The innovative startup, Peer, which operates in the web3 metaverse and social network ecosystem, is enhancing its design capabilities by bringing on board the engineering team behind Zenly, known as the “Wonka” team. Zenly was a 3D social maps platform that was acquired by Snap in the past.
Peer announced in a press release that the Wonka team, under the leadership of Milan Bulat as the new Head of Maps, will focus on developing AI-powered 3D maps that will span the globe. These maps are intended to play a crucial role in its augmented reality (AR) based social networking platform.
The objective is to merge AR, AI, and blockchain technologies to create a comprehensive 3D map of the world, offering users immersive and gamified experiences. Through Peer, users will be able to connect their metaverse-based activities with the real world, gradually building a map of locations, people, and nostalgic memories within their personal “places graph”. This feature will enable easier navigation within Peer’s AR environment, allowing users to rediscover past memories and share them with friends and fellow metaverse participants.
The company’s ambitious project involves what it describes as the world’s first vertically integrated blockchain stack, ranging from L1 to L4, supporting a decentralized ecosystem that forms the foundation of its AR metaverse.
Peer’s blockchain technology is based on a patented proof-of-activity consensus algorithm designed to facilitate millions of transactions per second, enabling widespread adoption of its native token, PMC. The goal is to make blockchain relevant and practical in daily life through various gamified AR experiences.
Within Peer’s AR-based universe, which mirrors the real world, users will have ownership of their digital identities, known as Decentralized Federated Identities (DFIs). Through Peer’s network, users can generate access tokens for their data, enabling them to share their DFI with the services they use while preventing unauthorized access.
The Wonka team brings a wealth of unique skills to assist Peer in turning its ambitious vision into reality. Zenly, a popular social networking app that focused on interactive, real-world maps, was recently discontinued by Snap. Founded in 2011, Zenly allowed users to locate their friends in real-time, communicate, and share photos, emphasizing connection over static scrolling.
Snap’s decision to shut down Zenly came as a surprise, considering its large user base of over 35 million daily active users in 2022. The closure was part of Snap’s cost-cutting measures aimed at reducing its annual budget by more than $500 million.
While Zenly’s closure disappointed its fans, they can look forward to migrating to Peer, which will offer similar features and more. Peer’s founder and CEO, Tony Tran, assured users that the company not only plans to recreate Zenly’s appeal but also take it to the next level.
With the addition of Zenly’s Wonka team, Peer anticipates accelerating the development of its gamified 3D map-based social network. The company has moved up its app launch timeline to the second quarter of this year, with plans to release the app on both Android and iOS platforms. Additionally, the AR metaverse will be accessible through a dedicated virtual reality headset set to launch later in the year.
To gain early access to Peer and receive exclusive rewards, users can visit Peer’s website and register their username before the official launch. Milan Bulat expressed confidence that Peer will revolutionize the way people experience their world by offering a platform that builds on the beloved features of Zenly.
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