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Snap Inc will introduce new features to make it easier for brands to create augmented reality shopping in their Snapchat app, as well as a flying camera, the company said Thursday at its annual presentation to showcase the new technology.
The Santa Monica, California-based company has announced a pocket camera called the Pixy, which can fly several feet above its owner to take photos and videos before landing in the palm of one’s hand, in a new impetus to grow its hardware business. The Pixy will cost $ 230 and will be sold in the United States and France, Snap said.
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The theme for Snap’s partnership meeting was “Back to Reality,” reflecting the company’s focus over the past few years on augmented reality (AR), a type of technology that enhances photos, videos or the real-world computer imaging experience.
“We believe that there are a huge number of opportunities to create tools … that are related to what we see before us,” said Bobby Murphy, co-founder and chief technology officer of Snap.
Snap will begin offering a variety of free services to AR developers, including data storage. Until now, photo filters and lenses had to be simple and compact in file size so they could be quickly uploaded to the app. With more storage space, developers will be able to create more complex AR experiences, Murphy said.
For example, an augmented reality garden will be able to include 3D models of more flowers and plants, he said.
Snap will also launch a new feature called “Dress Up” on Snapchat, in which users can view AR shopping filters that allow them to virtually try on clothes and accessories.
Snapchat already has more than 600 million monthly users worldwide, up from 500 million last year.
(Report by Sheila Dang in Dallas; edited by Will Dunham and David Gregorio)
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