Kuato Studios releases the world's first ever augmented reality music video

An independent games studio, Kuato Studios, in London, has developed a new augmented reality (AR) app in partnership with Leehom Wang, dubbed the ‘King of Chinese pop’.

It has been designed exclusively for Apple’s new iOS11 ARKit, ‘My A.I Date with Leehom Wang’ uses face-mapping technology to allow fans to experience a digital date with the popstar.

The app is the first to merge AR technology with a music video and has been released to coincide with the popstar’s latest album ‘A.I. Love’.

Mark Horneff, managing director at Kuato Studios, said: “Apple’s ARKit has made it quicker and easier than ever to develop AR applications.

“Through AR, we’ve been able to bring an experience many fans could only dream of and a mechanism for Leehom to increase engagement with his loyal social media following across the world.

“I have no doubt that companion apps like this are going to become more and more popular in the entertainment industry and we’re delighted to be blazing a trail with Leehom.”

Users have the ability to share images from their AR experience on social media, providing an additional form of organic publicity for the popstar.

The app was created in just six weeks using iOS11 ARKit. As well as face-mapping technology, the app offers extensive customisation with users able to choose from a range of skin tones, hairstyles, eye and mouth shapes, and clothing.

Kuato Studios is known for producing apps that focus on storytelling, which can be shared with others.

Wang concluded: “Just like video killed the radio star, we’re now entering an age of AR killed the video star.

“It’s exciting to be at the forefront of this technology, which deals with artificial intelligence, and how it will change the world for humans.”