Blippar - Detailed Review
Entertainment
Blippar - Product Overview
Blippar Overview
Blippar is a technology company that specializes in augmented reality (AR), artificial intelligence (AI), and computer vision, and it has a significant presence in the entertainment sector through its innovative AR solutions.Primary Function
Blippar’s primary function is to bridge the physical and digital worlds by overlaying digital content onto real-world objects or images. Users can access this content by scanning objects or images with their mobile devices, which triggers an interactive AR experience. This can include 3D animations, videos, games, and more.Target Audience
Blippar’s target audience is diverse and includes several key groups:Tech-Savvy Consumers
Individuals who are early adopters of technology and seek new digital experiences.Marketing Professionals
Businesses and marketing professionals looking to innovate their marketing strategies.Entertainment Industry
Companies in the entertainment sector aiming to create immersive experiences for their audience.Millennials and Gen Z
Younger generations who are keen on new and exciting technological experiences.Key Features
Augmented Reality
Blippar’s AR technology allows users to overlay digital content onto the physical world in real-time, creating an immersive and interactive experience.Artificial Intelligence
AI algorithms analyze scanned images or objects to identify and recognize them accurately, providing relevant and personalized content to users.Computer Vision
This technology enables devices to understand and interpret visual information, ensuring accurate detection and tracking of objects in the physical environment.Blippbuilder
A proprietary content creation and publishing platform that allows users to create and publish their own AR content. This tool facilitates collaboration and the sharing of AR experiences across different user accounts.Cross-Platform Compatibility
Blippar’s AR experiences can be published to various platforms, including existing apps, white-label AR apps, web browsers (WebAR), and ad units. By combining these technologies, Blippar offers a unique and engaging way for the entertainment industry to interact with audiences, providing interactive and immersive experiences that enhance user engagement and satisfaction. Blippar - User Interface and Experience
The User Interface and Experience of Blippar
Blippar, an AI-driven augmented reality (AR) platform, is designed to be intuitive and engaging, although there are some varied user experiences reported.
Blippar App Interface
The Blippar app, which falls under the Entertainment category, allows users to interact with their surroundings using their phone’s camera. Here are some key aspects of its interface:
- Scanning and Recognition: Users can tap and hold to scan objects or images, which helps in pinpointing the exact item of interest and reducing irrelevant results. The app quickly provides relevant information such as calories for food items, details about public figures, car specifications, and artwork information.
- User Interface Layout: The app has a streamlined interface with an augmented reality showcase on the left, displaying favorite AR experiences in the user’s region. On the right, there is a visual search history where users can save their favorite scans for easy access later.
- Interactive Features: Users can point their camera at various objects like plants, art, cars, or even the sky for a weather report. The app also recognizes logos on packs, magazines, and posters to provide branded AR experiences.
Ease of Use
The ease of use is a mixed bag based on user feedback:
- Intuitive Scanning: The tap-and-hold mechanism is intended to make scanning easier and more precise.
- User Feedback: Some users find the app intuitive, especially when using it for specific tasks like interacting with branded content or exploring AR experiences in magazines. However, others have reported that the tools are not very intuitive and the app is buggy.
Overall User Experience
The overall user experience varies:
- Positive Experiences: Some users appreciate the app’s ability to bring magazines and products to life with interactive content such as videos and additional information. For example, one user praised its performance with English Heritage magazine symbols.
- Negative Experiences: Other users have expressed disappointment with the app’s performance, citing bugs and a lack of development in creating better content creation tools. Some find the app more of a nuisance, preferring traditional search engines over the AR experience.
Blippbuilder Interface
For those creating AR content, Blippbuilder, Blippar’s AR creation platform, offers a user-friendly interface:
- Design Canvas: The interface includes a design canvas where users can add 3D shapes, animations, and other elements. Users can customize the position, scale, lighting, and textures of these elements.
- Free Access: Blippbuilder is now completely free to use, making it accessible to a wide range of creators, from students and artists to brands and agencies. This move aims to widen global access to AR content creation.
In summary, while the Blippar app and Blippbuilder platform have made significant strides in user interface design and ease of use, there are still some issues with bugs and user satisfaction that need to be addressed.
Blippar - Key Features and Functionality
Introduction
Blippar, an augmented reality (AR) platform, offers a range of features and functionalities that are particularly noteworthy in the entertainment and AI-driven product category. Here are the main features and how they work, including the integration of AI.AR Content Creation
Blippar provides two primary tools for creating AR content: Blippbuilder and Blippbuilder Script. Blippbuilder is a no-code, drag-and-drop interface that allows users to create AR experiences without needing to write code. This tool supports the creation of three types of AR experiences: Gyro (AR appears around the viewer), Marker (AR triggered by an image), and SLAM (Simultaneous Localisation and Mapping, allowing 3D objects to be placed on a flat surface).Integration with AI Tools
Blippbuilder seamlessly integrates with various AI tools to generate content. For instance, it supports the import of media types generated by AI, such as images, videos, audio, and 3D models. Tools like DALL-E 2 and Midjourney can generate detailed images from text prompts, which can be used to fill out parts of an AR experience. Synthesia allows for the creation of AI avatars and custom videos from plain text, enabling features like onboarding, training, and product demos. Additionally, BariumAI can generate textures and materials for 3D assets using text prompts.Marker and Entity Detection
The Blippar SDK includes a Marker and Entity Detector that uses a complex server system to recognize objects and images captured by the device’s camera. This detector identifies what the camera is seeing and provides results, which then trigger the appropriate AR content.Augmented Reality Target Tracker
The AR Target Tracker component of the SDK tracks specific target images and provides output that allows 3D animations to be drawn on the device screen as if attached to these targets. This ensures that the AR content remains aligned with the real-world object being tracked.AR Engine
The AR Engine can draw and animate sophisticated 3D scenes on top of images within the camera view, making the scenes appear as part of the real world. This engine handles the rendering and tracking of AR content, ensuring a seamless user experience.App Integration and Publishing
Blippar allows users to publish their AR content to the Blippar app, to their own app via the AR SDK, or even to a white-label AR app. This flexibility enables widespread distribution of AR experiences across various platforms.Data and Performance Optimization
The Blippar app and SDK are optimized for mobile use, ensuring that the AR content is not excessively large and does not consume too much data. Typically, the app uses about 50-200kB of data to recognize objects and loads additional content ranging from 50kB to 5MB. Content creators are advised to optimize their content for mobile devices to ensure smooth performance.Permissions and Requirements
For the Blippar app and SDK to function properly, users need to grant permissions for camera access, storage, and sometimes location services. These permissions are necessary for recognizing objects, storing data, and potentially providing location-based AR experiences.Sketchfab Integration
Blippbuilder also integrates with Sketchfab, allowing users to import nearly a million free Creative Commons-licensed 3D models directly into their projects. This integration enhances the richness and variety of AR experiences by providing a vast library of models that can be easily imported and used.Conclusion
In summary, Blippar’s platform leverages AI to generate and integrate diverse media types, offers robust tools for creating and publishing AR content, and ensures a seamless user experience through its advanced detection and tracking capabilities. These features make it a powerful tool for creating immersive and engaging AR experiences. Blippar - Performance and Accuracy
Evaluating Blippar’s Performance and Accuracy
Evaluating the performance and accuracy of Blippar in the entertainment AI-driven product category involves looking at several key aspects of its technology and user experience.
Accuracy in Computer Vision
Blippar’s computer vision capabilities, particularly in car recognition and face recognition, have been independently verified by the Department of Engineering at the University of Cambridge. The report highlighted that Blippar’s car recognition technology outperformed Sighthound, a leading publicly available car recognition technology, across various datasets. For face recognition, Blippar achieved an impressive accuracy of 99.67% using the LFW dataset, which includes 13,233 images of celebrities. Additionally, Blippar’s face recognition performed well under varying head pose/rotation, scale, and illumination conditions, surpassing the performance of other major competitors like Amazon and Microsoft’s APIs.
Augmented Reality Experience
Blippar’s augmented reality (AR) technology allows users to recognize images and real-world objects using their smartphone or tablet camera, and then display relevant digital content on top of these objects. The app uses artificial intelligence to find and display this content, ensuring a seamless AR experience. Users can create their own AR content using tools like BlippBuilder and BlippBuilder Script, which can be published to various platforms, including the Blippar app, web browsers, or even third-party apps.
Limitations and Areas for Improvement
While Blippar’s technology is highly accurate and versatile, there are some limitations to consider:
- Image and Model Size: Images added to Blippar projects must be smaller than 5MB, and 3D models are limited to approximately 65,000 vertices in the app version. This can require users to decimate mesh models to meet these requirements.
- Image Compatibility: Some images, especially those that have been rotated, may not display properly. Users may need to experiment to get these images to work correctly.
- Internet and Device Requirements: The app requires a stable internet connection and specific device permissions (e.g., camera, location, storage) to function properly. This can sometimes lead to issues if these requirements are not met.
Engagement
Blippar’s AR experiences are designed to enhance user engagement by providing interactive and relevant content. The ability to publish AR content across multiple platforms (including web browsers and third-party apps) helps in reaching a broader audience. Brands and creatives can benefit from the increased dwell times and improved conversion rates associated with AR-enabled experiences.
Conclusion
In summary, Blippar’s performance and accuracy in the entertainment AI-driven product category are strong, particularly in its computer vision and AR capabilities. However, there are specific limitations related to image and model sizes, as well as the need for stable internet connections and proper device permissions. Addressing these areas can further enhance the user experience and expand the versatility of Blippar’s technology.
Blippar - Pricing and Plans
Blippar Pricing Plans
Blippar offers a variety of pricing plans for its AR creation platform, Blippbuilder, each with distinct features to cater to different user needs.
Starter Plan
- This plan is free and ideal for individual AR enthusiasts.
- Users can create, test, and explore unlimited AR projects.
- It includes access to the Blippbuilder HUB and Design Canvas.
- Three starter projects are available upon account verification.
Creative Plan
- This is a low-cost plan that allows users to publish one project.
- Features include free hosting and storage, unlimited views, and the ability to publish projects directly to social media.
- Users can customize the loading screen.
- The plan is valid for 30 days and auto-renews.
- It supports one user and offers the option to customize the domain for an additional fee.
Creative Plus Plan
- This plan allows users to publish two projects with free hosting and storage, and unlimited views.
- There is no Blippar watermark, and projects are fully customizable.
- Users can publish projects directly to social media and customize the loading screen.
- The plan is valid for 30 days and auto-renews.
- It supports one user and offers the option to customize the domain for an additional fee.
Pro Plan
- This plan enables users to publish up to five custom AR projects, each with unlimited views.
- It includes free hosting and storage, the ability to publish projects directly to social media, and customizable loading screens.
- Users can customize their domain for an additional cost.
- The plan comes with dedicated 1-hour technical support and allows the management of up to five users.
- It supports team collaboration and project sharing.
- The plan is valid for 30 days and auto-renews.
Education Plan
- Blippar offers flexible plans for educational users, tailored to their specific needs.
- For more details, users need to contact Blippar directly.
Enterprise Plan
- This plan is for businesses or organizations requiring a flexible and customizable solution.
- Users need to contact Blippar to discuss and set up a custom pricing plan based on their business needs.
Additional Notes
- Blippbuilder is now completely free to use for both personal and commercial purposes, with no setup, licensing, or publishing costs. This change aims to make AR creation more accessible to everyone.
WebAR SDK Pricing
- Free Trial: Provides 100 free views.
- Paid Subscriptions: Range from £100 to £250 per month, offering varying levels of views (100, 1000, or unlimited), self-hosting options, and technical support.
Each plan is designed to provide flexibility and cater to the diverse needs of users, from individual enthusiasts to large enterprises.
Blippar - Integration and Compatibility
Blippar Overview
Blippar, a leading augmented reality (AR) platform, integrates seamlessly with various tools and offers broad compatibility across different platforms and devices, making it a versatile and user-friendly solution for creating and deploying AR experiences.Integration with Sketchfab
One of the significant integrations is with Sketchfab, one of the largest 3D assets libraries. This integration allows users of Blippar’s AR creation tool, Blippbuilder, to access nearly a million free Creative Commons-licensed 3D models directly within the platform. Users can import these models into their projects, resize and position them, and publish their AR experiences without leaving the Blippbuilder interface.Blippar SDK
The Blippar SDK is a crucial component for integrating AR functionality into third-party applications. It supports both native iOS and Android apps and is compatible with programming languages such as Java, Kotlin, Objective-C, and Swift. The SDK includes features like marker recognition and tracking, bespoke Blipp playback, and support for native AR technologies like ARKit and ARCore. It also supports surface detection and geo-location features, although some of these are planned for future releases.Platform Compatibility
The Blippar SDK is specifically designed for native iOS and Android apps. For iOS, it must be linked as part of an Xcode project, supporting iOS 10.0 and later. For Android, it must be linked within an Android project in Android Studio or another Android IDE, supporting Android 4.4 or later.WebAR SDK
Blippar also offers a WebAR SDK, which allows developers to create lightweight AR experiences that can be published directly to any web browser. This SDK supports both Android on Chrome and iOS Safari browsers, enabling AR experiences to be triggered from any object, link, or QR code. This integration is particularly beneficial as it removes the need for users to download an app, making AR experiences highly accessible and spontaneous.Unity Integration
The WebAR SDK has been integrated with Unity, allowing Unity developers to create and publish web AR experiences efficiently. This integration enables the publication of Unity-built projects, including interactivity, 3D models, animations, and particle effects, directly to web AR. These experiences can be run through any mobile browser or social media platform, such as Meta, TikTok, and Snap.Cross-Platform Sharing
Blippar’s AR experiences created through Blippbuilder can be shared across various platforms, including social media channels and websites. Users can interact with these experiences via QR codes or URLs using their smartphones, making the content widely accessible.Conclusion
In summary, Blippar’s integrations with tools like Sketchfab and its compatibility with multiple platforms, including native apps and web browsers, make it a comprehensive and user-friendly solution for creating and sharing AR experiences. This broad compatibility ensures that creators can produce and distribute AR content efficiently and effectively. Blippar - Customer Support and Resources
Support Plans
Blippar provides different support plans to cater to various needs. The basic plan includes access to their support portal, which hosts a catalogue of guides and tips. Users can also submit tickets to the support desk for assistance. Advanced plans offer unlimited prioritized support through an online helpdesk, access to an account manager, and one-on-one access to in-house experts. These experts can assist with personalized training, code reviews, and brainstorming ideas for future campaigns.
Self-Service Tools
Blippar offers self-service tools like Blippbuilder and Blippbuilder Script, which are web-based AR creation tools. Blippbuilder features a simple drag-and-drop interface, making it easy to create AR experiences even without coding skills. These tools allow for fluid collaboration with team members, enabling users to share and review AR projects seamlessly.
Developer Portal and Community
Users have access to the Blippar Developer Portal, which is a rich resource filled with help articles, tips, inspiration, materials, and documentation. Additionally, they can join the Blippar Slack channel for further assistance and community support. This community is particularly useful for developers who need help with integrating the SDK or resolving specific issues.
SDK Support
For those using the Blippar SDK, the company provides integration support where their team can advise and consult on any concerns or questions during the SDK integration process. If additional support is needed, Blippar also offers custom development services. The integration process typically takes 2-4 weeks, depending on the level of customization required.
Contact and Issue Resolution
If users encounter issues, they can contact Blippar support directly. It is helpful to provide detailed information such as app IDs, a short issue description, environment details, and any relevant logs or screenshots. This information aids the support team in resolving issues efficiently.
Additional Resources
Blippar also hosts monthly webinars for agency partners and provides sales and marketing materials to help them introduce AR to their clients. For more complex issues or general inquiries, users can reach out through the contact form or engage with the community on the Blippar Slack channel.
Overall, Blippar’s support system is designed to be comprehensive and accessible, ensuring that users have the resources they need to successfully create and implement AR experiences.
Blippar - Pros and Cons
Advantages of Blippar
Blippar, a pioneer in augmented reality (AR) content creation and publishing, offers several significant advantages, particularly in the entertainment and marketing sectors.
Innovative AR Content Creation
Blippar is recognized for its innovative approach to AR, having been the first tech unicorn in the UK to focus on this area. It has launched the world’s first AR product with OnePlus Nord and is acclaimed by CNBC and Bloomberg for its innovation.
User-Friendly No-Code Tool
Blippar provides Blippbuilder, a free-to-use, no-code AR creation tool that allows users to create and publish AR experiences easily on both desktop and mobile devices. This tool is highly accessible and does not require extensive technical knowledge.
Versatile Applications
Blippar’s AR solutions can be applied across various sectors, including entertainment, marketing, education, and more. It enables users to create AR experiences that can be consumed on any device, including mobile and AR headsets.
Rich Media Integration
The platform allows users to upload different types of information such as videos, images, 3D models, and links to sites, making it versatile for creating interactive and engaging content.
Partnerships and Recognition
Blippar has forged partnerships with high-profile companies like Porsche and L’Oréal, and it has been awarded as the Most Innovative AR Company by Fast Company in 2018.
Educational Use
Blippar is particularly beneficial in educational settings, such as chemistry classes, where it can create interactive study guides with AR elements, making learning more engaging and safe without the need for expensive equipment.
Disadvantages of Blippar
Despite its numerous advantages, Blippar also has some notable disadvantages.
Financial Stability
Blippar has faced financial bottlenecks in the past, leading to insolvency proceedings in 2018, which may affect user trust and service quality.
Buggy Mobile App
Users have reported that the Blippar mobile app is extremely buggy and not intuitive, which can hinder the user experience. This includes issues with scanning markers and inconsistent performance.
Privacy Concerns
The developer has not provided detailed information about its privacy practices and data handling to Apple, which could be a concern for users who value data privacy.
Limited Free Resources
While Blippar offers a free-to-use no-code tool, some resources such as 3D models of chemical laboratory equipment and molecules are limited and not free, which can be a drawback for some users.
User Adaptation
The shift from creating AR experiences to a SaaS platform may require adaptation from users, which can be a challenge for those accustomed to the previous model.
Overall, Blippar offers a powerful platform for creating and publishing AR content, but it also comes with some challenges related to its financial history, app performance, and resource limitations.
Blippar - Comparison with Competitors
When Comparing Blippar to Other Products
When comparing Blippar to other products in the entertainment AI-driven augmented reality (AR) category, several key aspects and competitors come into focus.Unique Features of Blippar
Blippar stands out due to its comprehensive integration of augmented reality, artificial intelligence (AI), and computer vision. Here are some of its unique features:- Augmented Reality Technology: Blippar allows users to overlay digital content onto the physical world in real-time, creating immersive and interactive experiences. Users can scan objects or images with their mobile devices to access additional information, videos, games, and more.
- Artificial Intelligence: Blippar’s AI algorithms analyze and interpret visual data, enabling the platform to recognize objects, faces, and text accurately. This technology powers personalized and targeted experiences for users.
- Computer Vision: The company’s computer vision technology enables devices to understand and interpret visual information, similar to how the human brain processes images. This is crucial for creating interactive and engaging AR experiences.
- AR Creation Tools: Blippar offers tools like Blippbuilder and Blippbuilder Script, which allow agencies and businesses to create their own AR content. This content can be published to various platforms, including the Blippar app, web browsers, or white-label AR apps.
Competitors and Alternatives
Apple
Apple’s ARKit framework integrates AR features into its devices, making it another key player. Apple’s focus on user experience and seamless integration of AR into its ecosystem poses a challenge to Blippar. Apple’s loyal customer base and strong brand presence are additional advantages.Snap Inc.
Snapchat, owned by Snap Inc., has been a pioneer in AR experiences through its lenses and filters. Snapchat’s innovative approach to AR content creation and sharing makes it a competitor to watch in the AR space, especially in terms of social media integration.Microsoft
Microsoft’s HoloLens and Mixed Reality platform are leading the way in AR, particularly in enterprise applications. Microsoft’s focus on mixed reality technologies and cloud computing gives it a competitive edge in the market.AR Code
AR Code is another WebAR platform that competes with Blippar. It is known for its simplicity, versatility, and affordability, making it accessible to users with little or no technical background. AR Code employs AR QR Codes, allowing businesses to anchor AR content easily, which is a different approach compared to Blippar’s more comprehensive SDK.Key Differences and Considerations
- Ease of Use: AR Code stands out for its simplicity and ease of use, making it more accessible to a broader range of users, especially those without extensive technical knowledge. In contrast, Blippar’s SDK, while powerful, has a steeper learning curve.
- Customization and Control: Blippar offers a high degree of customization and control through its SDK, which is beneficial for developers who need advanced features like image recognition, object tracking, and 3D rendering. However, this comes with the need for more technical expertise.
- Industry Applications: Blippar has a broad range of applications across various industries, including retail, advertising, education, and entertainment. Its ability to integrate with multiple platforms and devices makes it versatile for different use cases.
Blippar - Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions about Blippar
What is Blippar and how does it work?
Blippar is an augmented reality (AR) browser that uses the camera on your smartphone or tablet to recognize images and real-world objects, and then displays digital content on top of them. It employs artificial intelligence to find relevant content and tracks the object in 3D space to provide an immersive AR experience.How do I use the Blippar app?
To use the Blippar app, you simply need to download it, then point your camera at various objects, products, or images. You can scan everyday items like plants, art, cars, or even packaging with the Blippar logo to unlock augmented reality experiences. The app guides you through the process, and you can also look out for the Blippar logo on packs, magazines, and posters for specific AR experiences.What kind of content can I create with Blippar?
Using Blippar’s AR creation tools, such as Blippbuilder and Blippbuilder Script, you can create a variety of augmented reality content. This includes adding images, audio or video files, defining custom hierarchy structures, and adding 3D models. You can also script custom animations, effects, and dynamic lighting. These experiences can be published to the Blippar app, your own app via the AR SDK, or even to a web browser (WebAR).Do I need coding skills to create AR content with Blippar?
No, you do not need coding skills to create basic AR content with Blippar. The Blippbuilder tool offers a simple drag-and-drop interface that makes it easy to create powerful augmented reality experiences. However, for more complex scenes, using JavaScript can be beneficial, especially if you have prior experience with 3D content systems.Can I integrate Blippar’s AR technology into my own app?
Yes, you can integrate Blippar’s AR technology into your own app using their Software Development Kit (SDK). The SDK allows mobile app developers to embed Blippar’s image recognition and augmented reality capabilities into new or existing native mobile apps.Does the Blippar app require an internet connection?
Yes, the Blippar app requires an internet connection (either WiFi or cellular data) to work. This is necessary for downloading and displaying the AR content associated with the objects you scan.How does Blippar support its users?
Blippar offers various levels of support depending on the plan you choose. Basic plans include access to a support portal with guides and tips, while advanced plans provide unlimited prioritized support through an online helpdesk, an account manager, and one-on-one access to in-house experts. They also offer personalized training, code reviews, and brainstorming sessions for your next campaign.Can Blippar’s AR experiences be used on wearable devices?
Yes, Blippar’s technology can be integrated into any wearable device with a lens, enabling AR experiences on these devices as well.What types of AR experiences can I create with Blippbuilder?
With Blippbuilder, you can create two main types of WebAR experiences: “Around the user” and “On a printed marker.” This allows you to design AR content that either interacts with the user’s surroundings or is triggered by specific printed markers.How do I get started with creating an AR campaign with Blippar?
To get started, you can either work with Blippar’s team on a custom-made campaign or use their self-service tools, Blippbuilder and Blippbuilder Script. You can contact Blippar to discuss your objectives and receive a quote based on your specific requirements and the complexity of the project.