Layar- Interactive Scanning Brought To Life

Shopping and getting information based on products became revolutionary for both the consumer and the retailer with the invention of bar codes in in mid 1970s. It was booming in the early 2000s having the capability to make business processes, and consumer time more efficient. UPC or Universal Product Codes are still everywhere we look- grocery stores, retail stores, and even libraries. Since this became popular, we've started to see a different trend in recent years- the QR Code (Quick Response) which is a two-dimensional bar code (see below). Some of us use QR codes for its extremely fast readability. We can whip out our smart phones and scan the code which can, in turn, take us to the product's website through a URL. These have been used everywhere; from bus stops to resumes. It takes out the extra effort that consumers would have to go through if they were trying to research that  new leather couch they've been wanting. They would have to see a product, search the product online, find the website, find the product, and to comparisons to other sofas. QR codes takes out the middle man- you see something you want to know more about, scan it using your phone, and well-ah- you're on the website instantly viewing the product.

The technology behind these scanners has only advanced since then. Previous blog posts about Augmented Reality have discussed applications that will allow you to hold your phone over an image and see an actual 3D image appear on your screen. What the previous blog didn't cover was how this can be used as a scanner for marketers and advertisers. Using this technology via the Layar App means that as we are walking around a city we can scan signs, labels, and magazine pages with our phones and they will pop-up with a 3D visualization of the website, correlated YouTube video, or even someone's LinkedIn page. You can utilize it when traveling to simply scan the area you're in and see nearby hotels, restaurants, or movie theaters. The possibilities are getting more realistic and extravagant by the day. See the video below for a demonstration on how to use the app in your everyday life.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tasB4PJtJFE#t=22

As you can see, this app brings your static word print to life in an interactive way changing and enhancing your day to day activities. It can be incorporated with current QR codes as well to see 3D images of that coveted leather sofa, and allow you to instantly go to a purchase screen. This app additionally has a functionality in its side menu that shows you a "What can I scan?" section to see available objects near you that have this Augmented Reality functionality. This is really handy to have as this technology is still fairly new. Generally, it is expected that this app will catch on like wildfire. Before you know you it, the "What can I scan section" will be non-existent, and you can make a 360 degree turn in any location with people, places, and products jumping out at you.

-Bailey Anderson (extra credit)