Las Vegas gets its own iPhone apps

(MGM Mirage)

Las Vegas casino giant MGM Mirage has launched the city's first augmented reality iPhone app.

"Vegas Reality", which launched with four others on May 25, allows visitors to the famous Strip to point their iPhone 3GS at resorts and casinos and automatically view information on the screen.

MGM Mirage says that visitors can "virtually jump" inside resorts to learn about shows, nightclubs and restaurants, as well as buying tickets and reservations direct from the phone.

The app also allows visitors to access resorts' real-time Twitter feed for deals and events and view famous - and infamous - moments in Vegas' history.

"Vegas Reality" is one of five free apps launched today by MGM Mirage, catering to the tastes and destinations of different visitors.

The separate "Entertainment of Las Vegas" app features location-specific listings of shows and acts at the Bellagio, ARIA Resort & Casino, MGM Grand, Mandalay Bay, Monte Carlo, New York-New York, Excalibur, Circus Circus, Luxor and The Mirage.

Entertainment lovers can then comment about their trips and rate services direct from the app, which is compatible with the iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad.

The resort apps, designed specifically for the Mandalay Bay, MGM Grand and New York-New York resorts, allow guests to view inside floorplans, review casino game rules and see special offers targeted at residents.

Non-guests can preview and book rooms, check seating charts and even order room service once they're settled in.

Augmented reality is fast becoming an industry-standard method to provide more information on tourism destinations.

Earlier in May, Hotels.com launched its augmented reality guide to ten US cities (including Las Vegas), describing the site as "a natural progression toward how future travel plans will be researched and booked".

http://www.mgmmirage.com/