Augmented Reality (AR) apps have become increasingly popular in recent years, providing users with an immersive and interactive experience. Wist has been gaining attention on social networks, but how does it compare to our solution? Let's take a closer look at some key features of each app.

Technical solutions

Both apps heavily rely on ARKit. Our solution uses computer vision to clear background behind people in videos. Depending on video type (360° or not) we project these segmented images either on plane or sphere.
Wist does it differently... You need to capture memories through their app. While recording, Wist stores data from LiDAR (point clouds) along with 2D videos. They later project this 2D footage on captured clouds of points.
Let's take a look on implications these approaches bring.

Compatibility

Wist is limited to running only on Pro iPhones and iPads. Cherry can run on any device that supports ARKit. While Wist may be a better choice for those who own a compatible device, Cherry offers wider accessibility for users. Our approach can be fairly easy translated into Android world and still run on most of the devices. Wist solution might be a bit problematic. Even if there is some Android phone with LiDAR it would be too big effort with a just little return of investment.

Edge Detection

Wist uses lidar technology, which can produce blurry edges in the point cloud. In contrast, Cherry uses advanced computer vision techniques to create sharp and well-segmented edges. This results in a more realistic and engaging AR experience in Cherry.

Backward Compatibility

Cherry allows users to process any existing video from their phone, regardless of its origin, while Wist lacks backward compatibility. This means that users can easily create AR content from their existing videos and use their preffered camera app without having to record new footage through app. Wist marketing statement is a bit falsy, it should say:

Step Inside Your Memories - You take from now on.
(Just by taking a video) - Only through our app!

User Experience

Cherry provides the best and smoothest AR experience with footage taken with static camera. Camera movement is the only factor that affects quality. Wist allows you to watch your content hands-free in VR. This feature is in our future roadmap, but we preffer mobile VR. Order your GoogleCardboard headset while you wait for release 🥱 Just make sure it has extra hole for camera.

Video Compatibility

Cherry can play any 360 video, offering users more options and flexibility when creating and experiencing AR content. This is a feature that Wist does not possess.

Future-proof

Rumors are saying Apple Glasses are coming soon. And our expectation is it will support ARKit. We believe that both solutions will be easily ported to Apple Glasses with just minor tweaks.

Release Date

Cherry has a clear release date less than a month away, while Wist is still in beta with a waitlist.

Other usecases of our solution

Why are we prepocesing transparency mask even on newer devices? Besides FPS and sharpness we'd like to reserve some processing power to do even more. There is for sure a ton of usecases we couldn't even think of while working on this. This is just a few low hanging fruits we'll share to boost your imagination. (We'd like to keep the best idea to ourselves for now)

Virtual meetings

Our app was tested on various iPhones and beginning with iPhone 12 person segmentation is fast enough to work realtime without need of preprocessing.

Virtual assistants

How cool would it be to have a virtual assistant that would talk to you or walk you through new enviromnent? Read our blog series about building AI Chatbot and you'll see these two solutions can be relatively easily combined.

And the winner is...

In conclusion, while both apps have their strengths and weaknesses, Cherry offers wider accessibility, better edge detection, backward compatibility, a clear release date and 360° video support. However, Wist may still be a better choice for those with compatible devices who want to experience what lidar technology can do and view thier content on proper VR headsets like Quest. Ultimately, the choice depends on the user's needs and preferences.

Let us know how would this technology help your organization and we can tailor it to suit your needs.