Find apartments with smartphones

DENVER, US: UDR, Inc., a real estate investment trust (REIT), has announced the launch of its augmented reality (AR) apartment search applications for T-Mobile Google Android phones and iPhone 3G S phones.

AR technology, as shared in a press release utilizes the smartphone’s built-in spatial awareness components including its GPS, accelerometer, and compass to superimpose digital information on top of what is viewed through the phone camera’s viewfinder.

“UDR’s AR applications utilize Layar, an augmented reality browser, which enables users to point their smartphone in any direction to locate and view available apartments that are within a 10 mile radius from their current location. Additional features provide users with the ability to view apartment pricing, show how many apartments are available for rent, display distance to apartment building with pinpoint accuracy, place a hold on your favorite apartment , and locate nearby museums, restaurants, movie theaters, and more

“We pride ourselves as the industry leader when it comes to embracing and adopting new mobile appliance technology,” said Steve Taraborelli, vice president of sales and marketing, UDR. “Implementing AR search applications into our existing mobile services platform is another example of how UDR is working to make finding and renting an apartment easier for consumers.”

The addition of the AR search applications increases UDR’s ability to reach the estimated 63 million Americans who use their mobile devices to access the Internet, adds the company.