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.

It’s official and we’re so proud of it. JK Shin, president and head of Samsung Electronics’ Mobile Communication Business just introduced the Galaxy S and Layar is on it. The Samsung Galaxy S will be available in Europe, North America, Latin America, Australia, and Asia soon. The Android-powered Galaxy S incorporates a 4-inch Super AMOLED screen and a 1 GHz application processor that enables vibrant HD videos, rich augmented reality content through Layar Reality Browser, and advanced LBS (Location Based Services). This is a huge step in bringing augmented reality to the bigger audience and we are thrilled to be part of it. The full press release can be found here.

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

Maarten Lens-FitzGerald, co-founder, Layar: “Layar is honoured to have Samsung, the worldwide #2 mobile manufacturer install the Layar browser on the home screen of this leading device. The UK is now primed to become one of the most active markets in the exciting new world of Mobile Augmented Reality. Samsung’s distribution of the Layar platform will provide developers with a compelling channel to reach an even larger audience of AR users”

For this pre-installation Samsung has created their own Layars which will be embedded into the Galaxy Portal at launch – The Samsung Hotel Search, powered by hotels.com, Samsung Local Search, powered by Qype, Samsung Train Station Search powered by thetrainline.com and the Samsung Football Pub Finder.

• Lastminute.com (*Exclusive) – restaurant finder, guide and booking services


• Nestoria Property Search (*Exclusive) – nationwide coverage with over 800,000 properties available to be viewed at any one time


• Trainline.com (Launch partner) – find directions to your nearest train station across the country


• Barclaycard (Launch partner) – find local Barclaycard cash points and shops participating in the contactless pay scheme


• Samsung Local Search, powered by Qype.com – millions of reviews across the country available, from the best shops to restaurants, cafes, theatres, museums, gigs and much more


• Samsung Hotel Search, powered by Hotels.com – guide and to nearby hotels in the area


• Samsung Football Pub Finder – a massive database of pub around the country, and those that have TV capable of showing the live match! This is a Samsung Layer made available to any handset.

Nick Turner-Samuels, Head of Content, Samsung Mobile UK: “This is a great opportunity to work in one of the most innovative and exciting areas of mobile technology and with some fantastic lifestyle brands.

“This marks our first entry into the exciting world of Augmented Reality. We expect to see a lot of growth in this area in the near future.”

The Samsung Galaxy Portal will be available in the UK stores as of next Monday.

Today, 14th of August,  Samsung Netherlands announced that Layar will be pre-installed on Samsung’s first Android phone, the Galaxy (i7500). This Layar version will have, next to the regular content, exclusive layers of Dutch restaurant review site IENS, Buienradar (rain-forecast) and Samsung Search by ilocal. We are grateful that Samsung has chosen Layar as a partner to bring our exciting service to their customers. During today’s press-event the Dutch press was also treated to a preview of our new and improved browser: Layar Reality Browser 2.0

If  you are interested to hear all about our next browser just RSVP for the Layar NEXT event coming Monday in Amsterdam.