Approved augmented reality apps for the iPhone are gonna start sprouting up like weeds any day now, and the first of many is the Bionic Eye.

Using the iPhone’s camera, compass and GPS the app is able to display POIs, otherwise known as Points of Interest, on the device’s screen relevant to where the camera is pointing.  Point the device down at the ground and it will show a list of close by restaurants, coffee shops and other relevant information.  Select a POI and the app will superimpose directional arrows to guide you to the location.

Currently the Bionic Eye app has 100,000 POIs and requires no 3G or WiFi connection to work – the info is contained within the 2.9mb application.  Currently it costs $0.99, and in order to use the subway feature, which is only available in NY, Chicago and Washington, you’ll have to purchase that information separately from within the app.

A short product video from the maker shows off the app’s features.  From what little I can see it still needs some work as the ‘augmented reality’ portion of the app seems a bit forced and heavy handed.  For instance, the screen just seems to be stuffed with POIs and only shows their general direction and lacks a significant ‘call out’ for the selected POI.

[via Cultofmac]

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