Niantic has made a bold move in their latest addition to their app library, Peridot. It’s a virtual pet that offers a hint of the future of augmented reality, AI, and shopping. It’s a different take on their typical phone games that offers a unique approach to playing with the real world. The idea of these augmented reality glasses being a reality pushed them to develop Peridot as an app available now on Android and iOS platforms.
Peridot has been compared to a Tamagotchi, where you’re able to raise and feed your pet. But what sets it apart is that its AR-enabled, unlike Pokemon Go and other similar games. When you open the app it will automatically detect the environment you’re in and is able to recognize objects around you such as chairs, tables, and walls. This technology is enabled by your phone’s rear camera, giving it a similar capability as Apple’s lidar sensors on iPhones. It even knows to navigate obstacles and explore the world around you.
An interesting aspect is the AI embedded in Peridot. This AI is still in its infancy compared to products like ChatGPT, but it gives the pet personality. Niantic has also partnered with Amazon for their new Amazon Anywhere service which allows players to shop for real-life merchandise based on their pet. Amazon views this as an opportunity to explore immersive shopping in AR.
Though it is full of optional microtransactions, Peridot is an exciting game to experience with the possibility of being used to test the capabilities of augmented reality in the future. Niantic has shown they are ready to push the boundaries of technology and this is just one example of how they are doing so.
Niantic is a company that develops AR, VR and games that offers immersive gaming experiences to users across the globe. Its games, such as Pokemon Go, have become a worldwide phenomenon and it is still pioneering new AR features that could potentially be utilized in the future.
Nearly 20 years of writing and over a decade of reviewing wearable tech, VR, and AR products and apps has given the author of this article extensive experience in the tech industry. The author’s knowledge of the subject enabled them to give a detailed and accurate overview of the benefits and potential implications of Niantic’s new Peridot app. This article surely helps users understand the exciting possibilities laid out before them in the world of augmented reality.
