Layar launches marketplace for its Augmented Reality content

Layar was one of the first Augmented Reality applications to be released, and now it’s the first to offer paid content that can be used with the system.

Starting today, you’ll find many of the layers available inside of the application have a small fee attached to them (a few dollars, typically).  Payments can be made via PayPal.  The system used is quite slick, but it’s missing a key ingredient — ratings.

For example, the “Walt Disney World” layer could be incredibly useful during a family vacation, and well worth the $3.45 fee.  However, the GPS points would need to be incredibly precise in order for it to be useful.  Are they?  Who knows.  Without reviews/ratings for the layers, you’re flying blind.  I’d expect something like that to be launched with a future upgrade.

That gripe aside, this seems pretty solid.  You can create your own layers and submit them to the service, and Layar will keep 40% of the cost as their cut.

Have you purchased any layers from them yet? Built your own?  Leave a comment and let us know what you think.