Today Samsung announced their new Tablet device called the Galaxy Tab. Samsung markets it as a media device. We think its even better for Augmented Reality. Layar is even included in their press photo set of the Tab.

The second wave of Augmented Reality Experiences
Augmented Reality on the mobile has started with lots of point of interest applications. “Where is a house for sale (and how much)” and “where is a restaurant (and is it any good)” are well known examples. The second wave for mobile Augmented Reality is an immersive one and will will be an addition to the first wave. With immersive AR people step into a different world, either by playing a game like Conquar which is a risk like strategy game on Layar or by experiencing how the Berlin wall looked like. This is made possible by adding interactivity and more graphical elements like 3D models and animation. This is what the Layar Publishing platform can enable for brands, publishers and agencies.

Tablet devices like the Galaxy TAB with their big screens and high resolution displays will ensure that this next wave of immersive Augmented Reality experiences will look even better then on a phone.

Layar is selected as a Technology Pioneer 2011 by the WEF. The Technology Pioneers is a group of up-and-coming startups selected after a rigorous process by the WEF selection committee. Last year’s list included Twitter and Playfish. The year before, Mint and Etsy were named. This year the list also includes GetJar, Spotify and Foursquare.

At Layar we feel honored to be part of this list and look forward to the two big WEF events in Tjanjin and Davos.

The WEF says the following about why Layar is named a Technology Pioneer (more in this PDF, page 21)

“Why the company is a Technology Pioneer
Layar is pioneering the new medium of augmented reality which could become the mobile sector’s killer application. This new medium is still in the early stages of development but is already being viewed as an essential component of the next generation of entertainment and advertising.”