Imagine needing to measure something, but your trusty measuring tape is nowhere to be found. Frustrating, right? Well, fret no more! With the arrival of iOS 12, Apple introduced the Measure app, a handy tool that utilizes your iPhone’s camera and augmented reality to measure objects and distances, effectively turning your phone into a virtual measuring tape. While similar apps have existed before, the Measure app‘s integration into iOS makes it far more accessible and user-friendly, offering a reliable way to get quick measurements without the hassle of searching for a physical tool.
How to Measure Things Using the iOS 12 Measure App
The Measure app is remarkably straightforward to use. Let’s break down the steps:
- Open the Measure app: Locate the Measure app icon on your iPhone’s home screen.
- Point the camera at your target: Aim your camera at the object you want to measure, whether it’s a small box or a sprawling room. The Measure app efficiently handles both scenarios.
- Mark your starting point: A Plus button will appear on the screen along with a Circle containing a dot. Position the dot at your desired starting point, then tap the Plus button to mark it.
- Mark your ending point: Now, move the dot to the ending point you want to measure, again tapping the Plus button to mark it. The app will instantly display the distance between these points on your screen.
- Measuring rectangular objects: When aiming the camera at rectangular objects, you might see an Add object button. Tap it to view the object’s length and breadth.
- Understanding the controls: The Measure app features four intuitive buttons:
- Undo: Located in the top-left corner, this button lets you undo the last measurement.
- Clear: Positioned in the top-right corner, the Clear button resets all measurements.
- Photo: Found in the bottom-right corner, this button allows you to capture a snapshot of your measurement.
- Plus button: The large Plus button remains essential for adding measurement points.
Although my iPhone 7 achieved fairly reliable results, it’s worth noting that the Measure app is likely to perform even better on newer iPhones, like the iPhone 8 and subsequent models, which boast cameras optimized for augmented reality (AR).
Accuracy Check: How Well Does It Measure?
To gauge the Measure app‘s accuracy, we conducted a series of tests on various objects:
- Mattress: Our mattress measured 1.7 meters using a traditional measuring tape and 1.72 meters using the app, a difference of just 2 centimeters.
- Box: A box with a diameter of 14 centimeters was precisely measured by the Measure app.
- Book: The app correctly measured a book’s length at 14 centimeters and its width at 25 centimeters.
- Table: A table measuring 60 centimeters wide was reported as 61 centimeters by the app, a slight discrepancy of just 1 centimeter.
While these results demonstrate the Measure app‘s impressive accuracy, it’s important to remember that perfect precision is not guaranteed due to the inherent limitations of AR technology.
Beyond Distance: Measuring Level with the Measure App
The Measure app extends beyond measuring distances, adding a useful feature for checking the level of objects. This functionality was previously housed in the Compass app but has been streamlined into the Measure app for enhanced convenience.
Here’s how to utilize the level feature:
- Open the Measure app: Launch the app as you would for measuring distances.
- Select ‘Level’: After aiming your camera at the object you want to level, tap the Level button in the bottom-right corner.
- Align for level: Adjust the camera angle until the displayed angle reaches 0 degrees. This signifies that the object is perfectly level.
The Measure App: A Practical Tool for Everyday Use
Whether you’re hanging pictures, adjusting furniture, or simply need a quick measurement for a project, the Measure app eliminates the need for a bulky measuring tape, offering a convenient and reliable alternative. While it’s unlikely to replace your trusted measuring tape entirely, the Measure app proves to be a valuable addition to your iOS toolkit, especially when you find yourself in a pinch.
However, it’s important to remember that despite its impressive capabilities, the Measure app is still a relatively new technology. As with any AR app, accuracy may vary depending on lighting conditions, background complexity, and your device’s hardware. Always double-check measurements for critical projects, especially those demanding precise results.
Beyond the Basics: Exploring Advanced Features
While the Measure app offers a straightforward user experience, a few additional functionalities enhance its usability:
- Photo Capture: The Measure app empowers you to capture a photograph of your measured object. This feature proves particularly handy when sharing measurements with others or saving a visual record of your results.
- Undo/Clear: The Undo and Clear buttons provide effortless control over your measurements. Quickly undo mistakes or reset the app with a simple tap.
- AR Integration: The Measure app‘s reliance on AR technology allows for realistic visual representation of measurements, making it easy to visualize the dimensions of your object.
- Level Feature: The level feature transcends basic measurements, enabling you to assess the level of objects with ease. This is particularly useful for tasks like hanging pictures or ensuring shelves are perfectly aligned.
The Importance of Continuous Improvement
As a relatively new addition to the iOS ecosystem, the Measure app is continuously evolving. Apple is likely to refine and expand its functionality in future iOS updates, potentially incorporating new measurement types or enhancing its AR capabilities.
The Future of Measurement: A Glimpse Through the Lens
The Measure app represents a significant step towards embracing mobile technology for everyday tasks like measuring. Its seamless integration with iOS and intuitive design make it accessible to users of all skill levels. In the years to come, we can expect further innovation in this area, with AR technology playing an increasingly pivotal role in revolutionizing how we measure and interact with our physical environment.
In Conclusion:
The Measure app on iOS 12 stands as a testament to the evolving capabilities of smartphones. While it’s not a perfect replacement for a traditional measuring tape, it offers a convenient and accurate solution for common measurement needs. As AR technology advances, the future of measurement promises more innovative and intuitive tools, transforming how we interact with our surroundings.
