• by Amy Corr , Staff Writer, February 23, 2009

Augmented Reality software brings products to life through 3D technology. Its existence dates back to 1990, and software company metaio has been creating commercial campaigns using the technology since 2006.

I wrote about a metaio-executed campaign back in December for MINI convertible, where a print ad and Web cam combined to create a 3D convertible, which potential buyers could view from multiple angles, and the comfort of their homes.

This time around, The LEGO Group tasked metaio to show consumers what the finished product from certain LEGO kits, like a police station, for example, would look like.  In toy stores worldwide, shoppers hold up special LEGO boxes and the kiosk will project an image of the completed toy atop the box. LEGO hopes the digital boxes, which are test-launching, will increase revenue.

This kiosk will be a huge draw to children and parents alike. Sure, the element of surprise is thrown out the window, but instant gratification is brought to the forefront. A toy that could conceivably take hours to unpack and assemble can be shown in seconds, thanks to a camera, display screen and 3D animation software.

I wonder if the technology has backfired though, in terms of consumers changing their minds about buying a product after they've seen the 3D version? I'm leaning toward yes, but that doesn't stop me from eagerly awaiting the next product given the augmented reality treatment. To date, metaio has used its technology to drive print readers online and consumers to cash registers via point-of-purchase displays. Which medium is next?