Apple iPhone users can now digitally delete their furniture to view IKEA pieces in their homes via IKEA’s Place app. With the new IKEA Kreativ Scene Scanner, users can scan rooms in their homes, for which the app then creates a 3D replica.
It’s the next step for the IKEA Place app which launched on the Apple app store in 2017. Initially, the app only allowed users to view one IKEA product in their home via the AR feature. However, in 2019 an update was released that allowed for viewing multiple AR furniture pieces. Now, in the brand’s next bold step into consumer try-before-you-buy visualisation, potential customers can virtually delete their existing furniture allowing them a clean slate to experiment with decorating options.
Clean your room… of furniture
To use the Kreative Scene Scanner, users must have an iPhone with LiDAR. LiDAR, which stands for Light Detection and Ranging, utilizes light in laser form to determine distances. Apple Phones that use LiDAR include the iPhone 12 Pro, iPhone 12 Pro Max, iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max.
However, the app can be used with iPads and iPhones without LiDAR by uploading a series of photos of a room which the app uses to create the virtual replica. The app allows users to save their AR interior designs to view again later, share design ideas and add desired pieces to their cart.
Additionally, IKEA has launched fifty 3D showrooms that allow consumers to virtually peruse its catalog and try out featured products in their AR simulated rooms. Beyond this, the furniture company is joining Microsoft, NVIDIA, Meta and others working in Web3 to create standards for the metaverse. This move may mean IKEA plans to move into the metaverse as well.
Innovations in Augmented Reality
While most think of virtual reality when picturing the metaverse, augmented reality also plays a significant role. AR developer Jadu recently raised $7 Million for its upcoming Mirrorverse in December. Likewise, Snap launched a global studio for branded AR last year.
Jack Brassell is a freelance journalist and aspiring novelist. Jack is a self-proclaimed nerd with a lifelong passion for storytelling. As an author, Jack writes mostly horror and young adult fantasy. Also an avid gamer, she works as the lead news editor at Hardcore Droid. When she isn't writing or playing games, she can often be found binge-watching Parks & Rec or The Office, proudly considering herself to be a cross between Leslie Knope and Pam Beasley.
