Layar: Augmented Reality browser for Android

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Layar is an application (Android only, for now) that adds a virtual web browser on top of images acquired by your phone's camera in real time. According to the company:

Layar is derived from location based services and works on mobile phones that include a camera, GPS and a compass. Layar is first avaliable for handsets with the Android operating system (the G1 and HTC Magic). It works as follows: Starting up the Layar application automatically activates the camera. The embedded GPS automatically knows the location of the phone and the compass determines in which direction the phone is facing. Each partner provides a set of location coordinates with relevant information which forms a digital layer. By tapping the side of the screen the user easily switches between layers. This makes Layar a new type of browser which combines digital and reality, which offers an augmented view of the world.

With Layar you can find ATMs, bars, hotels, houses for sale (doesn't sound very useful) and more.

The service is available only in Netherlands for now, but it is a great step towards a new way of mixing reality and the web on a 3D visual browser.

Dutch Android users, download Layar for free here.

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