Layar to hit 1 in 3 smartphones in 2010
One of the biggest handsets augmented reality apps face is reaching a mass of consumers who, by and large, are unaware of what said apps do and what they can be used for.
As such, the news that Layar has signed deals that it claims will see the app reaching one in three smartphones worldwide this year represents a major step forward for the augmented reality service.
The announcement was made public following Layar's first anniversary event in Amsterdam at the end of last week, with Layar claiming it has the support of OEM and carriers alike.
Linking with Layar
"With pride Layar announced that LG, the worlds #3 mobile phone manufacturer will pre-load Layar on new Android devices," Layar founder Maarten Lens-FitzGerald said on the platform's blog.
"In addition, Samsung expanded the existing relationship with support for Layar on the Bada platform," he added, also confirming Chinese manufacturer A Tier 1 and TCT Mobile/Alcatel to pre-load the app on handsets.
"These four partnerships ensure Layar will be pre-loaded on 1 in 3 new smartphones sold worldwide this year, and more global distribution partnerships will be announced in the coming months."