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It is the ultimate satnav accessory for every Londoner - a mobile phone that takes you to the nearest Tube station.
The software for the new iPhone 3GS uses an inbuilt video camera and GPS sensors to display the exact location of nearby stations. It even reveals which Underground lines are running under your feet.
The software is expected to go on sale next week for £1.19, although it is still awaiting approval from Apple.
By moving the phone you can establish the nearest Tube station. If you tilt the phone upwards you will see stations further away, and images move in real time as you walk.
The software is believed to be the first commercially available on a mobile phone to use augmented reality, a system which superimposes information on to live pictures.
Developers of the software say it could lead to the ultimate travel guide, where pointing a camera at a landmark shows information about it.
Phone firms such as Nokia have already trialled systems, although they are not yet widely available.
"However, traditional maps can be tough to follow as they are in 2D. What we wanted to create was something which was based on real life. By using the sensors inside the iPhone we were able to superimpose Tube map locations on to the display."
Mr Damani said the firm hoped to add a feature which would show users live Tube data from TfL's countdown boards. It is also considering adding bus routes, along with versions for other cities.
Experts believe it could be a big step forward for gadget enthusiasts. Tom Dunmore from Stuff magazine said: "This is a huge advance for consumer technology as it blends the virtual world with the real one. It's an amazing use of technology, and I think we are going to see a lot more people using augmented reality."
The Standard took the software for a trial. If ever a mobile phone application has had the wow factor for Londoners, this is it. The first time the software loads it is almost breathtaking.
The secret is really in its simplicity - you do not need to be shown how it works - and the effect of moving the screen is weirdly hypnotic. Never have I been so interested exactly which direction Gloucester Road Tube is in. It is surprisingly handy, although it is hampered by its very basic functions, so once the novelty has worn off you probably will go back to Google maps.
However, as a proof of concept it is astonishing, and gives a glimpse of the future of mobile phones.
How it works
The “Nearest Tube” software uses three processes to pinpoint exactly where the user is.
Using GPS, it takes a feed from satellites to find the phone's location.
Then a compass in the phone checks which direction the user is facing.
Next an accelerometer — similar to those found in Nintendo's Wii controller — checks whether the phone is facing up or down.
Once it finds the location of the phone, the software makes use of a database of Tube stations and overlays the details on to a live video display from the device's camera.
Reader views (9)
Reminds me of the time when I was on "The Knowledge" in June 1957 and a group of us were at Whitestone Pond , Hampstead. They had just put up an area map with a big red arrow saying "YOU ARE HERE". One of the guys said in amazement "How the ******* do they know where we are?".
- Stan Shaw, DeLand Florida USA, 09/07/2009 17:18
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Oh you crazy Londoners. Down here in Bodmin we've had a device for years that takes us to the nearest Cornish Pasty shop - yes - old Jethro's nose! You and your daft new fangled ways...
- Jethro Penzance, Bodmin, 09/07/2009 17:06
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I am sold!!! I'll take it immediately... if it will also tell me where my nearest KFC is 
- Sanjay, Hounslow, UK, 09/07/2009 14:08
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How many people will be mugged while walking like an idiot with these thigs held up in front of their faces?
- Nick Bacon, DC, USA, 09/07/2009 13:22
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Even the majority of Londoners live some distance from a tube station. Right ? Thank you. I work in London but wouldn't want one. Studying one when you're driving is criminal behaviour. Anyway, if youre in a car, whhy would you want one?
- Keith Price, Luton, England, 09/07/2009 12:32
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Yeah - and like the idiots portrayed in the latest Samsung ad, likely to take you straight under a bus as well, if your looking at the screen instead of the traffic whilst crossing the busy London streets.
This particular ad should be banned - pedestrians should be aware of their surroundings, even if they’re too dozy and technodazzled to understand why!
- Darius Midwinter, London UK, 09/07/2009 11:56
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Keith Price - do you know that this paper is actually the 'London' Evening Standard?
Seems a bit dim to criticise a London centric piece in a London based paper.
Maybe you should read the Luton Gazette instead.
- Liberal And Proud, London, UK, 09/07/2009 11:52
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Incredibly useful for the vast majority of us who don't choose to live in London
- Keith Price, Luton, England, 09/07/2009 10:53
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Great,but does it inform you of the signal failures,flooding,overcrowding and strikes?
- Steve, London, 09/07/2009 10:48
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