Layar: An Augmented View Of The World On Android Powered Devices
SPRXmobile company has launched the world’s first mobile Augmented Reality browser, Layar. It is a free software available for mobile phones having Android operating system (T-Mobile G1 and HTC Magic). Layar will allow you to see on the phone screen digital information in real time, displayed on top of the real images transmitted by the mobile device camera. In this way, the user will discover houses for sales, shops and bars or other locations, just through the camera lens.
According to Wikipedia, Augmented Reality has the next definition: “a field of computer research which deals with the combination of real-world and computer-generated data (virtual reality), where computer graphics objects are blended into real footage in real time.” By combining digital images with real camera data, Layar browser will deliver an augmented view of the world.
In order to be able to use Layar, an Android compatible mobile phone equipped with a camera, GPS and a compass is required.
In a recent press release, there is described the way in which Layar Augmented Reality browser works:”Starting up the Layar application automatically activates the camera. The embedded GPS automatically knows the location of the phone and the compass determines in which direction the phone is facing. Each partner provides a set of location coordinates with relevant information which forms a digital layer. By tapping the side of the screen the user easily switches between layers.”
The layers can be considered as the equivalent of web pages rendered in traditional web browsers. The user is allowed to rapidly switch between the Layar layers. Even more, the companies who will sign up for Layar, will have the possibility to publish their content in branded layers through an API.
These are the main features of Layar Augmented Reality browser:
-Switching easily between layers
-Radar widget to give you an overview
-Logobar to indicate which layer is active
-Link through to mobile websites
-Integrated map view
-Custom filters for each layers (distance, category, search box)
The publisher of Layar also announced that the next version of this Augmented Reality browser will be compatible with the iPhone 3G mobile devices. The current version of Layar for Android powered phones is available for free download from the official website.
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