Total Immersion, a leading augmented reality technology firm, has secured US$5.5million in a funding round led by Intel Capital and joined by existing investors Partech, iSource and Elaia Partners. The funds will be used on future development of its D’Fusion software platform which delivers augmented reality technology to smartphones and tablets as well as PCs and Macs. 

The company says it also wants its funding to drive “new usage” of augmented reality among users. Specifically the company says it will be focused on Asia and the US, fostering “a large community of developers” and searching out new consumer markets. “Augmented reality is one of the key technologies enabling contextual computing on the mobile phone, tablets and PC through interactive experience for exploration, suggestion and direction,” said Bruno Uzzan, Total Immersion’s CEO and co-founder.

Earlier this month the company released what it claimed was the first augmented reality app for the iPad2.  Characterised by Total Immersion as “playful,” the app offers users “a selection of wacky virtual hairstyles, glasses and accessories to try on, or to try on their friends.”

 

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