Bondee
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| Developer(s) | Metadream |
|---|---|
| Initial release | January 17, 2023 |
| Operating system | iOS, Android |
| Website | bondee |
Bondee is a virtual avatar social networking app developed by Singapore-based tech firm, Metadream. It is a platform that users use to express themselves and connect 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. The app was powered by in-game currency B-Beans, which enabled users to buy non-fungible token (NFT) items within the app before it was removed from the privacy policy. The app has received positive to mixed reviews from users for its graphics, interface, and features.
History and development[edit]
Metadream, an independent Singapore-based tech company, acquired the intellectual property (IP) rights for True.ly in May 2022, then made a "creative and international transformation" and was planned to be rolled 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 has plans to establish regional operation centers in 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[edit]
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 even leaving notes.[9] The "sailing" feature allows users to explore unknown universes to know friends beyond their circle, with at most being able to have up to 50 friends only, create messages in drifting bottles, and win virtual gifts.[10]
Even though the application is free to download, the app is powered by in-game currency B-Beans and would allow users to create a blockchain-based wallet integrated with the app.[11] The currency would enable users to buy non-fungible token (NFT) items on the app and was even stated on the app's privacy policy before it was removed on its January 29 update.[12]
Reception[edit]
Bondee topped app store charts in multiple countries and had over five million downloads on Google Play, "record-breaking" seven months faster than Instagram.[13] Since its launch in January 2023, it has gained popularity in Asia and is now considered one of the "most favored" apps in the region as it has achieved the top position in the social networking category on the App Store in several countries, including Singapore, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Thailand. In Japan, it is positioned within the top 10 of its category; however, it has yet to reach the top 10 in South Korea.[9]
The application's graphics have received considerable acclaim, as they are "3D and customizable," allowing users to exhibit and pick their choices, and "lifelike, but not so human-like" that would infuse a feeling of "creepiness."[14] Its interface was also praised for being "adorable" and was often compared to Animal Crossing, Habbo Hotel, and The Sims for the game's functions.[15] The app is also received "positively" by its users regarding the "fun and aesthetics factor of customizing" their virtual persona and connectivity with friends through "snippets" of one's daily life.[16] 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 but is a much more acceptable form of the metaverse.[17]
References[edit]
- ^ "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.
- ^ 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.
- ^ "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.
- ^ 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.
- ^ 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.
- ^ 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.
- ^ 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.
- ^ 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.
- ^ 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.
- ^ Tan, Derrick (January 26, 2023). "What is Bondee, an avatar-based next-gen social app by Metadream". Lifestyle Asia Singapore. Archived from the original on January 28, 2023. Retrieved February 7, 2023.
- ^ "POV: What is Bondee?". Mindshare. February 3, 2023. Archived from the original on February 7, 2023. Retrieved February 7, 2023.
- ^ Ku, Russell (January 31, 2023). "Bondee, the virtual world, and an imagined life away from an expensive reality". Rappler. Archived from the original on January 31, 2023. Retrieved February 7, 2023.
- ^ 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.
- ^ 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.
- ^ 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.
- ^ Cheng, Renae (February 4, 2023). "The Suaku's Guide To Bondee If You Still Don't Know Anything About The New Viral App In SG". TheSmartLocal Singapore. Archived from the original on February 4, 2023. Retrieved February 7, 2023.
- ^ 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.