New Yelp App Has Hidden Augmented Reality Mode

Pete Mortensen ()

yelpaugmented

Renowned blogger, FriendFeeder, and all-around social web socialite Robert Scoble has pointed out something really interesting about the latest updated to the new revision of the Yelp iPhone app (iTunes link): it has a secret augmented reality mode dubbed “Monocle.” It is, of course, for iPhone 3GS only.

To activate, simply shake your iPhone a bunch (I’ve heard three times, but it took me like 10) until a blue box lets you know Monocle has been activated. Then just tap the Monocle button, which sticks around for good, and the app uses your camera, GPS location, and compass to put up signs and reviews for nearby restaurants and bars.

I just tried it out in my living room (that’s the view from my window circa 9 p.m.), and it’s seriously amazing. That list is pretty much exactly the full complement of cheap eats south from my window.

I don’t know how useful Monocle is (using the standard map mode is probably faster and definitely less battery draining), but it is a great way to feel like you live in the future.

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Nicely done, Yelp.

5 comments »

About the author

Petemortensen

Pete Mortensen is a design strategist for consulting firm Jump Associates and the co-author of Wired to Care: How Companies Prosper When They Create Widespread Empathy, a book and blog that are significantly more interesting than you might initially think. Pete's particular Apple avocations are both around design--interface and industrial. Follow him on Twitter!

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Posted in Apple, iPhone 3G S, Software |

  • Patrick

    Wow, your right…..I did the shake about 6 times and Monocle popped-up.

  • sooper8

    Nope – doesn’t work for me on my 3GS here in uk…

  • sooper8

    I take back the previous comment- I had been trying all morning to get this to work but just explained to my son what I was trying to do and my son did it first try…
    So I am both happy and annoyed.
    PS it does look cool
    Wonder why they hid it?

  • Robert

    I found it worked when I help the iPhone in one hand and tapped in on my other hand ~6 times. Waving it didn’t work for me.

  • Raul

    Spent the better part of the morning trying with no success until I read Robert’s comment. Well done you, Robert. Thankfully it appears once it’s activated, you don’t have to do it again.