iPhone 3.1: Augmented Reality Apps are a Go!

The L.A. Times (via MacRumors) confirms what TiPb heard following the release of iPhone 3.1 Beta 2 -- public APIs for information overlay of live video will allow "augmented reality" apps to make their way into the App Store.

Apple told Acrossair, developer of the Nearest Tube train finder, that the app will be approved for distribution after Apple releases version 3.1 of the iPhone software, which the developer expects will land in early September.

This time frame, if accurate, will likely also coincide with Apple's traditional iPod and iTunes event, which for the last two years has seen the iPod touch center stage, and last year also introduced iPhone 2.1.

If a camera is integrated into the third generation iPod touch, as current rumors indicate, it would make for a fairly mind-blowing demo...

Rene Ritchie is one of the most respected Apple analysts in the business, reaching a combined audience of over 40 million readers a month. His YouTube channel, Vector, has over 90 thousand subscribers and 14 million views and his podcasts, including Debug, have been downloaded over 20 million times. He also regularly co-hosts MacBreak Weekly for the TWiT network and co-hosted CES Live! and Talk Mobile. Based in Montreal, Rene is a former director of product marketing, web developer, and graphic designer. He's authored several books and appeared on numerous television and radio segments to discuss Apple and the technology industry. When not working, he likes to cook, grapple, and spend time with his friends and family.