Augmented Reality Pioneer Layar Lets You Augment the World

Introducing: Stiktu from Stiktu on Vimeo.

If you’re familiar with augmented reality, you’ve heard of Layar, the company that’s been instrumental in bringing AR to the world of smartphones and tablets. Now, the company is rolling out Stiktu, an app that lets users combine their digital posting with real photos and share them with each other.  

Although the Layar software has been downloaded millions of times already, it’s been a bit too “techie” for most users. After launching in nine European markets on Tuesday, Stiktu may be the app to change all that.

"From the very start we always wanted to give this powerful technology to people so they could use it to their own benefit. With Stiktu we created an app that does exactly that," Layar co-founder Maarten Lens-FitzGerald told Reuters. "Now everybody can publish augmented reality content on anything they care about."

Download Stiktu here, scan an object with your phone and add text, images, sketches or stickers to it. Comment on a ridiculous bumper sticker you see. Edit a book title to speak the truth. Or draw something disgusting on your spouse’s headshot.

Then, share it with other users to share your unique spin on the world. Anyone who scans that item will see your post directly on top of it, no matter where they are in the world. It works especially well with flat, well-lit items like posters, magazines and product packaging, according to Stiktu’s website.