Augmented reality and cultural apps in Italy: stories on a marriage in mobility

Aim of this work is a framework for the use of Augmented Reality in cultural communication, especially for mobile use. After an introduction on the use of AR in in-door and out-door solutions, with some of the most significant international trials, we analyze briefly the potential of BlippAR, variant of AR already used in marketing field, and Google Glass that promises to transform the world we live in an "augmented" world. The analysis moves to applications made in Italy, starting from i-MiBAC Voyager to arrive at some applications such as Tuscany+, PugliaReality+ and app produced by Roma Capitale for the historic gardens of Rome. Displaying additional contents to monuments, sites, works of art and artifacts, the AR helps to captivate users and to interest them to contents, into a kind of multimedia exhibition focuses on edutaintment and learning by consuming.