Unlock Hidden History: The AI App That Guides You

A new application named Wrinkles is transforming how people interact with their surroundings by leveraging AI to deliver location-based stories and historical context.

Available on both iOS and Android, Wrinkles functions as an intelligent audio guide, allowing users to explore cities and uncover hidden narratives without the need to stare at their screens. The app reveals local secrets, building histories, and lore as users move through different areas.

This innovative tool was conceived by David Stemler and Ryan Hansan, who were inspired by their shared passion for travel. Stemler's frustration with a museum app, which required him to focus on his phone rather than his environment, sparked the idea: "If the phone in my pocket knows exactly where I am, shouldn't the places in front of me be able speak?"

Wrinkles has established a substantial global database of 1.3 million points of interest across 177 countries. Historians, museums, and creators can contribute their own content, which users can access by moving through locations or remotely via the app's map. The platform also includes interactive features, allowing users to ask questions about the content they are learning.

Beyond discovery, Wrinkles incorporates social and personalization elements. Users can follow others, save and share points of interest, and organize them into custom guides. Furthermore, individuals can attach personal memories, photos, and videos to specific places, enabling families to collaboratively preserve stories tied to significant locations.

Founders Hansan and Stemler emphasize that Wrinkles transcends typical travel applications. They envision it as a tool for daily discovery, whether learning about local landmarks, exploring one's hometown, or enhancing travel experiences. The app's revenue model focuses on the supply side, partnering with institutions like museums and tourism boards to create location-based experiences, and earning revenue through transactional partnerships for bookings and ticket sales.