Octi Metaverse-Inspired Video-Sharing App Launched, Will Reward Creators With Digital Currency 5m4g4m

An app that allows s to create and share videos that blend elements of the physical and virtual worlds has been launched on Tuesday, with financing from James Murdoch and entertainment industry backers.

Octi, which has been updated from an earlier version, seeks to capitalise on burgeoning consumer interest in augmented reality, a technology that superimposes computer images over the real world. The iPhone app contains a library of virtual props and scenes that s can incorporate in their videos. The company rewards creators with digital currency.

The app debuts within months of Mark Zuckerberg popularising the concept of a "metaverse." It has attracted investment from Murdoch's Lupa Systems, LiveNation Entertainment, and longtime music executive Jimmy Iovine.

This version of Octi represents a departure from the social networking app the company introduced in January 2020, which drew controversy over its use of facial recognition that identified a person's favourite Spotify favourites after s of the app pointed their phone cameras at them.

Facial recognition is gone from the new version of Octi, which is now built around interacting with 3D virtual objects — "an after-thought" in the original that proved popular with s, Octi Chief Operating Officer Brian Biggott said in an interview.

Octi's collection of digital assets allows s to don costumes — perhaps a pair of goofy sunglasses or a traffic cone hat — and create a video in virtual environments, such as a digital recreation of the Great Hall from the Harry Potter movies.

s can scan their surroundings and interact with digital characters, such as the 3D version of the Funko POP version of Nintendo Pokemon characters such as the turtle-like Squirtle, in the real-world.

Octi uses virtual currency to encourage its s to create videos, awarding Octi Coins for competing in themed challenges, authoring videos that other s like — or for importing their own objects from the real world that others s incorporate into their videos. These coins can be redeemed to buy real or virtual goods within the app's store, the Octi Shop.

© Thomson Reuters 2021

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