Android has an augmented reality. I had no idea exactly what that meant today, but Layar, “the first mobile Augmented Reality browser,” did a good job of drawing me in to find out.
Layar adds real-time information about locations and points of interest on a user’s phone. Combining Android’s camera, GPS, and compass functions, it automatically detects what direction someone is facing and provides an alternate layer of information about his or her surroundings. Imagine you’re walking down the street and spot a sale sign in a neighborhood you like. Layar will display the asking price (if listed), Realtor contact info, and other homes in the area that are up for sale, including distance.
Bars, clubs, jobs, healthcare providers, and ATM machines are also available in Layar, which is targeted currently for the Netherlands. Dutch Android fans will be the first to get this app, which partners with ING, Funda, Hyves, Tempo-team, and Zekur.nl for information supplied in each layer.
The approach used in Layar is a twist on what we’ve already seen with location/points of interest apps like NRU, Google Places, and Where. It will be interesting to see how well this works once Layar hits other parts of the world. SPRXmobile is working on adding new layers of content and releasing Layar in new markets. Germany, the United Kingdom, and the United States are next on tap to receive the app once work with local partners is completed.
[Layar via AndroidGuys]
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June 19th, 2009 at 8:04 pm
Never heard of WikiTude? It's been out for almost a year and is the ACTUAL first augmented reality. It was in development and being discussed before the G1 went on sale and was available for download soon after.
June 23rd, 2009 at 8:20 pm
Brian you’re right. I remember watching a video on youtube about wikitude, it was accutally called something else, and it was being done on the android emulator..remember that?
December 7th, 2009 at 3:16 am
I love the idea of Layar. But are there any programs out there that can do an augmented reality for an enclosed area like a room or building? Like if we had a gallery, and people could use their phone as a "virtual tour guide" of the art work in the room. Is something like that already out?
December 7th, 2009 at 3:36 am
I'm not aware of anything like that, but Layar 3.0 includes support for developing 3D objects and information layers. For instance if someone goes on Abbey Road, they see 3D representations of the Beatles crossing the street like on the album cover. If a developer decided to go a gallery and create that, that may be possible.