Augmented Reality and On Demand Coupons

Today Valpak announced its coupons will be available on the junaio app.  This will allow customers to access coupons for nearby businesses.  GPS enabled smartphones trigger the app providing the geo-targeted coupon. 

The app launches the camera and overlays icons on the screen promoting offers for businesses from 5 feet to 20 miles away.  The coupons could be for local services or for national brands.   I downloaded the Valpak app and performed a search in my area.  The usual suspects appeared pizza places, tire stores, chinese restuarants and insurance agents.  I saw no business which had the ability to scan a coupon from my iPhone (like Starbucks).  There was disclaimer that businesses may refuse mobile coupons.  Definitely a step towards getting customers what they need when (or in this case where) they need it.

This is not the first augmented reality I have seen Macys has a in store program which uses QR code which send shoppers to videos which offer fashion advice.  I've also tinkered with Layar.  I think adoption of this technology will be slow, but it is becoming more popular all the time.