10M downloads and 300K monthly users for a mobile companion app

Innowise has developed an AI mobile app. It utilizes augmented reality to provide users with immersive experiences and engaging features for interacting with a virtual friend.

Customer

Industry

Entertainment

Region

Client since

2016

The customer is a startup developing an AI-powered companion application that connects lonely people with social activities and supports them wherever they are.

Detailed information about the client cannot be disclosed under the provisions of the NDA.

Challenge: Developing the AI-based companion and its 3D representation

Developing an AI companion application requires fine-tuned neural networks that are able to interact with users in a human-like manner. At the same time, the AI must not show any toxic behavior, spread hate speech, or give harmful advice.

The client sought to provide a more interactive experience with the virtual companion by incorporating 3D models and leveraging augmented reality technologies.

In addition to that, to keep the application running, there should be a business model to monetize the service and cover the development and maintenance costs.

Solution: Building a monetizable app with fine-tuned AI models and beautiful 3D models

Innowise has developed an application that creates a companion directly on the user’s mobile device. The mixture of AR technologies and artificial intelligence provides users with personalized experiences they are aiming to achieve from interacting with their companions.

Artificial intelligence

The core of the solution is the companion’s natural language processing engine. Each companion stands as a separate session and employs a specially designed artificial intelligence algorithm that delves deeply into the dialogue between the user and the companion, comprehending the context and responding in the most human-like manner possible.

Also, our team has fine-tuned two computer vision algorithms. The first one is for accurate positioning of the companion’s 3D model in the physical environment using smartphone cameras. The second model aims at recognizing the pictures users share with their companions for extending the conversation context and being able to assist users more.

During the conversations, companions learn about their users’ interests, hobbies, and personality traits. As a result, they are able to engage in authentic communication and diminish the distinction between online and offline interactions. Additionally, this feature permits the companions to monitor changes in the user’s environment and emotions and provide assistance through inquiries, suggestions, and encouraging messages with the intention of offering support.

3D Models

We haven’t just fine-tuned AI models to bring live experiences to market. In addition to that, our Design Studio prepared a wide range of 3D assets that can be used in mobile and AR modes.

These models span various alterations of a companion’s appearance, including hairstyles and clothing. With this feature, users can personalize their companions and increase engagement during their interactions.

Also, while in mobile mode, a companion has its own space that can be decorated with furniture, plants, and other assets that can reflect the personalities of both the companion and the user.

User data privacy

To comply with regulatory requirements and keep user data safe, we have established a range of protocols for anonymizing and encrypting any data used. Each user session is maintained individually, with the application servers refraining from tracking any personal data.

Monetization

To cover the costs of development and maintenance, our team has also implemented several ways of monetizing the application.

The first one is introducing the in-app currency that users can spend on assets and new datasets for their companions. This allows them to customize their virtual friends to match their interests, such as turning them into music fans, sports enthusiasts, or tabletop gamers.

By purchasing new assets, users can alter the looks of their virtual friends and add a personal touch to their digital spaces.

The second method of monetization is through subscription services. While the application can be accessed for free, subscribers gain exclusive access to more advanced AI models that provide more accurate responses on a diverse range of topics such as sports, technology, fashion, art, and more.

Technologies

Engine

Unity

Programming language

Facial Animation

Speech Graphics

Mechanics

Playables API

Modelling

ZBrush, 3ds Max, 3DCoat, Adobe Photoshop, Substance 3D Painter, Marvelous Designer

AWS

DynamoDB, RDS, S3, SageMaker, Glue, EFS, ECS, EKS, Athena, Lambda, Cognito, API Gateway, CloudFront, AppSync

Platforms

Android, iOS, Web

Process

Prior to developing the application, our team conducted an in-depth market analysis to identify the target audience and suitable monetization strategies.

Our team proposed that individuals aged between 21 to 40 be considered as the primary target audience. This particular age group is often engrossed in career-building and future-planning endeavors and may not always find adequate support from their immediate social circle.

Following that, we started the development process. We used the Scrum approach with one-week sprints and meetings three times a week to discuss important issues. Each week, the project manager reached out to the client via Skype to provide an update on the development process.

Team

Project Manager

Business Analysts

Unity Developers

Mobile Developer

Front-End Developer

Back-End Developer

Data Scientists

Data Engineer

DevOps Engineer

3D Modelers

Results: 10M downloads, 39% churn rate, $120 average user lifetime value

As a result, Innowise developed a virtual companion application that allows users to create AI-based digital friends and share their thoughts with someone who’s always around.

During its lifetime, the application has been downloaded by over 10 million users worldwide with an 87% activation rate. This brings about 43,000 daily and over 300,000 monthly active users. The average session duration was estimated to be 19 minutes.

The 30 days churn rate was estimated to be 39%.

About 24% of current users have active subscriptions and over 30% of users have made in-app purchases worth approximately $60 per user, making the average user lifetime value to be over $120.

Project duration

2018 - 2022

million downloads

300,000

monthly users

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