Layar Creator sees an interactive future for print media via augmented reality (video)

Heavy hitters across several industries have tried to find the perfect balance between the old and the new to breathe some life into what's been described as a dying medium. Layar "wants to make the world clickable" with its augmented reality software and doesn't plan on letting paper-based media go the way of paying for long distance or total privacy. Instead, it's opted to fully welcome it into this brave new digital world by letting publishers embed videos and interactive buttons onto existing printed materials. A mobile app can then display superimposed content that pops right up on the page when viewed through a device's camera. The new web app, Layar Creator, is free if you can get your stuff published and all Layared up before August 1st, but if you're a procrastinator, a 100-page bundle will run €999 ($1,242), or €15 ($18.65) per page. You can see the Layar Creator and AR app in full effect right after the break.

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Layar Creator places the power of interactive print at everyone's fingertips

Web-based app set to revitalize publishing industry by bringing digital interaction to print

AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS – June 5th, 2012

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.

The Layar Creator: Easy, Seamless and Affordable

The Layar Creator takes advantage of Layar Vision technology, recognizing existing images from the pages of magazines and newspapers without the need for special markers. There is no software to install, and the Layar Creator's intuitive interface makes it easy to start activating pages right away - all at budget-friendly prices.

"I loved how simple it was to use the Layar Creator with our magazine," says Monique van Beekhoven, web editor for Sanoma Media's vtwonen magazine. Using their smartphones, readers could instantly order items in the magazine by tapping "Buy" buttons placed on the pages with the Layar Creator by Monique herself. "I really believe that anyone can do it!"
• Easy to use - The Layar Creator is simple and intuitive with drag-and-drop functionality - it couldn't be easier to make print interactive.
• Seamless integration - With no software to install and no restricting watermarks or QR codes to use, the Layar Creator has very little impact on the workflow of a publication.
• Cost effective - With pay-as-you-go, bundled pricing and free ad-supported options, the Layar Creator is affordable on any budget. And until August 1st, it is completely free to use.

Proven Results Built In
Early interactive print campaigns with the Layar Creator have already shown promising results. Roughly 1% of readers who discover activated pages are converted from print to digital by using Layar to interact with the pages. And on average, 20% of all digital content displayed in print through Layar is clicked by the viewer. Having seen these results, several publishers have signed on to incorporate the Layar Creator into their publishing process going forward.

"At every editorial meeting, we discuss what will be in the printed magazine and how we can connect that content with Layar," says Jildou van der Bijl, editor-in-chief of LINDA. Magazine. Three recent issues already feature interactive pages, and LINDA. will continue to include the Layar Creator in its production process for the next year.

The Dawn of Interactive Print
These results and partnerships validate Layar's strong belief that interactive print is the next step not only for the publishing industry, but also for augmented reality as it moves toward practicality and viability in the marketplace.

"The market for print is not going away. It's here to stay," says Layar CEO Raimo van der Klein. "With the introduction of the Layar Creator and interactive print, we have every reason to be extremely confident in a strong future for print. Today we are joining hands with publishers and moving forward together."

About Layar
Layar connects our digital lives with the physical world. As the global leader in mobile augmented reality, the Layar app has over 20 million downloads and 3 million monthly active users. With the Layar Creator, Layar is pioneering the interactive print movement and paving the way for a more robust future for the publishing industry in a digital age.
The company was named as a Technology Pioneer by the World Economic Forum, a Disruptive Innovator at the Deloitte Fast50 awards and has received various major industry awards.
Layar was founded in June 2009 and has raised over EUR 12.5 million (USD 15.6 million) in venture funding from investors including Intel Capital, Prime Ventures and Sunstone Capital. Layar is located in Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
To learn more, visit www.layar.com