Layar’s Reality Browser for the iPhone is finally available!

October 16, 2009 by Michael Marlatt · Leave a Comment 





Layar’s Reality Browser has finally arrived stateside and is now available for iPhone users. If you have been following the developments in mobile technology and augmented reality, then you will agree that Layar takes mobile browsing to the next level.

Why all the hype around Augmented Reality?

Augmented Reality (AR) is generating buzz as the “next killer mobile app” and for good reason. The trend in augmented reality is gaining greater momentum, which is evident by the many new vendors entering this space. Take a look at Wikitude, IBM’s Seer app, TwittARound, Wildlife Fate Campagin, or the cool AR + 3-D campaigns by Hyperfactory, etc. and you will quickly understand why there’s so much hype around this new technology. Whether you are shopping, searching for the nearest restaurant, gas station, or job-hunting on-the-go, AR has the potential to offer a little something for everyone.

Want to see more of what the future holds? Check out the latest video by Layar



Augmented ID, a new mobile app and the ultimate ice-breaker?

July 11, 2009 by Michael Marlatt · Leave a Comment 





Augmented Reality (AR) is generating buzz as the “next killer mobile app” and for good reason. Take a look at Layar, Wikitude, IBM’s Seer app, TwittARound, Wildlife Fate Campagin, and the cool AR + 3-D campaigns by Hyperfactory, etc. and you will quickly understand why there’s so much hype around this new technology.

TAT creates Augmented ID

TAT, a Swedish software and design company, recently developed a new concept called Augmented ID. Augmented ID uses facial recognition technology and offers a convenient method for viewing the digital identities of the people around you. This could prove to be an interesting way to “break the ice” and get to know people. Imagine having instant access to information about a conference speaker, trainer, new client, co-worker, or a person you just met at a Starbucks. Regardless of how it is used, the possibilities are quite exciting. However, at the moment, Augmented ID is not yet ready for prime-time. For now, see below for a brief video intro


Want more AR videos from TAT? Check out their showroom for a peek at other cool apps.

Location Based Service (LBS), the future of job-searching on the go?

July 2, 2009 by Michael Marlatt · 1 Comment 



Increasingly, we are seeing a proliferation of mobile applications that are focused on delivering highly personalized services. One of the key ways in which companies are delivering relevant content to mobile devices is through location-based service (LBS) applications.

There are two LBS mobile apps I believe are worth mentioning:



1.
JobCompass, is a free iPhone app that offers job-seekers the ability to easily view jobs within their immediate proximity. The app is completely intuitive. To start, users simply enter the job search keywords, then specify radius. The app does all the heavy lifting. See video below…








2. Layar, is the world’s first mobile augmented reality (AR) browser. In layman terms, Layar enables users to view the general surroundings (via a camera phone) and instantly retrieve “real-time” data based on a user’s geolocation and where the camera is being pointed.

Unlike JobCompass, Layar was not specifically designed with the job-seeker in mind. However, it only takes a brief review to understand the value this application offers to job-seekers, as well as recruiters. Imagine the ability to scan your physical surroundings, target key companies within your local proximity, and then view a list of real-time job openings for your target client. Layar is just that slick and it would offer an advantage for account managers working out in the field, or job-seekers looking for new employment. (*Watch the video below at the 6:00 minute mark for more on this topic).

Layar is a free app that is only available for the T-Mobile G1, HTC Magic and other Android phones in Android Market for the Netherlands. Layar will be made available to the US, Germany, and UK markets later this year. Like many other iPhone enthusiasts, I’m still waiting for someone to create the iPhone equivalent for this amazing application. For now, enjoy this short video on Layar

Layar: The world’s first mobile augmented reality browser

June 30, 2009 by Michael Marlatt · Leave a Comment 

Introducing the Mobile Reality Browser…

Augmented reality browsing seems to be hitting the mobile scene in the a big way. Aside from Wikitude (which focuses on delivering travel-related info), the most talked-about player in the augmented reality browsing space is Layar. Layar has recently created and released an application that takes mobile browsing to the next level. Their mobile application essentially turns the mobile phone camera viewer into a real-time information portal. Layar shows what is around you by displaying digital information on top of the reality you are viewing through your phone’s camera.

At the moment, Layar’s mobile reality browser only runs on Android. If you are an Android user, you can download the app here. For the rest of the world, see video below…