Engadget http://www.engadget.com Engadget http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.engadget.com/media/feedlogo.gif Engadget http://www.engadget.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[BlackBerry 7 gets an SDK, NFC, AR, other acronyms]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/01/blackberry-7-gets-an-sdk-nfc-ar-other-acronyms/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/01/blackberry-7-gets-an-sdk-nfc-ar-other-acronyms/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/01/blackberry-7-gets-an-sdk-nfc-ar-other-acronyms/#comments BlackBerry 7 SDK Beta BlackBerry 7 OS is coming soon but, to take advantage of all those fancy features like NFC and the digital compass (ok, some of them aren't that fancy), devs are going to need some new APIs -- enter the BlackBerry 7 Java SDK. Creators of BlackBerry apps can go download the beta of the new software development kit at the source link and start whipping up augmented reality browsers and 3D games, thanks to support for OpenGL ES 2.0. There's nothing mind-blowing about RIM's latest update, but we're glad to see the corporate stalwart start to catch up to other smartphone OSes, and it's only a matter of time before Layar and Quake hit the BlackBerry Bold 9900.

BlackBerry 7 gets an SDK, NFC, AR, other acronyms originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 01 Jun 2011 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>APIAPIsBetaBlackBerryBlackBerry 7BlackBerry 7 Java SDKBlackBerry 7 Java SDK betaBlackBerry 7 OSBlackBerry 7 SDKBlackberry7Blackberry7JavaSdkBlackberry7JavaSdkBetaBlackberry7OsBlackberry7Sdkcompassdevdevelopmentdevsdigital compassDigitalCompasslayarmagnetometernear field communicationNearFieldCommunicationNFCOpenGLOpenGL ESOpenGL ES 2.0OpenglEsOpenglEs2.0quakeRIMSDKsoftware development kitSoftwareDevelopmentKitWed, 01 Jun 2011 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Windows Phone adds multitasking, deeper OS integration, and sensor access to dev platform]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/13/windows-phone-adds-multitasking-deep-phone-integration-and-sen/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/13/windows-phone-adds-multitasking-deep-phone-integration-and-sen/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/13/windows-phone-adds-multitasking-deep-phone-integration-and-sen/#comments
 We knew it was coming, and today at MIX 11, Microsoft showed off its developer platform for the next version of Windows Phone, which developers will be able to get their hands on for free in May. The new application platform adds:
  • Multitasking for background processing, audio and file transfer, and fast app switching, including background audio playback for HTML5 webpages
  • Deeper integration of apps into the OS, allowing programs to leverage Live Tiles, including push notifications via Live Agents running in the background
  • Raw access to the camera and sensors (gyro and compass) via the Motion Sensor library, letting apps to control device hardware
Microsoft hopes this will allow developers to make even more creative and engaging apps. To get our juices flowing, it showed off demos of new app concepts from Skype, Spotify, Layar, Qantas, Amazon Shopping, and Kik Messenger. Check out our gallery below and hit the break for the details.

Gallery: Windows Phone 7 platform updates from MIX 11

Continue reading Windows Phone adds multitasking, deeper OS integration, and sensor access to dev platform

Windows Phone adds multitasking, deeper OS integration, and sensor access to dev platform originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 13 Apr 2011 12:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AmazonAPIAppApplicationAppscameradevelopmentHTML5KikLayarLive AgentsLive TilesLiveAgentsLiveTilesmangoMicrosoftMIXMultitaskingprofilerPush NotificationPushNotificationSDKSensorSkypeSoftware Development KitSoftwareDevelopmentKitSpotifysqliteWindows PhoneWindows Phone 7Windows Phone NextWindowsPhoneWindowsPhone7WindowsPhoneNextWed, 13 Apr 2011 12:21:00 EST<![CDATA[Layar Player lets AR loose on iPhone apps]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/29/layar-player-lets-ar-loose-on-iphone-apps/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/29/layar-player-lets-ar-loose-on-iphone-apps/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/29/layar-player-lets-ar-loose-on-iphone-apps/#comments
 Layar's been the go-to platform for augmented reality on Android since 2009, bringing you the useful, the creepy, and the just plain weird -- and now it's unleashing the beast on iOS, again (it's already available as a dedicated app). The Netherlands-based company just launched Layar Player, a free tool that allows anyone -- with a little developer know-how -- to create their very own AR iPhone app. Accompanying the announcement are three brand new Layar Player-enabled apps: the Bing-sponsored Snowboard Hero, which incorporates a special AR mode for collecting points; a contractor locator called Layer Trade; and VerbeterdeBuurt, an app that acts as an AR community bulletin board. The company's press release touts the "democratization of augmented reality," and while we can get behind their AR-for-alll message, we've already seen Layar used in ways that give us the willies. Don't get us wrong, we're still excited about the endless AR possibilities, but we're hoping, at least for now, that iPhone app developers can keep the AR monsters at bay.

Continue reading Layar Player lets AR loose on iPhone apps

Layar Player lets AR loose on iPhone apps originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 29 Jan 2011 08:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appsARaugmented realityAugmentedRealityiOSiPhoneiPhone AppsIphoneAppslayarLayar PlayerLayarPlayerLayer TradelayersLayerTradesmartphonesmartphonesSnowboard heroSnowboardHeroVerbeterdeBuurtSat, 29 Jan 2011 08:52:00 EST<![CDATA[Layar 3.0 reunites the Beatles in 3D augmented reality]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/03/layar-3-0-reunites-the-beatles-in-3d-augmented-reality/http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/03/layar-3-0-reunites-the-beatles-in-3d-augmented-reality/http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/03/layar-3-0-reunites-the-beatles-in-3d-augmented-reality/#comments Layar's approach to bringing augmented reality to the masses is unique. Instead of writing isolated AR apps, Layar provides a very real augmented reality platform onto which content owners can layer (or layar) their data resulting in a richer experience when viewing the world through your Android or iPhone 3GS camera lens. There are already 294 layers and counting ranging from Google's ubiquitous local search results to homegrown content listing apartments for rent or tourist hot spots. Today sees the launch of Layar 3.0 with new 3D capabilities, authentication, and plenty more to entice anyone "with basic web development skills" to join the fun. To show the platform's new capabilities Layar presents a handful of use cases that include the ability to add authenticated social media layars (like Twitter and Foursquare), see incomplete construction sites in their final form, interactive public-space art projects, and a guided Beatles discovery tour that takes you to destinations made famous by the fab foursome -- you can even pose with the band for pictures as they cross Abbey Road. Sure, the jury's still out on the usefulness of 3D content presented in this manner and the ability to geolocate Twitter users and Hollywood stars in this manner continues to creep us out. But man is this stuff interesting.

Gallery: Layar 3.0 3D samples

Layar 3.0 reunites the Beatles in 3D augmented reality originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 03 Dec 2009 04:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3.03dandroidaraugmented realityAugmentedRealitybeatlesiphone 3gsIphone3gslayarThu, 03 Dec 2009 04:51:00 EST<![CDATA[Layar goes 3D, reality now more augmented than ever]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/23/layar-goes-3d-reality-now-more-augmented-than-ever/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/23/layar-goes-3d-reality-now-more-augmented-than-ever/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/23/layar-goes-3d-reality-now-more-augmented-than-ever/#comments
The Layar Reality Browser for Android has already managed to stir up quite a bit of interest in its current state, but it looks like the mad geniuses behind it aren't about to rest on their slightly augmented laurels just yet, and they've now announced that they're adding full 3D capabilities to the app. That, of course, doesn't mean you'll have to start wearing goofy glasses every time you walk outside, but you will soon be able to tag real-life objects with 3D text, or place 3D objects in a real-world space (like the Pac-Man fever dream above, for instance). Of course, the potential uses for the upgrade are limited only by the developers working with it, and they'll have a bit of time to toy around with things before the 3D-enabled version of Layer launches to the public in November. Head on past the break for a quick video, and hit up the link below for a closer look at what's in store.

Continue reading Layar goes 3D, reality now more augmented than ever

Filed under: ,

Layar goes 3D, reality now more augmented than ever originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 23 Sep 2009 03:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidaugmented realityAugmentedRealitylayarlayer reality browserLayerRealityBrowsermobilereality browserRealityBrowserWed, 23 Sep 2009 03:13:00 EST<![CDATA[Layar goes 3D, reality now more augmented than ever]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/23/layar-goes-3d-reality-now-more-augmented-than-ever/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/23/layar-goes-3d-reality-now-more-augmented-than-ever/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/23/layar-goes-3d-reality-now-more-augmented-than-ever/#comments
The Layar Reality Browser for Android has already managed to stir up quite a bit of interest in its current state, but it looks like the mad geniuses behind it aren't about to rest on their slightly augmented laurels just yet, and they've now announced that they're adding full 3D capabilities to the app. That, of course, doesn't mean you'll have to start wearing goofy glasses every time you walk outside, but you will soon be able to tag real-life objects with 3D text, or place 3D objects in a real-world space (like the Pac-Man fever dream above, for instance). Of course, the potential uses for the upgrade are limited only by the developers working with it, and they'll have a bit of time to toy around with things before the 3D-enabled version of Layer launches to the public in November. Head on past the break for a quick video, and hit up the link below for a closer look at what's in store.

Continue reading Layar goes 3D, reality now more augmented than ever

Filed under: ,

Layar goes 3D, reality now more augmented than ever originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 23 Sep 2009 03:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidaugmented realityAugmentedRealitylayarlayer reality browserLayerRealityBrowserreality browserRealityBrowserWed, 23 Sep 2009 03:13:00 EST<![CDATA[Video: The unsettling truth about our augmented reality future, starring Brad Pitt]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/11/video-the-unsettling-truth-about-our-augmented-reality-future/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/11/video-the-unsettling-truth-about-our-augmented-reality-future/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/11/video-the-unsettling-truth-about-our-augmented-reality-future/#comments With more and more phones featuring beefy processors, GPS, HSPA data, and compasses, augmented reality apps are ready to take off in a big way. Layar, in particular, is shaping up to be the platform of choice from which to overlay information onto the streets that surround you. This is great for serendipitous discovery of cafes, ATMs, real estate, and even jobs, but at what expense? Recently, we casually joked about the ability to "hunt down tweeps with cold, calculated precision." Now a Dutch crew from Beste Product took up the task by giving Layar and its "Famous People Finder" feature a real-world test on the streets of Amsterdam with the help of Samsung's i7500 Galaxy. The results are unsettling as demonstrated by the celebrities, including Brad Pitt's, reaction to being discovered. Is our near-term future to be filled with people laughing maniacally while pointing their cellphones at each other? The video is in Dutch, but the reaction that unfolds at 2 minutes and 40 seconds is universally human. See it after the break.

[Via @Dutchcowboy]

Continue reading Video: The unsettling truth about our augmented reality future, starring Brad Pitt

Video: The unsettling truth about our augmented reality future, starring Brad Pitt originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 11 Sep 2009 07:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>augmented realityAugmentedRealitybradbrad pittBradPittfuturegalaxugalaxyi7500layarpittsamsungvideoFri, 11 Sep 2009 07:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Layar augmented reality app now available globally, lets you hunt down tweeps with cold, calculated precision]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/18/layar-now-available-globally-lets-you-hunt-down-tweeps-with-col/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/18/layar-now-available-globally-lets-you-hunt-down-tweeps-with-col/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/18/layar-now-available-globally-lets-you-hunt-down-tweeps-with-col/#comments Following a Netherlands-exclusive release back in June, SPRXmobile has now taken its so-called Layar "Reality Browser" for Android to the global stage and advanced it to version 2.0 in the process. Perhaps the first commercial augmented reality app to launch on a large scale, Layar's got a good amount of momentum behind it -- the company claims that 100 developers are already hard at work developing reality layers that users can toggle, and an additional 500 developers are being added into the mix with the latest release. Version 2.0 adds favorite layers (because we're sure you'll be stalking friends and foes all too often using the Tweetmondo layer), map and list views, and enhanced search capabilities, but the real secret to Layar's power might ultimately lie in the third-party ecosystem if they can get enough content providers on board.

We grabbed Layar off the Market and took it for a quick spin; we're having trouble getting it to aim correctly, though Google Sky Map is having the same issues, so we're fairly certain that we're dealing with a phone or location problem rather than a Layar one. The key thing with an app like this is going to be speed and fluidity, and even on our Magic's relatively lightweight 528MHz core, it's plenty usable. The Google-powered Layar local search -- arguably the most important reality layer bundled with the software -- is a little annoying to use, primarily because the search box has no history or suggestion capability which means you've got to type out a full search every time you want to use it. Ultimately, though, the app's very young (as is this whole category of technology, for that matter) and we're stoked to see where this goes over the coming months.

Filed under: , ,

Layar augmented reality app now available globally, lets you hunt down tweeps with cold, calculated precision originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 18 Aug 2009 01:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidaugmented realityAugmentedRealitylayarreality browserRealityBrowserTue, 18 Aug 2009 01:44:00 EST<![CDATA[Layar augmented reality app now available globally, lets you hunt down tweeps with cold, calculated precision]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/18/layar-now-available-globally-lets-you-hunt-down-tweeps-with-col/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/18/layar-now-available-globally-lets-you-hunt-down-tweeps-with-col/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/18/layar-now-available-globally-lets-you-hunt-down-tweeps-with-col/#comments Following a Netherlands-exclusive release back in June, SPRXmobile has now taken its so-called Layar "Reality Browser" for Android to the global stage and advanced it to version 2.0 in the process. Perhaps the first commercial augmented reality app to launch on a large scale, Layar's got a good amount of momentum behind it -- the company claims that 100 developers are already hard at work developing reality layers that users can toggle, and an additional 500 developers are being added into the mix with the latest release. Version 2.0 adds favorite layers (because we're sure you'll be stalking friends and foes all too often using the Tweetmondo layer), map and list views, and enhanced search capabilities, but the real secret to Layar's power might ultimately lie in the third-party ecosystem if they can get enough content providers on board.

We grabbed Layar off the Market and took it for a quick spin; we're having trouble getting it to aim correctly, though Google Sky Map is having the same issues, so we're fairly certain that we're dealing with a phone or location problem rather than a Layar one. The key thing with an app like this is going to be speed and fluidity, and even on our Magic's relatively lightweight 528MHz core, it's plenty usable. The Google-powered Layar local search -- arguably the most important reality layer bundled with the software -- is a little annoying to use, primarily because the search box has no history or suggestion capability which means you've got to type out a full search every time you want to use it. Ultimately, though, the app's very young (as is this whole category of technology, for that matter) and we're stoked to see where this goes over the coming months.

Filed under: ,

Layar augmented reality app now available globally, lets you hunt down tweeps with cold, calculated precision originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 18 Aug 2009 01:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidaugmented realityAugmentedRealitylayarmobilereality browserRealityBrowserTue, 18 Aug 2009 01:44:00 EST<![CDATA[Video: Hands-on with SPRXmobile's Layar augmented reality browser for Android]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/18/video-hands-on-with-sprxmobiles-layar-augmented-reality-browse/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/18/video-hands-on-with-sprxmobiles-layar-augmented-reality-browse/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/18/video-hands-on-with-sprxmobiles-layar-augmented-reality-browse/#comments We had a chance to go hands-on with Layar, the new augmented reality browser from SPRXmobile. Launched yesterday on Android Market in The Netherlands, we were curious to see how the software, that looked damn-impressive in the promo video, would function in actual use, in this case, from the living room of SPRXmobile's Maarten Lens-FitzGerald just outside of Amsterdam. Our take? it's the real-deal, especially for a v1 release. The software looks rock-solid and the initial data layers -- ATMs, social joints like cafes and clubs, and job listings -- appear fully populated and thus, useful. The ATM and cafe/club layers (or layars) are definitely helpful for serendipitous discovery though we're still scratching our heads over the job search layar. See, what you're discovering are jobs you can apply for from that particular employment office, not jobs necessarily available in that specific neighborhood or office building. Next month, Layar will have access to what could be its killer app (or killer data layar) called Funda, the site in The Netherlands for finding places to rent or buy. Of course, you can imagine travel guide companies like Let's Go and Frommers jumping into this with huge effect as well. And really, it's content that's going to make this type of augmented reality software a success. Maarten tells us that more partner announcements are expected this week with expansion into the US, Germany, and UK anticipated later this year on Android devices and on the iPhone 3G S (compass required). Check the interview and demo after the break.

Update: New layers announced including Google local search (that's a ton of content), Tweets Nearby (exactly what it sounds like), and ANWB (Dutch AAA) coming in July.

Continue reading Video: Hands-on with SPRXmobile's Layar augmented reality browser for Android

Filed under: ,

Video: Hands-on with SPRXmobile's Layar augmented reality browser for Android originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 18 Jun 2009 07:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>augmented realityAugmentedRealityfeatureshands onhands-onHandsOninterviewlayarSPRXmobileThu, 18 Jun 2009 07:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Video: SPRXmobile's Layar is world's first Augmented Reality browser for cellphones]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/17/video-sprxmobiles-layar-is-worlds-first-augmented-reality-bro/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/17/video-sprxmobiles-layar-is-worlds-first-augmented-reality-bro/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/17/video-sprxmobiles-layar-is-worlds-first-augmented-reality-bro/#comments This one's been a long time coming but it looks like Dutch company SPRXmobile has launched the world's first Augmented Reality browser. Layar, as it's called, runs on Android and aggregates the data from the cellphone's compass and GPS coordinates to understand where you're standing and what you're looking at. A "radar view" then applies a visual information layer on top of the camera display as you pan around your environment. Content partnerships including a local bank, social networking site, and a realty company allows Layar to identify houses for sale, nearby ATMs, and local clubs and bars all laid out visually on your cellphone's display. Layar will be available this month in The Netherlands via the Android Market for phones such as the G1 and HTC Magic. It will launch in the US, Germany, and the UK sometime later this year with the iPhone 3G S listed as a primary target platform. Looks great with plenty of data populated in the video sample (posted after the break) but we have to wonder how well it works in day-to-day reality.

Continue reading Video: SPRXmobile's Layar is world's first Augmented Reality browser for cellphones

Filed under: ,

Video: SPRXmobile's Layar is world's first Augmented Reality browser for cellphones originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 17 Jun 2009 08:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidaugmented realityAugmentedRealitybreaking newsBreakingNewsbrowserdutchlayarmobilesprxmobileWed, 17 Jun 2009 08:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Video: SPRXmobile's Layar is world's first Augmented Reality browser for cellphones]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/17/video-sprxmobiles-layar-is-worlds-first-augmented-reality-bro/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/17/video-sprxmobiles-layar-is-worlds-first-augmented-reality-bro/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/17/video-sprxmobiles-layar-is-worlds-first-augmented-reality-bro/#comments This one's been a long time coming but it looks like Dutch company SPRXmobile has launched the world's first Augmented Reality browser. Layar, as it's called, runs on Android and aggregates the data from the cellphone's compass and GPS coordinates to understand where you're standing and what you're looking at. A "radar view" then applies a visual information layer on top of the camera display as you pan around your environment. Content partnerships including a local bank, social networking site, and a realty company allows Layar to identify houses for sale, nearby ATMs, and local clubs and bars all laid out visually on your cellphone's display. Layar will be available this month in The Netherlands via the Android Market for phones such as the G1 and HTC Magic. It will launch in the US, Germany, and the UK sometime later this year with the iPhone 3G S listed as a primary target platform. Looks great with plenty of data populated in the video sample (posted after the break) but we have to wonder how well it works in day-to-day reality.

Update: As pointed out by a number of readers, calling this a world's first is a bit of stretch considering apps like Wikitude (a travel guide) and NRU. When pressed, SPRXmobile said they are a world's first AR browser platform.

Continue reading Video: SPRXmobile's Layar is world's first Augmented Reality browser for cellphones

Video: SPRXmobile's Layar is world's first Augmented Reality browser for cellphones originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 17 Jun 2009 08:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidaugmented realityAugmentedRealitybreaking newsBreakingNewsbrowserdutchlayarsprxmobileWed, 17 Jun 2009 08:55:00 EST