Hasta La Gadget!

Layar, which has been the poster child for augmented reality smartphone apps, just arrived in the iPhone’s App Store.

The Layar augmented reality browser looks at an environment through the phone’s camera and overlays data on top of points of interest such as restaurants, shops and tourist attractions.

The app retrieves information from third-party developers who contribute their “layers” to the Layar platform. For example, there’s a layer called iMetro, and when that’s selected and you’re standing outside, Layar will display digital overlays of nearby bus stops and the time the next bus is arriving.

Get what we mean? Layers are similar to plug-ins that customize desktop browsers. There are also layers for Yellow Pages, Las Vegas casinos and Wikipedia. The layers are free, as is the Layar app. Based in Amsterdam, Layar told Wired.com that after the platform generates enough interest, it might begin charging users for premium layers. For now, Layar appears to be in a stage of experimentation, and it’s a good start.

Wired.com’s Rose Roark last week wrote a hands-on about the Android version of Layar. Check that out for some more insight into the app.

Download Link [iTunes]

See Also:

• Hands-On: Android App ‘Layar’ Brings Reality’s Unique Snowflakes …
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