Augmented reality probably doesn't mean much to most people right now, but that's likely to change over the next 12 months.

Experts say it's going to be the next big thing in 2010.

It's claimed e-commerce could be transformed by the technology, which allows you to use the camera on your phone to get information about products and places.

Flixmedia.tv says interactive product catalogues is just one way augmented reality can be used by online retailers to improve the customer experience.

Speaking directly to the consumer through social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter is also another way companies can keep them coming back.

It's as new research claims the number of us planning to shop more online than on the high street has dropped compared to two years ago.