AR Browser Hits iPhone & Android App Stores: Augmented Reality is Back

A little while ago, I published an article about NUDE-IT, an augmented reality app for iPhone that was a little bit more than a little controversial. While Apple tried dropping it like a hot potato, not because of the risqué content but because it did not work the way everyone thought it would, it survives still, however bad the reviews from customers are. The caveat? You must have iTunes installed to get to it, even its description. Nevertheless, whether it worked or not, it was exciting. It was one of those "web-bites" that drive us mad with anticipation of smartphones doing very "Star Trek-like" things. Alas, this not meant to be... Until now, that is.

First Mobile AR Marketplace

Layar, a Dutch mobile augmented reality (AR) development house, recently announced in a Press Release dated April 28 2010 that they would be launching the world's first mobile marketplace for AR content. They intend the marketplace as a mobile platform app store allowing the purchase and download of the content to your iPhone or Android phone so you can finally have all of the electric augmented reality excitement you can afford.

However, in order to download and run the apps, it will first involve downloading and installing the Layar Reality Browser, which has already been downloaded 1.6 million times. This browser is available for iPhones and 11 different Android devices, but there is no word on whether it will become available for the iPad or not just yet. There is already a ton of really keen stuff rip-roaring and ready to go and the cost is about the same as you would expect from any apps store; a dollar or three gets you the app of your "lucid dreams."

The Neat Stuff

There is the Disneyland app, for example and it will thrill and delight those who are headed to the Florida Fun Zone by installing a virtual augmented reality map of the park. This map will use your phone's GPS, accelerometer and compass data to show you, on your device's screen, all of the attractions, dining, transportation and other great stuff while you are strolling around the world's most famous amusement park. Wow! This is just one example of the over 500 AR apps now available. By the way, this one will set you back $3.95. Better than the old paper maps and annoyed kids, right? At least this one will keep them busy, anyway.

The Future

The company states that there are over 2000 apps now under development. Currently, the only limitation is that they are only for sale to users in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada and Australia. The apps are not limited to fun and games though; there are some serious and useful Layars on sale such as the home buying guides, which should be very cool indeed. There is also one from SpotCrime.com that will apprise you of criminal activity in over 300 US cities. There are apps for job hunting and several that will show you hospitals, health center and pharmacies in the US, Spain and several other countries and this is only the beginning.

The hype that NUDE-IT created was a barometer of the "heat" of the augmented reality subject and anyone could only imagine what will be available in the near future as the mobile wars heat up. Since I am a Star Trek fan myself, I will happily wait for the replicators... I just hope they don't come from Apple (pretty please?), maybe an Android based replicator?

References & Resources:
EuroDroid: Layar launches World's First Augmented Reality Store
Layar: Layar Launches First Augmented Reality Content Store
Who is the BaldGuy: NudeIt AR App Turns into #1 Selling iPhone App
Prersselite: Nude It Augmented Reality App