Thanks to development software like ARKit and ARCore, augmented reality (AR) apps for mobile devices are springing up all over the place. The latest comes from Swedish software company Bublar, announcing the launch of Placie, a social mobile app.
Using Placie, users can take photos, decorate them with creative elements like stickers and text and instantly add them to a specific location, for anyone to discover through the world map. The app then combines AR and location-based technology allowing users to create and publish virtual objects and photos that appear in real world geographic locations.
“Placie connects people and places through shared experiences in a playful social environment,” said Wictor Hattenbach, Creative Director at Bublar in a statement. “Liking, commenting, sharing and following are all possible within Placie, but what sets the app apart is the ability to explore location-based images in real-time via the augmented reality mode. Plus, users can even earn rewards based on their usage.”
Free to download for iOS and Android devices, Placie has been built on Bublar’s proprietary software platform and represents the first phase for the company in augmenting the entire mobile experience. Bublar monetizes the app through optional in-app purchases. Users can buy coins to redeem for enhanced sticker packs etc. directly within the app or redeem the coins they’ve earned from their app activity.
“We predict an exciting evolution of applications based on Bublar’s proprietary software platform,” said Magnus Granqvist, Bublar’s CEO. “Our vision is to elevate the user experience for social apps by integrating augmented reality and geolocation. Our team is thrilled to lead the way forward and dedicated to expanding Placie while working on future applications for the platform.”
Placie is just one of a handful of mobile apps experimenting with AR for everyday use. AR Company Blippar recently unveiled AR City, an experimental app that can help users navigate bustling cities and find points or interest. Then there’s IKEA for example which has created an AR shopping app to help customers make more informed choices when selecting furniture.
For any further updates from Bublar regarding Placie, keep reading VRFocus.
via Mint VR