Find out what's around you with this augmented reality app
Layar Reality Browser is a free augmented reality app that helps you discover what's around you, wherever you are in the World.
What does Layar do?
Layar Reality Browser displays real time digital information on top of the real life world as seen through the lens of your phone's camera. The spectacular augmented reality technology in Layar Reality Browser uses the camera, along with GPS and the built-in compass to map the area around you and display layers of data over the live image you're seeing on the screen.
For example, Layar Reality Browser could show you where all the nearby cinemas are based on your current location. It will display icons on screen in their real world physical location. You can click on any of these icons to display more information about that cinema in the Layar Reality Browser window. The same principle applies to a whole host of other categories, such as architecture, food and drink, health, nature and parks, transport, nightlife, and much more.
Add more layers
Besides these categories, Layar Reality Browser allows you to choose from a multitude of free and paid-for 'layers', covering a range of weird and wonderful information. For instance, you can view photos taken in the area around you by Mobypicture users, see Twitter users near you and post geotagged tweets, access Wikipedia entries about places nearby, and even meet potential dates by adding a Happy Meet layer.
There are so many possibilities with Layar Reality Browser and the app is so customizable that it can be a little daunting to use at first. The interface is quite clearly laid out though, so it won't take you too long to figure out where everything is. Settings in Layar Reality Browser include the ability to switch between miles and kilometers, toggle the grid on and off, and enable/disable automatic launching of actions.
Point and scan
Layar includes a feature called Point and Scan, which allows you to access digital extras that appear on top of real world content such as newspapers, magazines and adverts. Though take-up of this service by media companies is in its early stages, this could eventually change the way we consume content.
Layar Reality Browser has great potential but unfortunately the service is still quite raw. You should find plenty of layers to look at in major cities, but in smaller towns or rural areas the app won't offer you much.
Augmented reality is a technology that could change the way we live our lives. It's still in its infancy, but Layar Reality Browser is without doubt the best example of this amazing new way of exploring your surroundings
