In September, Layar was demoing some 3D capabilities of their Augmented Reality browser. Well the 3D feature has become a reality with the release of Layar 3.0.
The 3D capability of Layar makes use of OpenGL, the accelerometer, the GPS and the compass of the phone. Developers can place 3D objects in their content layers based on coordinates. Aside from seeing points of interest when holding up your android device, users will now also see parts in 3D which leads to a much more immersive experience.
The release post showcases how five groups of users use Layar 3.0 in a practical sense such as for architecture, storytelling, art, and personalization.
Below is the list of new features in Layar 3.0:
- 3D Objects (see the Layar Wiki for details)
- 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
Layar 3.0 is available on the Android Marketplace for Android 1.5 and 1.6 devices. Android 2.0 support is coming soon.