A new mobile app is turning smart phone users into bionic treasure hunters. Verizon Wireless is launching a new augmented reality game that will send people on a virtual scavenger hunt. The company has developed an application, which is only available for the Android platform, which utilizes augmented reality technology to paint the world in a visceral, cybernetic outlook. The campaign is designed to promote the new Droid Bionic, which is scheduled for release on September 8.
Leading up to the release of the new smart phone, Verizon is looking to send people on a scavenger hunt that will show off some of the AR capabilities of the new device. The winning participants of the scavenger hunt will be awarded with a new Droid Bionic before it is released to the public. To compete, hopefuls first download Verizon’s mobile app, called ARena, which can be found in the Android Market.
The app will guide hunters through various cities using augmented reality displays. The hunt will span four days, throughout which hunters will be able to participate in a 30-minute scavenger hunt up to 48 times each day. Instead of running around scanning arbitrary codes, the app points hunters in a single direction. Upon reaching the destination, participants can claim their prize.
A number of prizes are available through the hunt, including a 40-inch LED HDTV and, of course, the Droid Bionic handset.