Software:Bondee

From HandWiki
Bondee
Developer(s)Metadream
Initial releaseJanuary 17, 2023; 2 years ago (2023-01-17)
Operating systemiOS, Android
Websitebondee.net

Bondee is a virtual avatar social networking app developed by Singapore-based tech firm Metadream. It is a platform for connecting and interacting with others by using a personalized figure-style avatar. Launched in January 2023, the app quickly gained popularity in Asia and topped App Store charts in several countries.

History and development

Metadream, an independent Singapore-based tech company, acquired the intellectual property (IP) rights for True.ly in May 2022.[1] It was founded by investors from the United States and Australia, with research and development (R&D) and operational bases in Japan and South Korea, as well as data centers in Singapore, Japan, and the US, to ensure product safety and meet data security requirements.[2] The company plans to establish regional operation centers in additional countries (such as Thailand and the Philippines) to serve local users.[3] On November 15, 2022, it was announced that information technology (IT) startup company, Metadream, would launch Bondee, a figure-style avatar messenger application.[4] The virtual avatar application was then officially launched on January 17, 2023.[5]

Features

Bondee is a messenger application that allows users to send and receive messages from friends and acquaintances, "express their current mood, condition, situation," or others through a "figure-style" avatar, and "exhibit" it to the other person using the app.[6] It is available on operating systems such as iOS 13.0 and above and Android 8.0 and up versions.[7] Upon opening the app, users would be able to customize their personal "3D virtual" self from a "wide selection" of avatars, hairstyles, clothing, shoes, and accessories; then, they would be redirected to create a virtual space or home with pieces of furniture, fixtures, and fittings.[8] Users can also participate in "virtual" activities such as camping, swinging, dancing, sailing, visiting each other's rooms with friends, and leaving notes.[9]

Reception

Bondee topped App Store charts in multiple countries and had over five million downloads on Google Play, "record-breaking" seven months faster than Instagram.[10] Since its launch in January 2023, it has gained large popularity in Asia.[9]

The application's graphics are 3D and customizable, allowing users to exhibit and pick their choices.[11] Its interface was also compared to Animal Crossing, Habbo Hotel, and The Sims for the game's functions.[12] It also received mixed to positive reactions wherein the game was said to be "lacking in some features" regarding the ability to play games with friends.[13]

Controversy

In late January 2023, Singapore-based social networking app Bondee faced allegations of unauthorized credit card transactions. Users shared screenshots online, claiming their bank accounts had been charged without consent. Bondee's parent company refuted these claims, stating that the app does not collect users' financial information. Cybersecurity experts noted that Bondee appears to be safe, as it does not request permissions beyond its scope.[14]

References

  1. ↑ "Metadream's next-gen social app offers novel interactive features". January 27, 2023. https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2023/01/873669/metadreams-next-gen-social-app-offers-novel-interactive-features. 
  2. ↑ Dass, Camillia (January 27, 2023). "Bondee for dummies: 101 on the new SG-based social media app sweeping across Asia". https://www.marketing-interactive.com/bondee-for-dummies-101-on-the-new-sg-based-social-media-app-sweeping-across-asia. 
  3. ↑ "Metadream launches Bondee, a next-gen social app" (in en-SG). January 25, 2023. https://sg.finance.yahoo.com/news/metadream-launches-bondee-next-gen-151000086.html. 
  4. ↑ Han, Mi-jin (November 15, 2022). "Error: no |title= specified when using {{Cite web}}" (in ko). http://www.gvalley.co.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=606829. 
  5. ↑ Lim, Ron (January 28, 2023). "Here's what you need to know about social networking app Bondee" (in en). https://www.gmanetwork.com/lifestyle/news/97534/heres-what-you-need-to-know-about-social-networking-app-bondee/story. 
  6. ↑ Kim, Jong-young (November 15, 2022). "Error: no |title= specified when using {{Cite web}}" (in ko). http://www.it-b.co.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=64099. 
  7. ↑ Guiao, Micah Avry (February 2, 2023). "The SPOT.ph Guide to Bondee" (in en). Spot.ph. https://www.spot.ph/newsfeatures/trending/103600/bondee-app-guide-a5229-20230201. 
  8. ↑ Tan, Derrick (January 26, 2023). "What is Bondee, an avatar-based next-gen social app by Metadream" (in en-SG). https://sg.style.yahoo.com/bondee-avatar-based-next-gen-110147380.html. 
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 Singh, Surej (January 30, 2023). "Bondee: what you need to know about the adorable new social networking app" (in en). https://www.nme.com/en_asia/guides/gaming-guides/bondee-app-metadream-how-to-use-room-design-3387335. 
  10. ↑ Koh, Reena (February 7, 2023). "A new app that lets people create avatars and hang out with friends in virtual bedrooms made its debut 3 weeks ago, and it's already taking Asia by storm" (in en-US). https://www.businessinsider.com/bondee-new-social-app-taking-asia-by-storm-2023-2. 
  11. ↑ Ooi, Clement (January 31, 2023). "S'pore users are hyping over new social app Bondee, but some are skeptical of its NFT plans" (in en-US). https://vulcanpost.com/815168/bondee-app-hype-nft-plans-singapore/. 
  12. ↑ Yeo, Samantha (January 30, 2023). "Five cool things to do on Bondee: Design your space, hang out virtually, go sailing for prizes and more" (in en-SG). Honeycombers Singapore. https://thehoneycombers.com/singapore/bondee-app-guide/. 
  13. ↑ Bashir, Dale (January 26, 2023). "What Is Bondee and How Is It Different From Any Other Virtual Space?" (in en-SG). https://sea.ign.com/mobile-1/194626/news/what-is-bondee-and-how-is-it-different-from-any-other-virtual-space. 
  14. ↑ "Singapore-based social networking app Bondee rejects claims it mishandled credit card data" (in en). The Straits Times. https://www.straitstimes.com/tech/viral-social-networking-app-bondee-hit-with-allegations-of-credit-card-misuse-bondee-says-claims-are-false. 



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