UK-based startup Pixi has launched a new iOS app that brings interactive augmented reality (AR) experiences to messaging. The app, which is now available on the App Store, allows users to send AI-powered AR characters through iMessage, creating immersive and interactive experiences for recipients. According to Pixi, the app's AI-powered characters can understand and react to their surroundings, making them more engaging and interactive than traditional stickers or GIFs.
The app's founder, Mark Drummond, believes that the technology has the potential to bring a greater sense of presence and spontaneity to digital conversations. 'We're solving the problem of thinking of a friend when they're not present,' he said. 'We can do better than just sending a text message - we can create a shared experience that's closer to a digital gift or playful interaction.'
At launch, users will have access to a range of characters, including a robot, a cat, and an animated envelope character that can react to voice commands and interact with friends in a playful way. The app will also feature games such as tic-tac-toe and whack-a-mole. Pixi plans to expand beyond just a few characters, creating a marketplace where studios, brands, and independent creators can share their unique characters for users to choose from.
The app's technology uses on-device AI to preserve user privacy, ensuring that all visual and audio processing remains on the device. This allows for more complex and interactive experiences, without compromising user security. Pixi plans to allow users to create their own characters and personalities in the future, using generative AI capabilities.