Finding the direction of Mecca is easy now with Google's augmented reality app
Finding the Qibla -- the direction that should be faced when a Muslim prays, wherever they are in the world -- is now easier thanks to a new Google web app for Android.
Launched during Ramadan, Qibla Finder (g.co/QiblaFinder) uses augmented reality to show Muslims the fixed direction toward the Kaaba in the Grand Mosque in Mecca, Saudi Arabia.
Working with the device's compass and camera, the app uses the location of Kaaba (Lat 21.4224779, Long 39.8251832) and the user's current location to calculate the most direct route and the exact distance.
Using the Finder is easy.
Just go to the address g.co/QiblaFinder on your smartphone and move the camera until the Kaaba symbol shows up, floating in space.
For iOS users, unfortunately there's no augmented reality feature available:
