Layar Creator
Layar release a simplified augmented reality editing service to bring digital connectivity to print media.
Layar, the world’s leading mobile augmented reality (AR) provider, today announced the launch of the Layar Creator, a self-service web application for activating print pages with digital content. By simplifying and demystifying previously complex AR technology, the Layar Creator makes it quick and easy to bring once static pages to life with videos, links and “Buy” buttons that readers can view with their smartphone.
In a matter of seconds, anyone can upload images or PDFs, drag-and-drop any of a number of digital buttons onto the pages and publish them on the Layar platform. When readers view activated pages with the Layar app, these buttons appear on top of the page, enabling deeper engagement and direct commercial opportunities as the printed page becomes a point-of-sale.
You can find out more about the service here
It is worth noting that, despite the obvious focus on mainstream high-circulation magazines, there is a Pro-Publishing model as well as an Ad-Supported one which could lead to some creativity to the lower circulation models, such as zines, and possibility other areas such as stickers, paintings, street art etc …
I got in contact via Twitter about a couple of things – first, to have AR video, you’ll need a high-end mobile to have it work properly within the camera view (otherwise it will open in a separate window), iPhone 4(S) or dual-core Android at the minimum. Secondly, it doesn’t support animated GIFs (which would have been great), although you could position a link button to a GIF file.