EDF Energy Sticks Samsung Galaxy Tabs In London Eye

Guests who visit the London Eye from now on will be able to experience an augmented reality version of the city through  Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 tablets built into their pod.

Each pod in the attraction has been fitted with the tablets, complete with bespoke content created by LMC design and Henry Stuart Photography. The project is part of Samsung’s  sponsorship of the London 2012 Olympics last week, and was announced by EDF Energy, the sponsors of the Eye, last week.

Augmenting London

The interactive guide application gives guests key information and 3D views of 55 major London sights at a touch of the screen. Also included in the custom-created application are day and night views of the cityscape, bird’s eye photography of sights and a ‘look inside’ function for certain landmarks.

This new interactive experience comes after three months of research in 2011, during which 5,000 visitors were asked for opinions on how to improve the London Eye experience. EDF hopes the Samsung tablets  will increase the likelihood that visitors will recommend the Eye to friends and family.

“2012 is going to be a year of celebration throughout London and the UK. We wanted to kick off the year by presenting both our new and loyal guests with a state-of-the-art and exciting experience on the EDF Energy London Eye,” said David Sharpe, Division Director for the Merlin Entertainments Groups.

“We’re thrilled to be offering our guests this innovative addition and hope that all those who visit us in this Olympic year enjoy the benefits that the guides bring to their experience.”

The tech side of the Games

the Olympics are being seen as a showcase for London, including several technology projects. Ofcom is borrowing spectrum from the military, and from the analogue TV switch-off, to ensure mobile networks have good coverage during the games. London boroughs have promised free Wi-Fi covearge with O2, and , and London Mayor Boris Johnson and Transport for London have said that Tube stations will have Wi-Fi.

The sporting jamboree will also see cashless payments promoted. Meanwhile, security bodies are girding for an expected burst of cyber attacks, and even Morris dancers are believed to be planning flashmobs.