Advances in technology have helped to increase the use of augmented reality (AR) applications in several areas, including teaching, art and business. Many business owners have been looking into the marketing possibilities available to them through AR. Now, thanks to Layar, people may be able to start building their own AR apps.
Layar is a Dutch company founded in 2009. They created a mobile browser called Layar, which allows users to find assorted items by use of augmented reality technology. The browser and AR utilize a Smartphone’s GPS, camera, compass and accelerometer to get geographical location and user orientation.
The Layar Connect program lets users create and share content; like YouTube or WordPress does. By opening their API in Layar Connect, they allowed third party companies to create content management systems that normal, non-technical people could use.
Of course, the user will have to pay for the app to be hosted and any publishing fees. Layar has approved four content management companies so far. Others may be approved later for more specific objectives. All four of the services will work through a web browser on your computer.
Layar uses points of interest (POI) to secure a geographical location. These locations are what the Layar AR builds on. You, as the designer would decide where to put the locations, then depending on the app, decide how the program will interact with the user. You can give users “rewards” for passing a certain location, or give them information. There are numerous possibilities.
The four companies Layar approved are builder, Positr, Poiz and Visar. The cost for hosting varies from $10 (U.S.) monthly, to €9.95 monthly. Two of the companies have not decided on pricing as of yet.
