Preview of a complete POI/Layar backend, frontend and browser based mobile solution

Posted in: Android, Augmented Reality, Blog, Mobile, Open Source, iPhone by openhanced on March 8, 2010

Layar client

Last couple of weeks we have done some extensive development to get a complete working concept (some will be used at current projects) around POI’s, Layar and backend integration PLUS Jquery based clients for Android and iPhone.

After analyzing some of the solutions available I think there is a lot to improve and also ways to extend the experience. A lot of layar developers for example focus just on the Layar client (which is perfectly fine) but we took this approach and extended it into an approach where Layar actions (available in the specification) kick of Jquery clients (Android and iPhone) where you can even execute more location based services. Below is a sample screenshot of how this looks inside Android (in Dutch):

By linking these almost native clients (nothing to install) for example the Layar experience can heavily be extended. When people select an action in Layar above screens can be opened from within Layar:

POI/Layar backend

There are a few POI/Layar backends available but again we think they are not flexible enough. We think that one infrastructure can facilitate both Layar data but also any other location based information. On top of that we are working on:

• a commenting system for POI’s/Layar;
• location based advertising;
• invitations by SMS for location based surveys or ads;
• generating coupons and a way for users to claim a coupon (location based);
• a retailer interface where store owners can add ads;
• and may other interesting solutions…

Below some screenshots of the backend:

The backend is suitable for multiple users and user groups. Users that register as a retailer will have an option to create location based messages or coupons.

All above work is in development and some will be rolled over to a live environment. A freemium version will be available so that you can create your own Layar in an easy way. We plan to release this around April.