Plattar reassures creators after Meta Spark AR shutdown news

Plattar, a provider of Extended Reality (XR) solutions, is reassuring creators concerned by Meta's announcement to close its Spark AR platform that their journey in Augmented Reality (AR) is not over. According to Plattar, the shutdown, scheduled for 14 January 2025, gives creators ample time to enhance their skills and transition to other platforms for developing business XR applications.

Plattar's platform supports both augmented and virtual reality projects, offering Spark AR users a chance to adapt their expertise and explore new opportunities in immersive technology. The platform is designed to help creators and developers stay ahead of technological advancements and leverage new XR opportunities effectively.

Rupert Deans, CEO of Plattar, commented, "Meta's latest announcement of the dumping of its AR effects platform Spark AR has come as a major disappointment to the augmented reality (AR) community. But it doesn't have to mean the end of AR work for creators." Deans encouraged creators to embrace the changes and look for new opportunities in immersive tech. He highlighted that Plattar is a robust XR solution that includes AR, Virtual Reality (VR), and Mixed Reality (MR), making it well-equipped for the next wave of XR innovation.

There are notable differences between Plattar and Meta Spark AR. While Spark AR was designed specifically for creating AR effects for Facebook and Instagram, Plattar offers a user-friendly platform capable of creating and deploying XR creations across various touchpoints, devices, and operating systems. This functionality makes Plattar suitable for a wide range of marketing efforts.

Plattar features straightforward drag-and-drop functionality and a no-code-required editor, simplifying its use. The platform also incorporates a 3D asset management system, built-in scene enrichments, and user engagement features, which facilitate the creation of 3D scenes.

Deans provided examples of successful XR implementations, stating, "XR continues to be very successful for us, with client brands like Valley Eyeware, Beacon Lighting, and Target Furniture achieving impressive conversion successes from their Plattar virtual creations. Increasing integrations of AI with XR will further create new possibilities for immersive experiences, personalised content, and enhanced interactions." He added that AR creators considering their next steps should consider maintaining and enhancing their AR skills through an XR platform like Plattar to explore new business avenues in immersive technology.

To clarify the terminology, Augmented Reality (AR) overlays digital information onto the real world, allowing users to see virtual objects through devices such as phones or glasses. Virtual Reality (VR) immerses individuals entirely in a digital environment using a headset, creating an experience of being physically present in a different location. Extended Reality (XR) is a broader term encompassing AR, VR, and other immersive technologies, blending real and digital worlds to create various interactive experiences.

Plattar is a global company known for being a 3D commerce platform and provider of advanced XR solutions. The company is trusted by brands such as Daikin, SAAB, and Thermomix and holds extensive intellectual property in immersive applications. Plattar aims to simplify content management and XR experience creation, enabling users to effectively handle 3D content at scale. Its suite of tools and features, including 3D modelling, animation, and XR deployment capabilities, empowers businesses and developers to create highly engaging immersive experiences.