14 DAY TRIAL // Layar has released a new version of its augmented reality browser, and has also included a wide range of new features inside it, so as to enable the creation of new AR experiences to developers. According to the company, the new version of their browser offers those that have basic web development skills the possibility to create immersive experiences that no other solution delivers at the moment.
The changes delivered with Layar 3.0 browser include: - 3D Objects - Unlimited POI types - Support for more textbox and slider filters - New checkboxlist filter - there can be more than one - User authentication - cookies - Auto-triggered actions - Local layers - a new way to define and find layers - Flexible radius - Return as many POIs as you need, and then set the radius - Improved layer validation, and automatic support for older client versions - POI-to-POI capability, for story-telling and guided tours
Among the capabilities that Layar delivers now, we can count the possibility to place 3D objects in real-space, the possibility to personalize a layer or another, and others more. The company also delivers some examples of what can be done with the new version of the browser, and also notes that this is only the beginning of the exploration in the augmented reality area, and that they plan on expanding their offering to developers.
“Hold up your phone and see new pieces of art, specifically created for Augmented Reality. Various artists are creating new art and new ways for people to interact with their work. Experience existing or old pieces of art in a completely new context: not in the museum but outside on the city’s main square or in a park. Or see fun objects like zeppelins and UFO’s or even messages and graffiti in unexpected locations,” the company states on its website.
Those interested in Layar 3.0 will find it available for download for Android 1.5 and Android 1.6 handsets over at the Android Market. Moreover, a version for the Android 2.0 flavor of Google's operating system is also expected to surface in the near future. The browser might come to Apple's iPhone users as well, as long as the Cupertino company approves it.
