Connect with us

SOCIAL

Snapchat Acquires 3D Mapping Company Pixel8Earth to Expand AR Capabilities

Published

on

snapchat acquires 3d mapping company pixel8earth to expand ar capabilities
23e26c9dd1f1672b82e7f5eaee6b9a84

Fresh off the back of its most recent earnings report, which showed strong growth in both users and revenue, Snapchat is now looking to maximize its investment in the next stage of interactivity, by acquiring 3D mapping platform Pixel8Earth, which will provide new capacity for Snap’s advancing AR capabilities.

Pixel8earth is a “crowdsourced and perpetually updating map” which merges both terrestrial and aerial data into a single model, facilitating the creation of 3D spatial overlays of landscapes and structures

As you can see from this example, after taking in a range of video inputs, the Pixel8Earth system can then stitch the various feeds into one single map.

This video provides a better overview of its application on external structures.

The tool essentially uses digital video content, captured by multiple sources, to build more complete perspectives of real-world scenes. And based on this, Snapchat will not only be able to facilitate the expansion of the Pixel8Earth project, through the camera within its own app, but it will also be able to use that mapping to expand on its AR tools, like its evolving digital art installations and its Landmarker Lenses.

Advertisement

This new form of digital interactivity, which exists only within Snapchat’s own AR realm, is already providing new powerful ways for Snapchatters to interact within the app.

Take, for example, Snapchat’s City Painter‘ collaborative AR project, which is now active in Carnaby Street in London.

As you can see in the video, the project essentially enables users to interact with an AR overlay of a real-world location. Users can virtually paint whatever they like over the shops and streets, and each person’s contribution is then visible to any other Snapchatter who visits the location.

Thus far, Snapchat has only launched one City Painter activation, as it requires significant, detailed location mapping to work effectively. But the acquisition of Pixel8Earth could greatly expand its capacity on this front, which may facilitate a whole new world of interactive experiences – quite literally – for users of the app.

Advertisement

Of course, Snapchat likely also has other plans in store for these advanced mapping tools, including additional AR applications, interactive tools (like digital cartoons that respond to the environment, and are only visible through the Snap camera) and potentially, more data to be built into its evolving Spectacles AR project.

Snapchat still hasn’t officially confirmed that it’s developing a new, AR-enabled variation of its Spectacles smart glasses, but insiders have reported that work on the project is significantly advanced, at least in respect to testing early prototypes with development partners.

3D mapping could help Snap provide more accurate overlays for its eventual AR vision, which could help make Snap’s AR Spectacles more functional, and more useful in a wider range of situations.

We’ll have to wait and see where Snap goes with it, but it’s another acquisition for the growing app, as it continues to work towards the next stage of digital interactivity.

Socialmediatoday.com

Keep an eye on what we are doing
Be the first to get latest updates and exclusive content straight to your email inbox.
We promise not to spam you. You can unsubscribe at any time.
Invalid email address

SOCIAL

Snapchat Explores New Messaging Retention Feature: A Game-Changer or Risky Move?

Published

on

By

Snapchat Explores New Messaging Retention Feature: A Game-Changer or Risky Move?

In a recent announcement, Snapchat revealed a groundbreaking update that challenges its traditional design ethos. The platform is experimenting with an option that allows users to defy the 24-hour auto-delete rule, a feature synonymous with Snapchat’s ephemeral messaging model.

The proposed change aims to introduce a “Never delete” option in messaging retention settings, aligning Snapchat more closely with conventional messaging apps. While this move may blur Snapchat’s distinctive selling point, Snap appears convinced of its necessity.

According to Snap, the decision stems from user feedback and a commitment to innovation based on user needs. The company aims to provide greater flexibility and control over conversations, catering to the preferences of its community.

Currently undergoing trials in select markets, the new feature empowers users to adjust retention settings on a conversation-by-conversation basis. Flexibility remains paramount, with participants able to modify settings within chats and receive in-chat notifications to ensure transparency.

Snapchat underscores that the default auto-delete feature will persist, reinforcing its design philosophy centered on ephemerality. However, with the app gaining traction as a primary messaging platform, the option offers users a means to preserve longer chat histories.

The update marks a pivotal moment for Snapchat, renowned for its disappearing message premise, especially popular among younger demographics. Retaining this focus has been pivotal to Snapchat’s identity, but the shift suggests a broader strategy aimed at diversifying its user base.

Advertisement

This strategy may appeal particularly to older demographics, potentially extending Snapchat’s relevance as users age. By emulating features of conventional messaging platforms, Snapchat seeks to enhance its appeal and broaden its reach.

Yet, the introduction of message retention poses questions about Snapchat’s uniqueness. While addressing user demands, the risk of diluting Snapchat’s distinctiveness looms large.

As Snapchat ventures into uncharted territory, the outcome of this experiment remains uncertain. Will message retention propel Snapchat to new heights, or will it compromise the platform’s uniqueness?

Only time will tell.

Keep an eye on what we are doing
Be the first to get latest updates and exclusive content straight to your email inbox.
We promise not to spam you. You can unsubscribe at any time.
Invalid email address
Continue Reading

SOCIAL

Catering to specific audience boosts your business, says accountant turned coach

Published

on

Catering to specific audience boosts your business, says accountant turned coach

While it is tempting to try to appeal to a broad audience, the founder of alcohol-free coaching service Just the Tonic, Sandra Parker, believes the best thing you can do for your business is focus on your niche. Here’s how she did just that.

When running a business, reaching out to as many clients as possible can be tempting. But it also risks making your marketing “too generic,” warns Sandra Parker, the founder of Just The Tonic Coaching.

“From the very start of my business, I knew exactly who I could help and who I couldn’t,” Parker told My Biggest Lessons.

Parker struggled with alcohol dependence as a young professional. Today, her business targets high-achieving individuals who face challenges similar to those she had early in her career.

“I understand their frustrations, I understand their fears, and I understand their coping mechanisms and the stories they’re telling themselves,” Parker said. “Because of that, I’m able to market very effectively, to speak in a language that they understand, and am able to reach them.” 

“I believe that it’s really important that you know exactly who your customer or your client is, and you target them, and you resist the temptation to make your marketing too generic to try and reach everyone,” she explained.

Advertisement



“If you speak specifically to your target clients, you will reach them, and I believe that’s the way that you’re going to be more successful.

Watch the video for more of Sandra Parker’s biggest lessons.

Source link

Keep an eye on what we are doing
Be the first to get latest updates and exclusive content straight to your email inbox.
We promise not to spam you. You can unsubscribe at any time.
Invalid email address
Continue Reading

SOCIAL

Instagram Tests Live-Stream Games to Enhance Engagement

Published

on

Instagram Tests Live-Stream Games to Enhance Engagement

Instagram’s testing out some new options to help spice up your live-streams in the app, with some live broadcasters now able to select a game that they can play with viewers in-stream.

As you can see in these example screens, posted by Ahmed Ghanem, some creators now have the option to play either “This or That”, a question and answer prompt that you can share with your viewers, or “Trivia”, to generate more engagement within your IG live-streams.

That could be a simple way to spark more conversation and interaction, which could then lead into further engagement opportunities from your live audience.

Meta’s been exploring more ways to make live-streaming a bigger consideration for IG creators, with a view to live-streams potentially catching on with more users.

That includes the gradual expansion of its “Stars” live-stream donation program, giving more creators in more regions a means to accept donations from live-stream viewers, while back in December, Instagram also added some new options to make it easier to go live using third-party tools via desktop PCs.

Live streaming has been a major shift in China, where shopping live-streams, in particular, have led to massive opportunities for streaming platforms. They haven’t caught on in the same way in Western regions, but as TikTok and YouTube look to push live-stream adoption, there is still a chance that they will become a much bigger element in future.

Advertisement



Which is why IG is also trying to stay in touch, and add more ways for its creators to engage via streams. Live-stream games is another element within this, which could make this a better community-building, and potentially sales-driving option.

We’ve asked Instagram for more information on this test, and we’ll update this post if/when we hear back.

Source link

Keep an eye on what we are doing
Be the first to get latest updates and exclusive content straight to your email inbox.
We promise not to spam you. You can unsubscribe at any time.
Invalid email address
Continue Reading

Trending

Follow by Email
RSS