The idea of augmented reality through mobile devices has been baking for some time. This is first mobile Augmented Reality browser that I have seen in action and it premiers in the Netherlands. By using your mobile device as a lens into the world of information this innovative app promises to get you all the information you could ever need or want about your surroundings at a simple glance. This powerful concept will be sure to take hold and surface in many apps and through many devices to come. Check out this innovative company called ‘Digilens’ (SBG Labs Inc.) that plans to develop eye-wear with the similar technology. Much more information below and on the website:
Visit the website -> www.layar.eu
Notes from Youtube page and Layar.eu:
Five Dutch content providers to participate in the worlds first AR browser
AMSTERDAM, Tuesday June 16th, 2009. Mobile innovation company SPRXmobile launches Layar, worlds first mobile Augmented Reality browser, which displays real time digital information on top of reality (of) in the camera screen of the mobile phone. While looking through the phones camera lens, a user can see houses for sale, popular bars and shops, jobs, healthcare providers and ATMs. The first country to launch Layar is The Netherlands. Launching partners are local market leaders ING (bank), funda (realty website), Hyves (social network), Tempo-team (temp agency) and Zekur.nl (healthcare provider).
How it works
Layar is derived from location based services and works on mobile phones that include a camera, GPS and a compass. Layar is first avaliable for handsets with the Android operating system (the G1 and HTC Magic). It works as follows: 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. This makes Layar a new type of browser which combines digital and reality, which offers an augmented view of the world.
