Android-powered Galaxy Portal features branded apps enhanced with Layar AR browser.
This is something of a breakthrough for Layar, the Dutch firm that's been a pioneer of AR. It's tech has won plaudits but has been a downloadable app till now.
By going the pre-loading route, the company will be hopeful of bring AR technology to more mainstream customers.
The brands participating here iinclude lastminute.com; thetrainline.com, Hotels.com; Barclaycard and Nestoria Property Search.
The Layar application lets people access detailed visual guides to what’s around them by pointing their handset at their surroundings.
For example, lastminute.com will reveal the best deal and let you book a table. Or if you need to get the train home after the match, thetrainline.com Layer identifies nearby train stations.
It all links through to more information and integrates with Google Maps for info on how to get there.
As well as the branded partnerships, Samsung has created its own Layars which will be embedded into the Galaxy Portal at launch – The Samsung Hotel Search, powered by hotels.com, Samsung Local Search, powered by Qype, Samsung Train Station Search powered by thetrainline.com and the Samsung Football Pub Finder.
Nick Turner-Samuels, Head of Content, Samsung Mobile UK, said: “This is a great opportunity to work in one of the most innovative and exciting areas of mobile technology and with some fantastic lifestyle brands.
"This marks our first entry into the exciting world of Augmented Reality. We expect to see a lot of growth in this area in the near future.”
The Samsung Galaxy Portal features a 3.2” TFT screen and 32GB memory. It is available exclusively through T-Mobile and other networks thereafter
Advertisement
