Pokémon GO developer Niantic opens AR tools to public, invests US$20m on new AR tech

Niantic, developer of augmented reality (AR) platform Pokémon GO, has opened its creator platform Lightship Platform to the public - including access to a set of AR tools.

Also known as the Augmented Reality Developer Kit, the tools will allow developers to tap on Niantic's technology to create their own AR applications. Some of the tools include real-time mapping, semantic segmentation (which ensures digital objects interact correctly with different surfaces in the real world), multiplayer programming, and a visual positioning system which allows virtual objects to be placed at and tracked to a specific location.

At the same time, Niantic will also form a venture arm, Niantic Ventures, to invest in and partner with companies building the future of AR. The company has already invested US$20 million in companies building applications that share its vision for the "real-world metaverse", and contribute to the global ecosystem it is building. Some of the brands Niantic has invested in include Coachella, Historic Royal Places, TRIPP, Science Museum Group, and Shueisha.

“Transforming humanity’s relationship with technology by merging the physical and virtual worlds will require the ideas and perspectives of as many people as possible,” said John Hanke, founder and CEO of Niantic. “That’s why we’re so excited to open the vault of technology that powers our own games, so developers, creators and brands globally can build inclusive experiences that push the boundaries of what’s possible in AR.”

Key AR tools such as real-time mapping and semantic segmentation are free to use for developers, regardless of how many people use their apps. Meanwhile, the multiplayer programming tool is free only during the first six months of usage, after which developers will have to pay a fee if their apps have over 50,000 monthly active users. Over time, Niantic plans to make more Lightship Platform features available to developers.

Separately, Niantic partnered with the Singapore Tourism Board in November last year to tap on Pokémon GO. The partnership saw STB transform 300 tourism establishments and lifestyle offerings into PokéStops and Gyms. These places include hotels, attractions, retailers, food and beverage establishments as well as at tour ticketing booths in its recently-unveiled 10 precincts. 

The collaboration was part of the ongoing SingapoRediscovers campaign to support local businesses. When players arrived at the PokéStops and Gyms on Pokémon GO, they would see an in-app banner promoting the campaign. Tapping on the banner brought players to the campaign microsite, which displayed the ongoing SingapoRediscovers promotions available at tourism and lifestyle establishments.

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