Pixi launches iOS app for interactive AR messaging
Original: Pixi’s new iOS app turns text messages into interactive AR experiences
Why This Matters
Represents new evolution in messaging apps combining AI and AR for richer user interaction beyond traditional digital communication methods.
Pixi, founded by ex-Apple and ex-DreamWorks Animation Mark Drummond, launched an iOS app on Wednesday that transforms text messages into interactive AR experiences. The app uses on-device AI to send AR characters through iMessage that react to their surroundings and respond in real time.
Pixi launched its messaging-native iOS app on the App Store, allowing users to send AI-powered AR characters through iMessage. Unlike static media, the characters come to life through the recipient's iPhone camera, where they can react to their surroundings, interact with people, and respond in real time. The app combines AR with on-device AI that enables characters to understand their environment and behave accordingly—for example, a virtual cat reacts when a real dog walks past. All visual and audio processing remains on-device to preserve user privacy. At launch, users have access to a robot, a cat, and an animated envelope character that responds to voice and can chase friends playfully. The app also includes games like tic-tac-toe and whack-a-mole. Founder Mark Drummond described the app as solving "the consumer problem of thinking of a friend when they're not present" through what he calls "pebbling or creative gifting." He stated the goal is to replace traditional e-cards and gifts with digitally native experiences. Pixi plans to expand beyond initial characters by creating a marketplace where studios, brands, and independent creators can share unique characters. The company envisions applications for events like movie premieres and product launches, citing examples such as M&Ms releasing new flavors or introducing Alice in Wonderland as an open intellectual property character.