The Layar application lets people access detailed visual guides to what’s around them by pointing their handset at their surroundings. For example, if you’re looking for a Barclays ATM or a shop that accepts contactless payments, the Barclaycard Layar will help you find it. If it’s a restaurant you’re looking for use the lastminute.com Layar to find a great deal and book a table.
Available exclusively through T-Mobile at launch and other networks thereafter, the Samsung Galaxy Portal features a 3.2 inch TFT screen. It also comes with up to 32GB memory in a sleek, stylish handset at an affordable price. The Android operating system means users can download a wide variety of around 20,000 applications from the Android Market quickly and easily while enjoying fast access to social network sites such as Facebook and MySpace as well as Google mobile services.
As well as the branded partnerships, Samsung is creating 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, providing some amazing experiences for our customers. The Samsung Galaxy Portal 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.”