new Audi A3 Sportback worth $70 000.

This mobile app is available for free download on Apple’s App store. App users can enter the competition (which ends on 16 March 2011) where they must race three laps around the Bahamas racing track. Players compete in three race carrier modes in the game – two regular races followed by an elimination round. The racers are able to post their final scores on GameLoft Live. The highest score posted on GameLoft Live stand the chance to win an Audi A3 Sportback 2.0 TFSI Quattro. The video below demonstrate the app’s functionality, take a look.

The app provides users with an adrenaline pumping experience where they can ‘feel’ the speed and power of the new Audi A3. The competition, which is run via the app, is proving successful in promoting the Audi brand and now the game is available for download at $4.99. The paid-for game offers players a wider variety of cars and more precise control on fixing minor bugs. If you’re a racing fan, head over to the Apple App store and download the app. Happy gaming!