IOS update Turns your phone into a virtual tape measure

iOS 12 offers iPhone owners a wonderful addition to their suite of applications: a tool for augmented reality measurement.

While slamming on my keyboard for another day of outdoor news and hardware reviews, my iPhone has alerted me about an available software update. Without thinking, I typed "download".

But with the bug fixes and the expected security updates, there was a handy little Easter egg. I found an app icon called "Measure" added to my screen. And unless I'm wrong, this little guy will become one of my favorite free utilities.

The new Measure app lets you calculate linear distances – in inches and feet using your phone's camera. It basically does the work of a standard tape measure. But unlike its handyman analog pillar, the Measure app also allows you to measure along multiple vectors. Thus, you can calculate a series of angular lines and perimeters.

Note: The photographs presented in this story to introduce the application are courtesy of Chayce Lanphear Photography.

Update iOS 12: Measure App

The use of the application is simple. After upgrading to iOS 12, locate the Measure app on your home screen. Once opened, the application prompts you to calibrate it by moving it into your environment. This helps to do this by pointing the phone at surfaces about 2 feet away.

Once done, you will see the application as an overlay of your camera. But your screen will show a large circular target in the center of the screen and a "+" symbol at the bottom of the frame. Press this key to start a measurement.

Your phone virtually pinpoints the starting point with the target. As you move your phone, it will follow the distance from that point with a dashed yellow line. Press the "+" button again to mark your end point – do not worry, your measurement line will stay.

Like Augmented Reality, this line and its measure (in inches or feet depending on distance) will remain visible where you drew it. This way, the line will remain anchored to where you have placed it as you move your phone and only be visible when viewing this location. When you have finished measuring, press the "clear" button to delete the line (s).

And you can add more vector metrics from your last terminal. Once you finish a line, your virtual target will try to lock on one of the endpoints on that line. Once locked, you can start a second (and third, fourth, etc.) from that point by pressing the "+" button again.

Apple iOS Measure App Extras

In addition, you can take snapshots in the Measure app to review your calculations. This is especially handy if you have to go to the hardware store to buy wood, frames, drywall or whatever else you need.

To take a photo, take the measurements, then press the small shutter icon at the bottom right of the screen. This saves the image on your photos.

In addition, for all photographers and interior decorators, the Measure app automatically recognizes rectangles and gives you the length of its sides and the inner area. This is great for finding and setting up photo frames.

To use it, orient your phone vertically or horizontally, depending on the orientation of the rectangle to be measured. The application invites you to get closer if you are too far from the subject. Once you have it in the frame, hold the phone in place for a second. The application must recognize the shape, virtually frame it and provide the measure for its long and short sides.

Apple Measure app: iOS update 12

Is it correct? In our first tests, very accurate, for the most part. I would not use it to build the HyperLoop, but for the basic household tasks, it seems to be reliable to within half an inch.

But your distance from the measurement you measure is a little tricky. You will not get an accurate reading at 20 feet, at least not in this version. If, however, you stay within the limits of the application, you will get a fair enough reading.

Of course, not everyone will like that as much as me. But for anyone working at home, this should be an invaluable tool – a tool that will not get lost in a box filled with hammers, screwdrivers and tetanus.

By Adam Ruggiero

Adam Ruggiero is passionate about sports, cycling, running and (not enough) surfing at ball sports, camping and breeding. If it's outside, it's worth it. Adam graduated from the University of Minnesota with a BA in Journalism. Love: unique beer, dogs, stories. Like no: ties, escalators, manicured lawns.