Version 2.0 of the Android-Based Layar Augmented Reality Browser Launched Internationally

SPRXmobile said Monday that version 2.0 of its Layar augmented reality browser, which launched in June in the Netherlands, is now available in all local Android Markets, and that multiple new content layers have been developed for the browser, following the company's decision to open it up for third-party development almost immediately after launching it (note: for more on the Layar platform--which leverages smartphones' integrated GPS and compass capabilities to display layers of interactive digital information on top of real-time video on those phones' camera screens, thus effectively transforming reality into a giant, clickable interactive video--see the articles published on itvt.com, June 17th and July 9th, and the interview with SPRXmobile co-founder, Maarten Lens-Fitzgerald, published July 16th). According to the company (whose press materials seem to imply--though do not state explicitly--that it is in the process of rebranding itself as Layar), it has provided API keys for the browser to over 100 developers worldwide to date, and is now releasing an additional 500 keys. New content layers that have been launched as a result of its aggressive push to promote third-party development include AR versions of such established services as Wikipedia, Twitter, Yelp, Brightkite, Flickr and Trulia (note: Trulia claims that it was able to develop its layer in about three hours), as well as apps that locate bus stops, stores, Mazda dealers and tourist attractions, the company says (note: a full list of the 87 layers that have now been developed for the platform is available at: http://www.layar.com/catalog/ContentCatalog.html) . It also says that the next mobile operating system for which a Layar browser will be launched will be the Apple iPhone 3GS, version 3.1 of whose operating system is expected to support AR via a public API for manipulating live video.

Key features of the Layar Reality Browser 2.0, as the browser is now officially called, include sections for "Featured" and "Popular" layers; the ability to discover layers via a keyword search; the ability to save frequently used layers to "Favorites"; and the availability of "Map" and "List" views, in addition to the browser's core augmented reality camera view. In addition, the company says, for every point of interest (POI) featured on an augmented reality layer, several actions can now be taken, including linking to a mobile site for more information; playing a live location-based trivia game; linking to a video or sound clip; clicking to call for reservations; or looking at a description of a route to the POI (note: a list of the Layar Reality Browser 2.0's new features, together with screenshots, is available at: http://www.layar.com/catalog/FunctionalScreens.html).

According to SPRXmobile, layer developers can fully customize their implementations to provide a "distinctive experience" for the end-user. The company has also set up a wiki (http://layar.pbworks.com) that provides developers with instructions and documentation.

Demo videos of a few of the new layers that have been developed for the Layar browser are embedded above.