This super cool!!! New advertisement for MINI uses augmented reality (AR) technology to create a truly interactive media piece out of a 2-dimensional magazine ad. Using AR tracking technology, as you hold the ad up to your computer’s webcam, you’ll see a 3-D model of a MINI Cabrio convertible that moves as you turn the sheet of paper around. All you need is a copy of the ad, a webcam, and a web browser (sorry, Internet Explorer/ActiveX only) to view the 3-D AR effect.

[youtube=http://in.youtube.com/watch?v=HTYeuo6pIjY&eurl=http://technabob.com/blog/2008/12/17/mini-augmented-reality-ads-hit-newstands/]

The ad campaign was created by Munich, Germany agencies Buzzin Monkey and die agentour GmbH.

The ad appeared recently in three German automotive magazines: Auto, Motor und Sport, Werben & Verkaufen and Autobild, but...

See how it works right now you can print out a PDF of the ad and head on over to the MINI augmented reality web site to check it out for yourself. You won’t be disappointed.

[I am sure to try this as soon as I manage to take a print out of this ad! will post how it goes. If anyone one of you try this, I will be greatful if you can share your experience]

SPOILER ALERT: Just realized that Nissan Cube used AR technology before Mini (watch here)