You'll have noticed something very different about today's edition of The TIMES by now.

The difference goes far beyond the fact that there appears to be two front pages.

If you have an iPhone or an Android smart-phone, the difference should be remarkable - you've been looking into the future. right through our pages.

For those who are not yet equipped with smartphones, or who haven't yet downloaded the free Layar app that allows you to see the augmented reality embedded in your community newspaper, let us offer a bit of explanation.

The first "front page" offers a glimpse into some of the augmentations that Layar offers our advertisers and readers.

Train your Layar-app-enhanced smartphone on the second front page, and watch the photo come alive before your eyes, as TIMES publisher Spencer Levan discusses exciting possibilities that augmented reality offers for those who dare to step into the future with us. Direct access through your smart-phone turns our newspaper pages into an extension of the Internet. Call and email buttons offer instant interaction with our editor, our reporters, our advertisers, and community groups and services. Connect directly to social media, like Facebook and Twitter.

Indeed, scan this page with your Layar app, and you'll find some of those very possibilities jump out of the page to you. Nearly every page of today's edition can be scanned for embedded information.

However, if you intend to walk more slowly into the future, don't worry. While we recommend that you take advantage of Layar's augmented reality to gain a full experience of what we have to offer, The TIMES will continue to provide a solid accounting of community news, events, and activities, with or without enhanced reality.