Software:Bondee
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| Developer(s) | Metadream |
|---|---|
| Initial release | January 17, 2023 |
| Operating system | iOS, Android |
| Website | bondee |
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, and planned to roll out worldwide.[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 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]
References
- ↑ "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.
- ↑ 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.
- ↑ "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.
- ↑ 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. - ↑ 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.
- ↑ 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. - ↑ 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.
- ↑ 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.
- ↑ 9.0 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.
- ↑ 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.
- ↑ 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/.
- ↑ 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/.
- ↑ 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.
External links
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