Layar 3.0 launched: 5 cases to show the power of the platform

We are very proud to present to you version 3.0, with fantastic new tools to enable the already more than 1000 active independent content developers to create AR experiences that go far beyond answering the simple ‘where is…?’ question. This new version allows everybody with basic web development skills to create rich immersive experiences that cannot be replicated on a map, in a traditional browser or in a mobile location based application.

This blogpost explains the new features on a technical level; read on to see five cases to show you what Layar 3.0 can mean for people, organizations and brands.

Architectural showcase: the new Market Hall in Rotterdam

Rotterdam is the Dutch capital of modern architecture. The latest eyecatching project by Provast is the construction of the ‘Market hall‘, a U-shaped building designed by renowned architects MVRDV. Completion is planned for 2014, but visitors and inhabitants can already see how the Market Hall looks like, simply by pointing their phone at its construction site. The 3D model enables the visitor to walk around the building and look inside – as if it was already there.
Layer developed by the Netherlands Architecture Institute (NAi) and in cooperation with IN10

screenshot01screenshot03

Storytelling: Beatles Tour

Abbey Road in London has become famous for housing the studio where the Beatles recorded most of their albums, including their final and most successful one, “Abbey Road“. Now it is possible to see Ringo, Paul, John and George back on Abbey Road, simply by pointing your phone at the zebra crossing. After having taken some screenshots with your friend standing next to the Beatles in 3D, you can proceed to the next location on the Beatles discovery tour, which covers 42 locations. The next destination only appears after the previous location has been visited.
Layer developed by AugmentReality.co.uk

abbeyroadreality noweheremanrealitymeaniereality

History comes alive

How often did you wonder ‘how would this place have looked like hundreds of years ago?’, while standing in Rome, Paris or New York. Layar enables re-creation of a long past reality, by displaying ancient photos overlaid on their current location or even by re-constructing the original building. Imagine you can experience the Colosseum back in its original state, see the audience sitting on the benches and hear the lions roar – as if you were teleported to a scene 1000 years ago, simply by holding up your phone and looking around you. Many of such layers are now in development and will go live in 2010.

Art, messages & fun objects

Hold up your phone and see new pieces of art, specifically created for Augmented Reality. Various artists are creating new art and new ways for people to interact with their work. Experience existing or old pieces of art in a completely new context: not in the museum but outside on the city’s main square or in a park. Or see fun objects like zeppelins and UFO’s or even messages and graffiti in unexpected locations.
Layers in development by Winvolve, Superimpose, Hoppala, Muzar.org

superimpose_layar_mondrianzeppelin_22ufo

B2B & personalization

Layar v3.0 features easy login through cookie support, which enables personalization of your layer. This is useful in various ways. Business-to-Business purposes include a closed fleet tracking layer by Masternaut, only visible for employees. It is also useful for social layers: show only the twitterers you follow, tweet from within the layer, or see check-ins from your friends in Foursquare.
Masternaut own layer, Tweeps around layer developed by Squio

login_screen_masternaut_320parked_cars_masternaut_320login1reality-3dtwitter-reply

We are extemely proud of what Layar content developers across the globe have already created with Layar v3.0 – in very little time. This sets the stage for a future in which many dreams come true. Where our reality will be enriched with new objects, specifically designed for Augmented Reality. And where completely new worlds will be created.

We are only at the start of a long journey where developers, users and brands can start to explore the possibilities of this new medium – developing engaging experiences with new ways of interaction and service provisioning.

Layar v3.0 can now be downloaded free of charge from the Android Market and is available for all Android 1.5 and 1.6 devices. We will release a compatible version for the Droid as soon as possible. We have almost finished testing for Android 2.0.
A version for the iPhone 3GS is to follow after Apples approval.

See which version 3.0 layers have been launched today

gallery-viewLayar is a free application on your mobile phone which shows what is around you by displaying real time digital information on top of reality through the camera of your mobile phone.

Layar is a global application, available for the Iphone 3GS, T-Mobile G1, HTC Magic and other Android phones in all Android Markets. It also comes pre-installed on the Samsung Galaxy in the Netherlands.

How do you use Layar?
By holding the phone in front of you like a camera, information is displayed on top of the camera display view.

For all points of interest which are displayed on the screen, information is shown at the bottom of the screen.

What do you see in the screen?
On top of the camera image (displaying reality) Layar adds content layers. Layers are the equivalent of webpages in normal browsers. Just like there are thousands of websites there will be thousands of layers. One can easily switch between layers by selecting another via the menu button, pressing the logobar or by swiping your finger across the screen.

layar

Source: Spotted by locals

Layar Reality Browser has some cool features which include:

Who is the team behind Layar?
Layar is run by Raimo van der Klein, Claire Boonstra & Maarten Lens-FitzGerald.

Layar in the Press

02 February ตะลุยกรุงเทพด้วย Layar Appกับ Samsung Spica – Appreview »Translate
 
31 January Een zorggids in je broekzak – DutchCowboys »Translate
27 January Augmented reality: the next generation – VentureBeat
27 January Layar Reality Browser nr. 5 of the 50 most innovative mobile apps in the world – ME – Mobile Entertainment
26 January Samsung handset bundles AR content – ME – Mobile Entertainment
25 January Layar is one of the 20 finalists to the Mobile Premier Awards in Innovation – Mobile premier awards – Barcelona 2010
25 January Signo (layer developer company in Spain) on Spanish television TVE 1 – rtve.es
23 January Mobiele revolutie – hoe uw telefoon uw leven kan verbeteren; allemaal aan de APPS – Elsevier »Paper version
22 January Augmented-reality browser Layar is built-in the Samsung Galaxy Spica UK – Cnet UK
21 January ‘Spooky’, de telefoon die kan zien – SYNC »Translate
18 January “Layar: Een droomstart en nu doorpakken” – DutchCowboys »Translate
16 January Layar heeft al meer dan 300 layers – MobileCowboys »Translate
07 January Mediatel nabízí informace o firmách přes hledáček fotoaparátu v mobilu – Digi a věda »Translate
07 January Zlaté Stránky v mobilech – Reseller online
06 January “Layar is paving the way” – The Guardian
01 January Layar: de held van 2010 – Sprout »Translate
 
2009
 
28 December Layar in Idealize-top 10 technologie van 2009 – Idealize »Translate
21 December Layar one of 7 Best Augmented Reality Apps – Wired
21 December Location-Based Ads Come to Augmented Reality in the US – ReadWriteWeb
16 December Layar is één van de Bright 25 van 2009 – Bright »Translate
16 December ‘ARtours’ voor het Stedelijk Museum – DutchCowboys »Translate
16 December SEEDA、最新鋭試作を引っさげシーン復活 – Yahoo Japan »Translate
16 December Layar mobile augmented reality browser – Christian Grantham
15 December Layar: errealitate aregotuaren adibide praktiko bat, Teknopoliseko Vlog atalean. – Euskaltube
14 December Met je mobieltje jouw winkel vinden – Demonstration of the Thundre layer – XeBu »Translate
11 December Layar is best Top 10 Startup Product of 2009 for Augmented Reality – ReadWriteWeb
10 December Benji Lanyado tests the latest apps for gadget-loving travellers – The Guardian
07 December booli.se Listings on Layar – PropertyPortalWatch
06 December Demonstration of Layar on the Sony Ericsson X10, by Ylva Kronqvist – Sony Ericsson Developer Group
04 December Vliegende schotel boven de Dam: Layar gaat 3D – Zoomz »Translate
04 December Layar in Verizon’s Droid ad – by Verizon
04 December 10 Games That Could Be Made with Layar 3.0 – The Future Digital Life
04 December La guía del Camino en el móvil – El País »Paper version »Translate
03 December “Layar’s approach to bringing augmented reality to the masses is unique.” – Engadget
03 December Dear New Layar 3.0: You Got Me at Beatles – Gizmodo
03 December Layar 3 in de Android Market verschenen – Planet Android »Translate
03 December Layar 3.0: van “Nice to have” naar “Must have” – Mobile Cowboys »Translate
03 December 3D-beelden bekijken via Layar – Connexie »Translate
03 December New Layar Makes The World Your Augmented Reality Show – FastCompany
03 December Augmented Reality: Layar 3.0 – Wired
03 December “This company’s product is right out of a sci-fi novel.” – Forbes
03 December “Layar” blickt hinter die Fassade – Die Zeit »Translate
03 December “Das neue an Layar 3.0 ist, dass sich die App jetzt auch personalisieren lässt.” – CreateOrDie
03 December Layar 3.0 vuelve a juntar a los Beatles (en realidad aumentada) – Engadget Spain »Translate
03 December Layar 3.0 Hits With All New Features – I4U News
02 December Layar 3.0 Is Ready To Add New Layers To Your (Mobile) Reality – TechCrunch
02 December Gebouwen in 3D in Layar – Bright »Translate
02 December Layar Adds Foursquare, Beatlemania and Civic Projects to its AR Offerings – ReadWriteWeb
01 December Layar: het meest intrigerende bedrijf van de wereld – Sprout »Translate
27 November Layar, het extra laagje – Kennislink »Translate
20 November Das Handy wird zum Welt-Wissensfenster – Spiegel Online »Translate
20 November 3D-versie Layar komt op 1 december – NUzakelijk »Translate
16 November Layar shows Foursquare venues around you – TechCrunch
16 November Announcing Foursquare for Layar app – Squio
16 November Layar en eBuddy: de coolste nieuwe apps – Wannahaves
12 November “This view may offer a glimpse into the future.” – BusinessWeek
12 November La realidad aumentada – El País »Paper version »Translate
12 November Layar genomineerd voor Van Speijk Innovatieprijs 2009 – Molblog »Translate
12 November Layar selected as one of the World’s Most Intriguing Startups – BusinessWeek
10 November MIMOA Layar is here! – MIMOA blog
06 November What is Augmented Reality? Interview with Maarten Lens-Fitzgerald – CNN
06 November Layar Augmented Reality App Hits 200th Data Layer – FastCompany
06 November Video: Layar wint Accenture-innovatieprijs – Emerce
06 November Layar wint Accenture Innovation Award – Frankwatching »Translate
05 November La concha, la mochila… y el resto dentro del móvil – La Voz de Galicia »Paper version »Translate
05 November Pitch Winnaar overall Accenture Innovation Award 2009: Layar – Funnel Vision
02 November The future of augmented reality – an interview with Claire Boonstra, Layar – Techfluff.TV
31 October Track Those Tax Dollars In An ‘Augmented Reality’ – NPR
30 October 道内IT企業、新サービス競う iPhoneなど高機能携帯向け – Nikkei Shinbun »Paper version »Translate
30 October Layar App Maps Stimulus Money Onto The World Around You – The Huffington Post
30 October Maarten Lens-Fitzgerald voorziet een goede toekomst voor de iPhone en Android phones. “Dit worden Pepsi en Coca-Cola.” – Het Financieele Dagblad »Paper version »Translate
30 October Live demonstration of the VooDoo Fest layer – New Orleans Fox 8 News
29 October Layar haalt 1 miljoen euro op – Webwereld »Translate
29 October Layar krijgt investering van 1 miljoen – Telegraaf »Translate
28 October Augmented reality company Layar gets $1M boost, launches on Symbian – VentureBeat
28 October Live vanaf eComm 2009 Amsterdam: Layar presentatie door Claire Boonstra – Androidworld »Translate
27 October “This may be the most accessible way to view this information yet.” – ReadWriteWeb
26 October Świat ulepszony cyfrowo – Rzeczpospolita »Translate
26 October Voodoo Fest goes high tech – 2theadvocate.com
21 October Layar on CNN – CNN
21 October Dexigner Releases Augmented Reality Design Layer for Layar – PRWeb
21 October Una empresa compostelana georreferencia para móviles el Camino de Santiago con “realidad aumentada” – Berenguela »Translate
21 October Paranneltua todellisuutta puhelimella – Hilavitkutin.com »Translate
20 October Layar genomineerd voor Accenture Innovation Awards – Molblog
19 October Augmented Reality Is Both a Fad and the Future — Here’s Why – FastCompany
19 October Live interview with Maarten Lens-Fitzgerald on Canadian TV – CTV/BNN
18 October Layar definitely has the “Wow – we’re living in the future!” factor – iPhoning Japan
16 October Geniales Gratis-App: Augmented Reality-Browser fürs iPhone3GS – oe24.at »Translate
15 October Layar: Augmented Reality-Browser im App Store – CHIP Online »Translate
15 October Creating a climate layar for COP15 – New Media Days
15 October Layar ook op de iPhone – Molblog »Translate
15 October De Layar augmented reality-browser is er nu voor de iPhone 3GS – Bright »Translate
15 October “I can’t wait to get outside to test more.” – I4U News
15 October Layar augmented reality app now available for iPhone 3GS – Macworld
15 October Layar Reality Browser’ Appears in App Store – MacRumors
15 October Layar iPhone App Now Available, Augmented Reality Is No Longer Science Fiction – FastCompany
15 October Augmented reality Layar apps hit the market – CNN Go
15 October Layar: Reality-Browser jetzt auch für das iPhone erhältlich – AreaMobile »Translate
15 October Layar Augmented Reality Browser for iPhone Now Available in Apple App Store – ITVT
15 October Augmented Reality: Layar jetzt auch für das iPhone – CreateOrDie »Translate
14 October Layar voor iPhone 3GS nu in de App Store – iPhoneclub »Translate
14 October “It’s not just a one trick pony” – Mashable
14 October “Layar does all that, and does it well” – TechCrunch
14 October Popular Android app Layar now available on iPhone – TheNextWeb
14 October Augment Your Reality With Layar for iPhone – Wired
14 October AR 「リアリティブラウザ」アプリ Layar、iPhone版 公開 – Engadget Japan »Translate
13 October Telefoongids nu ook in Layar – Conexxie »Translate
13 October Politie Noord Holland zet Layar in – Mobile Cowboys »Translate
09 October Hands-On: Android App ‘Layar’ Brings Reality’s Unique Snowflakes to Your Phone – Wired
07 October Augmented Reality Applications, Future Coming to your Smartphone – Wirefly
07 October Cross-over denken basis voor succes; een interview met Claire Boonstra – De Waarde van Creatie »Translate
06 October How easy was it to use Layar? What are the benefits? The creators of the BuildAR layer explain – Fresh+New
06 October Layar genomineerd voor Accenture Innovation Awards 2009 – Molblog »Translate
05 October High-Tech X-Ray Specs: ‘Augmented Reality’ Melds Physical, Virtual Worlds – The Huffington Post
05 October Augmented reality’ puts captions on the real world – Statesman.com
02 October Mobile-Based Augmented Reality Gaining Momentum In Australia – TechNation
02 October Layar voor iPhone ingediend bij de App Store – iPhoneclub »Translate
02 October Het nieuwe mobiele oog – De Pers »Translate
30 September ING de grens over met Layar – Twinkle »Translate
30 September Video: Gadget-Fränzi und die coole Handy-App “Layar” – PC-Welt
29 September Marjolein ten Berge demonstreert Layar 3D op tv – EditieNL
28 September Augmented reality browser Layar wins 75K euro prize – Springwise
28 September Vodafone Mobile Clicks: And the winner is… – MobileZeitgeist »Translate
27 September Layar, o browser que leva a internet ao mundo real – Estadao
27 September 3D Capabilities Added to Layar Augmented Reality Browser – ITVT
25 September Layar wins mobile competition; jury says it has a 6 month window – TechCrunch UK
25 September Layar wint €75k met Vodafone Mobile Clicks – DutchCowboys »Translate
25 September Picnic09: Layar winnaar Vodafone Mobile Clicks 2009 – Marketingfacts »Translate
25 September Populaire Android-dienst Layar winnaar van Vodafone Mobile Clicks 2009 – Androidplanet »Translate
25 September Layar wint hoofdprijs ontwikkelaarswedstrijd Vodafone – Emerce
24 September Estimer un bien immobilier avec un mobile Android – DigitalWorld.fr »Translate
24 September Layar in 3D demonstratie met Claire Boonstra – Marketingfacts »Translate
23 September Snart kan du spela Pacman på riktigt – Metro Sverige »Translate
23 September Augmented reality app Layar mixt 3D en je camerabeeld – Bright »Translate
23 September Layar goes 3D, reality now more augmented than ever – Engadget
23 September 3D toegevoegd aan Layar Reality browser – Telegraaf »Translate
23 September Augmented Reality Goes 3D, Gets Even More Awesome – Mashable
23 September 3D-Elemente für Erweiterte Realität am Handy – ComputerWoche
»Translate
23 September “Hoogtepunt is de vertoning van Layar 3D” – RethinkingMedia »Translate
22 September Les prix de l’immobilier francilien sur son mobile – Le Figaro
22 September Layar in 3D – Techcrunch
22 September Layar Enhances Augmented Reality Browser Platform With 3D Capabilities – Mobilecrunch
22 September “Childhood fantasies of playing Pac-Man in the real world are about to be fulfilled.” – VentureBeat
22 September “A genuine taster of the fully-immersive 3D AR apps we’ll all be using in the future.” – FastCompany
17 September Layar maakt van de straat een speeltuin – Parool »Paper version
17 September Layar’s bn-er verkenner in Editie NL – EditieNL
16 September Die vierte Dimension des Sehens – Stern »Translate
16 September Google Inc. VP Marissa Mayer demonstrates Layar – MercuryNews.com
14 September Augmented reality: Even better than the real thing? – The New Zealand Herald
11 September Video: The unsettling truth about our augmented reality future, starring Brad Pitt – Engadget
10 September What should businesses expect from AR? Co-founder Claire Boonstra explains. – Businessweek
09 September Ihr Unternehmen auf dem IPhone – so werden Sie gefunden! – fair-NEWS »Translate
08 September Video-interview with Layar CEO Raimo van der Klein – Marketingfacts »Translate
05 September Internet te guía por la realidad – Público.es »Paper version »Translate
04 September “Het Amsterdamse Layar is hot” – DutchCowboys »Translate
02 September La réalité augmentée a son héros avec Layar Man – La réalité augmentée »Translate
01 September Augmented Reality-Browser Layar bekommt soziale Funktionen – CreateOrDie »Translate
31 August Augmented Reality wird Gemeinschaftserlebnis – derStandard »Translate
31 August Layar, verrijkte werkelijkheid op je mobiel – Leeuwarder Courant
30 August New Version of Layar Makes Augmented Reality Social – ReadWriteWeb
29 August “Came across Layar today and it was love at first sight.” – mobimatter
28 August Layar applicatie TNT: Alles over post op je mobiel – Frankwatching »Translate
26 August Video-interview met medeoprichter Raimo van der Klein: Wat moeten marketeers weten over Layar? – Molblog
24 August Augmented Reality: 5 Barriers to a Web That’s Everywhere – ReadWriteWeb
24 August Interview: Layar, augmented reality and wireless healthcare – mobihealthnews
24 August For IPhone Users, Augmented Reality Now Within Sight – AdvertisingAge
23 August Augmented RealityHandy-Apps, die reale und virtuelle Welt mixen – derStandard »Translate
22 August Layar on BBC Click – BBC Click
22 August “AR is both unbelievably weird and outre’, AND it has a huge pop-cheezy factor.” – Wired
22 August Layar: Handy-Browser vereint Realität und Web-Infos – CHIP Online »Translate
22 August Bruce Sterling: Augmented Reality is Hot & Sexy – Marketingfacts »Translate
22 August How to create your own Layar. Augmented reality project offers open API. – I think
21 August Layar on the BBC news – BBC
21 August Augmented Reality en Layar, nuttig of niet? – Mobilyz »Translate
21 August “Seriously, this stuff looks like something out of a sci-fi movie.” – PCWorld.com
20 August TNT doet het met Layar: Zoek de brievenbus – Marketingfacts »Translate
20 August “Layar is taking mobile web browsing to Star Trek levels.” – Mogul Monologues
20 August Mobile-Browser mit Mehrwert – 20 Minuten Online »Translate
19 August My augmented reality wishlist… Or how Layar will become this year’s hottest mobile app – ShinyShiny
19 August Why care about AR? Co-founder Maarten Lens-Fitzgerald explains. – FastCompany
19 August Réalité augmentée: Layar disponible en Suisse – Television Suisse Romande »Translate
19 August Layar: Reality Browser für Android-Phones – Connect »Translate
19 August Layar – Echtzeit Kamera-Browser – CKN »Translate
19 August Android: AR-Browser liefert Informationen zur Umgebung – Tec Channel »Translate
19 August モバイルARアプリ Layar に新バージョン、全世界でダウンロード可能に – Engadget Japan »Translate
18 August Layar “could end up becoming the AR window through which we all end up viewing the digitally-enhanced world” – FastCompany
18 August “Ok, seriously… Layar kicks ass. Big time.” – Techdare
18 August Augmented Reality für Android-Smartphones – heise online »Translate
18 August Augmented-Reality-Browser “Layar” global gelauncht – inside-handy.de »Translate
18 August Nieuwe browser voor Android-gebruikers – Connexie »Translate
18 August App attack! Layar Reality Browser 2 – CNet UK
18 August Browser Layar 2.0 für Android-Handys – derStandard »Translate
18 August Layar Augmented Reality Browser Available In Canada; iPhone 3GS Is Next!! – iPhoneInCanada
18 August “This is truly awesome!” – Androfun
18 August Rendevouz with Augmented Reality in Paris – GoMo News
18 August Stunning AR app Layar goes global, iPhone version to come – TheNextWeb
18 August Version 2.0 of the Android-Based Layar Augmented Reality Browser Launched Internationally – ITVT
18 August Layar: wat kunnen en moeten marketeers ermee? – Molblog »Translate
18 August Layar “lets you hunt down tweeps with cold, calculated precision” – Engadget
18 August Layar Shows Augmented Reality Revolution Is Going Global – TechCrunch
18 August Browse the Reality on Your Android Phone With Layar – Mashable
18 August Erweiterte Realität am Handy erobert die Welt – Pressetext »Translate
18 August Kijken via het mobieltje met Layar – FEM Business »Translate
18 August Mobiele Layar-dienst grote hit – Trouw »Paper version »Translate
18 August “Het is hip en happening.” – Marketingfacts »Translate
18 August Layar in het nieuws – Molblog »Translate
18 August Layar: je mond valt open – Zoomz »Translate
18 August Layar verovert de wereld – Marketing Tribune »Translate
18 August Layar Reality Browser 2.0 is in the AppStore! – IntoMobile
17 August Layar, Layar, Layar – GamesAlfresco
17 August Layar shows the Augmented Reality revolution is not in Silicon Valley – TechCrunch UK
17 August Layar Augmented Reality Now World Wide on Android, iPhone Is Next – New York Times
17 August Augmented reality browser Layar expands worldwide, eyes iPhone – VentureBeat
17 August Layar in het NOS journaal – NOS »Translate
17 August Layar verovert de wereld, en snel! – DutchCowboys »Translate
17 August Layar for hot glamorous geeky chicks! – DutchCowgirls »Translate
17 August Telefoons met wow-effect – Telegraaf »Paper version »Translate
17 August Layar maakt sprong naar buitenland – NUzakelijk »Translate
17 August Layar, de droom van Sterling wordt (augmented)realiteit – DutchCowboys »Translate
17 August Layar “jaw-dropping Dutch Augmented Reality browser” – ReadWriteWeb
17 August Nederlandse AR-browser Layar wereldwijd gelanceerd – Emerce
17 August Nederlandse mobiele dienst Layar gaat wereldwijd – Z24! »Translate
17 August Layar gaat voor world domination – Recruitment Matters »Translate
14 August Die neue Welt im Smartphone-Browser – Futurezone ORF.at »Translate
14 August Trendspotter: Smartphones for househunters – Financial Times »Paper version
14 August Layar voorgeïnstalleerd op Nederlandse versie Samsung Galaxy – Androidplanet »Translate
11 August “Perhaps the most advanced service is SPRXmobile’s Layar service.” – BBC
11 August ANWB ziet Layar als “een perfecte vorm van nieuwe bewegwijzering” – Emerce
10 August Layar in the news on Swiss television – Television Suisse Romande
05 August New phone apps seek to ‘augment’ reality – CNN
05 August Layar in trek bij buitenlandse ontwikkelaars – Emerce
04 August Interview met medeoprichter Claire Boonstra over ‘mobile magic’ – Idealize »Translate
01 August Mein Handy zeigt etwas, was Du nicht siehst – Spiegel Online »Translate
29 July eDay preview: Augmented reality, het nieuwe buzzwoord – Emerce
27 July BehindTheWeb maakt aflevering over Layar: medeoprichter Maarten Lens-FitzGerald demonstreert Layar in een video interview – Frankwatching »Translate
23 July Econsultancy interviews Claire Boonstra, one of our three founders – Econsultancy
22 July Layar is Dutch finalist for Vodafone Mobile Clicks 2009 – PICNIC 2009
20 July “A whole new level of social addiction” – AskMen.com
20 July Mobieltje levert meer dan werkelijkheid – Trouw »Translate
19 July “The biggest leap forward since GPS sat nav revolutionised mapping” – Times Online »Paper version
18 July Hoe Paul Verhoeven ons leven verandert – Trouw »Translate
15 July Funda gaat interactief met Layar – Reclameweek »Translate
15 July Even better than the real thing – Guardian
14 July De realiteit heeft diverse lagen – Spits
11 July Kicking Reality Up a Notch – New York Times »Paper version
09 July Layar opent deuren voor ontwikkelaars – Webwereld »Translate
09 July Layar open voor developers – Marketingfacts »Translate
09 July Layar gaat opensource en geeft API vrij voor ontwikkelaars – All About Phones »Translate
09 July “Amazing environmental opportunities for Dutch AR start-up application Layar” – Guardian
08 July Layar, Wikitude duel to become augmented reality browser of choice – VentureBeat
08 July Layar wants more layers – TechCrunch
08 July “And if you turn to the left, you’ll see the…” – FastCompany
08 July Layar opent platform voor ontwikkelaars – Emerce
08 July “SprxMobile has an interesting philosophy.” – TechCrunch UK
03 July “Layar zou een offline shopervaring wellicht op bijzondere wijze kunnen verrijken” – Molblog »Translate
03 July “Users can pan their cell phone cameras around and see nearby buildings and spaces tagged with information from the web.” – DigitalBeat
30 June Layar integreert stad en informatie – NRC Handelsblad »Translate
21 June “Layar is typically one of those cutting-edge things that aggressively shoves you nose-first into the enormous potential of the next-generation smartphones and platforms” – TechCrunch
19 June De nieuwe augmented reality browser voor Android-telefoons – Bright »Translate
18 June Весьма необычный мобильный браузер – Gizmod Russia »Translate
18 June Nederlandse Layar integreert web en omgeving – Webwereld
18 June Die nächste Handy-Revolution – Der Bund Switzerland »Translate
18 June Augmented-Reality-Browser erobert Smartphones – Pressetext »Translate
18 June “Our take? it’s the real-deal” – Engadget
18 June “Ok, it is pretty cool is it not?” – TrustedReviews
17 June Video: SPRXmobile’s Layar is world’s first Augmented Reality browser for cellphones – Engadget
17 June Neuer Browser für Google Android zeigt erweiterte Realität – ComputerWoche »Translate
17 June Layar: Augmented Reality für Android und iPhone (mit Video) – Engadget Germany »Translate
17 June Layar: Augmented Reality Arriving for Android Phones, iPhone Soon – FastCompany
17 June Bedenkers Layar overladen met verzoeken – NUzakelijk »Translate
17 June “Wann das geniale Programm in anderen Ländern veröffentlicht wird, ist nicht bekannt.” – Gizmodo Germany »Translate
17 June “De nieuwe ‘radar’ voor mobieltjes” – Telegraaf »Paper version »Translate
16 June Nederlandse Android-browser scant buurt – Bright »Translate
16 June Layar’ Shows Augmented Reality Possibilities on iPhone 3G S – MacRumors
16 June Layar is Out – GamesAlfresco
16 June Hyves en Funda versmelten met fysieke wereld – Emerce
16 June “We’re kind of in love with this application from Layar” – 9to5Mac
16 June “Uit de praktijk blijkt dat geldautomaten zoeken via Layar echt handig en relevant is” – Marketingfacts »Translate
16 June “The first time I saw this was on a barge in Amsterdam drinking beer whilst the sun went down. It rocks.” – JonathanMacDonald
16 June “I’ve long fantasized about being able to walk down city streets and get information on my phone about area demographics, histories of buildings I see and block-by-block news.” – Readwriteweb
16 June “I’m genuinely impressed” – IntoMobile
16 June “I see a lot of these, but this one is spooky.” – Wired
16 June “I can’t imagine anyone saying no to such cool application” – Gizmodo

General

What is Layar?
Layar is a free application on your mobile phone which shows what is around you by displaying real time digital information on top of reality through the camera of your mobile phone. The technology is called Augmented Reality.

Layar is an enabler. We enable our content partners to offer (branded) Augmented Reality experiences. It’s our role to offer an easy interface to discover and use these Augmented Reality services.

What is Augmented Reality?
Wikipedia says: “Augmented reality (AR) is 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.”

We (SPRXmobile) believe AR will break through this year. Layar is an example of markerless AR. This is a more advanced form than web cam based marker AR, which, for example, is used by the US Post Office. Markerless means that it just works and you don’t need a black and white marker in front of the camera view.

What are content layers?

Content layers are the equivalent of web pages in normal browsers. Just like there are thousands of websites, there will be thousands of content layers in our application. A layer is the digital view that is added to the camera view. This is the first time that so many brands use one application to provide an augmented reality service on the mobile phone.

You called yourself the first Augmented Reality browser, but there are already AR apps in Android Market. So what is the difference between you and those apps?
Layar is a browser with many different content layers; this makes us unique and differentiates us from the other AR apps with just one type of content. But we had enough about the confusion about this subject so we removed it. It’s not relevant anyway who was first

How will Layar make money?
We foresee several possible sources of income for Layar. Current sources include: integration fees, licensing fees, sponsoring and hosting/maintenance fees. In the near future there will also be opportunities with premium content layers and advertising.

Where is the Layar team located?
We are based in Amsterdam with an extended team of developers and designers all over the globe.

How are you funded?
We are privately funded.

The Application

Why use it?
Layar is a tool to browse the world. It enables exploration, more informed decisions, serendipity and fun.

How do I get Layar?
You can download Layar from the Android Market and iPhone store.

On which phones is Layar available?
Layar can be used on the iPhone 3GS and any Android phone with GPS and compass. For instance: HTC Magic, HTC Hero, T-Mobile G1 and Samsung Galaxy (pre-installed, The Netherlands only). A complete list of Android phones can be found here.

How does it work?
The Layar application works with GPS and compass to determine location and the direction the phone is facing. The camera input provides the reality.

The location is used to retrieve the layer information with coordinates and other relevant data. This is retrieved from the Layar server where all partner Layar information is collected and processed.

This is then combined, computed and displayed in the ‘active’ layer of the application.

How do I upgrade from Layar version 2.1 to 3.0?
You will get a stardard notification that there is an update available in the store / market, follow the instructions on the phone to upgrade.

How do I upgrade from Layar version 1.0 or 2.0 to version 2.1?
First completely remove the old version of Layar and then install the new version. To remove Layar go to the Settings menu of your phone. Then choose Settings – Applications – Manage applications. Select Layar and press delete.

How do I find content layers?
There are five ways to find a content layer:

1. You can select a layer directly from the list of available layers in the Popular section. This list contains all layers available in your country, ranked by popularity.

2. You can select one of the featured content layers. The Featured list contains the layers that are recommended by the Layar staff.

3. You can choose a layer from your own list of Favorites. This list contains all the layers that you bookmarked and pre-installed bookmarks when applicable.

4. You can search for content layers. Just enter one or more keywords and you will get a list of all the layers containing one of the keywords you entered.

5. You can find local layers in the Local list.

Recent Headlines

Newest launched layers: watch YouTube around you, find Football... YouTube - international Samsung Football Pubs - United Kingdom Snowman 3D... Read



Get your Google map into Layar We are always excited to see third parties developing useful tools and services on top of the Layar open platform. One... Read



Meet Layar at the Mobile World Congress This year we will attend the... Read



Layar pre-installed on the Samsung Galaxy Portal We are very proud to announce that we are pre-installed on the Samsung Galaxy Portal in the UK. Read



Layar will be back on the Iphone soon We take great pride in our product and are very serious about delivering high quality to our users and our developer... Read