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Bondee
Developer(s)Metadream
Initial releaseJanuary 17, 2023; 13 months ago (2023-01-17)
Operating systemiOS, Android
Websitebondee.net

Bondee is a virtual avatar social networking app developed by Singapore-based tech firm, Metadream. It is a platform for connecting and interacting with others by using a personalized figure-style avatar. Launched in January 2023, the app quickly gained popularity in Asia and topped app store charts in several countries.

History and development

Metadream, an independent Singapore-based tech company, acquired the intellectual property (IP) rights for True.ly in May 2022, and planned to roll out worldwide.[1] It was founded by investors from the United States and Australia, with research and development (R&D) and operational bases in Japan and South Korea, as well as data centers in Singapore, Japan, and the US, to ensure product safety and meet data security requirements.[2] The company plans to establish regional operation centers in additional countries (such as Thailand and the Philippines) to serve local users.[3] On November 15, 2022, it was announced that information technology (IT) startup company, Metadream, would launch Bondee, a figure-style avatar messenger application.[4] The virtual avatar application was then officially launched on January 17, 2023.[5]

Features

Bondee is a messenger application that allows users to send and receive messages from friends and acquaintances, "express their current mood, condition, situation," or others through a "figure-style" avatar, and "exhibit" it to the other person using the app.[6] It is available on operating systems such as iOS 13.0 and above and Android 8.0 and up versions.[7] Upon opening the app, users would be able to customize their personal "3D virtual" self from a "wide selection" of avatars, hairstyles, clothing, shoes, and accessories; then, they would be redirected to create a virtual space or home with pieces of furniture, fixtures, and fittings.[8] Users can also participate in "virtual" activities such as camping, swinging, dancing, sailing, visiting each other's rooms with friends, and leaving notes.[9]

Reception

Bondee topped app store charts in multiple countries and had over five million downloads on Google Play, "record-breaking" seven months faster than Instagram.[10] Since its launch in January 2023, it has gained popularity in Asia.[9]

The application's graphics are 3D and customizable, allowing users to exhibit and pick their choices.[11] Its interface was also compared to Animal Crossing, Habbo Hotel, and The Sims for the game's functions.[12] It also received mixed to positive reactions wherein the game was said to be "lacking in some features" regarding the ability to play games with friends.[13]

References

  1. ^ "Metadream's next-gen social app offers novel interactive features". New Straits Times. January 27, 2023. Archived from the original on January 27, 2023. Retrieved February 7, 2023.
  2. ^ Dass, Camillia (January 27, 2023). "Bondee for dummies: 101 on the new SG-based social media app sweeping across Asia". Marketing-Interactive. Archived from the original on January 27, 2023. Retrieved February 7, 2023.
  3. ^ "Metadream launches Bondee, a next-gen social app". Yahoo! Finance Singapore. January 25, 2023. Archived from the original on January 25, 2023. Retrieved February 7, 2023.
  4. ^ Han, Mi-jin (November 15, 2022). 메타드림, 아바타 메신저 '본디(Bondee)' 런칭 [Metadream, Launches Avatar Messenger 'Bondee']. GValley News (in Korean). Archived from the original on February 7, 2023. Retrieved February 7, 2023.
  5. ^ Lim, Ron (January 28, 2023). "Here's what you need to know about social networking app Bondee". GMA Network. Archived from the original on January 29, 2023. Retrieved February 7, 2023.
  6. ^ Kim, Jong-young (November 15, 2022). 메타드림, 피규어 스타일 아바타 메신저 '본디' 런칭 [Metadream, To Launch Figure-style Avatar Messenger 'Bondee']. ITBiz (in Korean). Archived from the original on February 7, 2023. Retrieved February 7, 2023.
  7. ^ Guiao, Micah Avry (February 2, 2023). "The SPOT.ph Guide to Bondee". Spot.ph. Archived from the original on February 2, 2023. Retrieved February 7, 2023.
  8. ^ Tan, Derrick (January 26, 2023). "What is Bondee, an avatar-based next-gen social app by Metadream". Yahoo! Life Singapore. Archived from the original on January 27, 2023. Retrieved February 7, 2023.
  9. ^ a b Singh, Surej (January 30, 2023). "Bondee: what you need to know about the adorable new social networking app". NME. Archived from the original on February 2, 2023. Retrieved February 7, 2023.
  10. ^ Koh, Reena (February 7, 2023). "A new app that lets people create avatars and hang out with friends in virtual bedrooms made its debut 3 weeks ago, and it's already taking Asia by storm". Business Insider. Archived from the original on February 7, 2023. Retrieved February 7, 2023.
  11. ^ Ooi, Clement (January 31, 2023). "S'pore users are hyping over new social app Bondee, but some are skeptical of its NFT plans". Vulcan Post. Archived from the original on January 31, 2023. Retrieved February 7, 2023.
  12. ^ Yeo, Samantha (January 30, 2023). "Five cool things to do on Bondee: Design your space, hang out virtually, go sailing for prizes and more". Honeycombers Singapore. Archived from the original on January 30, 2023. Retrieved February 7, 2023.
  13. ^ Bashir, Dale (January 26, 2023). "What Is Bondee and How Is It Different From Any Other Virtual Space?". IGN Southeast Asia. Archived from the original on January 26, 2023. Retrieved February 7, 2023.

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