Pixi: AR Characters Now Live in Your iMessage

Pixi has introduced a novel way to communicate by launching an app that integrates AI-powered augmented reality (AR) characters into iMessage. Released on the App Store, the app allows users to send these virtual characters, which animate through the recipient's iPhone camera. The characters can react to their surroundings and people in real time, offering a more dynamic messaging experience than traditional stickers or GIFs. Founder Mark Drummond, with a background from DreamWorks Animation and Apple, states the app aims to foster a greater sense of presence and spontaneity in digital communication. Initially, users can send characters like a robot, a cat, and an animated envelope, with interactive games also available. Pixi plans to develop a marketplace where studios and creators can share their own characters, and eventually enable users to generate their own AR companions. The app is currently available for iPhone models 11 and newer, with future expansion to Android devices and other messaging platforms planned.