Atom Republic launched a free-to-play social theme park called Atom Universe at the end of 2017, offering a cross-platform experience between PC and PlayStation users. Now the company has announced its first foray into immersive content, with a new augmented reality (AR) app called AURA, the first part released being AURA Avatar Creator.
The AURA Avatar Creator mobile app is designed to scan a persons face, to help create a digital version of themselves. Currently only compatible with Sony Xperia mobile devices (Xperia XZ1, XZ1 Compact, XZ Premium, XZ2 and XZ2 Compact), the app uses Sony Mobile’s unique 3D Creator app to create a virtual you. Then AURA allows you to further customise your digital self by adding different clothes, accessories, even changing gender and skin colour.
After doing all of that you can export your avatar to Atom Universe, the free cross-platform virtual world to play games like Bowling, Mini Golf, Rollercoasters and Karting. Or just explore and make new friends.
Tech evangelist Seth Socolow who invested in Atom Universe after appearing at the AR AppShow said in a statement: “I am excited to see AURA blur the limit between the real world and the virtual world, and am looking forward to seeing the user-generated content that will populate Atom Universe!”
Eventually, the AURA app will allow you to do more than just digitise your face. As detailed in the video below, you’ll be able to scan a whole room including floors, ceilings and objects like tables and chairs to create a realistic digital world to invite friends and colleagues into. You’ll then have the option to chat via voice or text functions.
Currently, AURA Avatar Creator is only available for Android, having been built with ARCore compatibility. Atom Republic will be releasing an iOS version later in the year, although no exact window has been given just yet.
via Mint VR