IMAG�N�O�TRON

$0.99, iPad, iPhone

Teaches: reading, language

CTR Rating: 90%

CTR Review

This well designed augmented reality (AR) app requires two things in order to work: a camera equipped iPhone or iPad and a copy of the printed (real) book: The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore ($18 as a 48 page hardcover), which is obviously not included in the $0.99 app. Once you have these essentials, you're ready to experience the best implementation of AR we've seen. After you download the app and buy the book you point your camera at any one of the pages to see it come to life. There are augmented reality effects on each page. On one page, you might see the print come to life, with a string of text flying around your room (as seen through your camera). On another page, you'll see a whirlwind of books, flying around you. The narration and graphics are very high quality, and the augmented reality is the best we've seen. The app works with the iPhone 4 or later, the iPod Touch 4th generation or later, and the iPad 2 or later. Note that you may need to adjust your lighting for some of the pages. When sharing this app with a group of children, it helps to use Apple TV or some sort of wireless connection, because you move the screen around so much.