Layar augmented reality browser now a reality on Android; coming soon to iPhone
Ok, seriously… Layar kicks ass. Big time. Sure you look ridiculous swinging your phone around to see which new icons jump onto the screen, but it’s totally worth it. For those who haven’t yet heard of Layar, here’s how it works: Using the camera on your Android handset, Layar displays the world around you with an added layer of location-based content on top. So if you search Google or Yelp for a restaurant, the Layar browser will plot results in a 3D layer above the live video displayed on your screen from your camera. But it gets better. Layar is actually a platform more than anything else, so a number of third-party developers have jumped on board to provide their own layers (or Layars). Currently available content includes Flickr, Wikipedia, Yelp, Google local search, Qype, Britekite, Twitter and more. With Layar’s recent announcement, the augmented reality browser is now available globally on the Android OS — it even ships pre-installed on the Samsung Galaxy in the Netherlands. What’s more, the company is already eying the iPhone 3GS and plans to have its browser ready for the handset some time next year. In the meantime, Android users need to hit the Android Market ASAP to snag Layar. Hit the jump for a pair of demo videos.
[Via RWW]
Wow, sounds cool. Are they planning to do anything on the BlackBerry platform?
Am I the only one who can’t find it listed on the Android Market?
Sounds cool but I bet it drains the battery even more plus slows the phone down. Seems more like a novelty to me.
Looks pretty awesome.
Posted from BGR Mobile (iPhone).
looks cool
Wow.. Radio shack’s “cue cat” all grown up…. Looks cool!
that would be a very good plus for the upcoming devices, especially since most of them are coming with GPS preloaded.
that was meant as a reply to Dragon.
this looks and sounds gay
kinda stupid if you ask me
cheers
Hope the Sholes comes soon. That ish looks sick. and it would blow my storm up, but might possibly work on my 8703, so who knows.
Looks cool but sadly I must add it to my “Wreck Inducing Apps for Pinheads” List.
I have been playing with this app for the past few hours and I have to say its one of my new favorite apps. Its very responsive considering the meager hardware its running on (G1). So far I’m in love with the yelp and twitter integration.
@Dragon
Your on a BlackBerry. I seriously doubt you will be getting this soon.
I think the application of this idea is truly innovative. Think of the marketing revenue that could be made from this app. Think real estate. Think local concert scene. Think garage sales. Think of tourist sites. Think dining at non-chain restaurant’s. This app or something similar should be on every phone.
I realize there are other apps that do this. Google maps, etc., but using it through your phones camera makes it a completely different experience. It puts it into real time, vs. 2D satellite mode. I hope this catches on.
Looks good and promising will this be available for BlackBerry?
Sent via BlackBerry
it’s spelled layar, with 2 “a”s. it is there.
im guessing android and 3gs only.. im assuming u need a compass
@ celz that could be true it makes sense!!!
Sent via BlackBerry.
Should be awesome on the Iphone’s digital compass. Can’t wait for it to be on the App Store.
Nice one
I tried this last night and it works well. I did a search for Starbucks in a 10 mile radius, then I hold up the phone and it shows where they are all at, in what direction and how far away.
Imagine if Sherpa displayed your searches on Google Street view, but relative to where you are at, and that’s what Layar is. I almost wonder now if I should just delete Sherpa altogether.
Now… just waiting for a more powerful Android handset that can run all my new Apps without bogging down!!