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According to iMedia Connection, augmented reality technologies essentially combine "real world with digitally created images."  Augmented reality is currently being used for a variety of purposes, including: 

• Television: Static augmented reality tools are being used during sports broadcasts -- e.g., during (U.S.) football games to mark the distance to and from first downs.
• Online Clothing Stores: Internet retailers are using augmented reality to help potential customers "try on" garmets.  This reduces the fear some customers have expressed about buying clothing online and not having a true sense of how they will look.

Marketers are leveraging augmented reality to enhance and expand traditional and digital marketing efforts.  For example: 

• Nokia and Verizon partnered to develop an augmented reality experience for the 2009 Star Trek film at www.joinstarfleetacademy.com
• Nissan developed an augmented reality 3D brochure to promote its auto, The Cube

Augmented reality technologies hold promise for health communicators seeking to develop more impactful and relevant educational campaigns.  For example, augmented reality can be used to help people visualize the damage caused by "silent" conditions such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes and hyperlipidemia.