AzkoNobel and String launch augmented reality app

AkzoNobel, the leading global paints and coatings company, and String®, a UK based perceptual computing company, are proud to announce the launch of the new DULUX / SADOLIN / NORDSJÖ / CORAL / FLEXA VISUALIZER APP, powered by Computer Vision technology developed by String®. The app is being released across all major markets (excluding the US), in 18 languages and across 40 brands, throughout June and July, and is available free of charge on iOS and Android.

The Dulux Visualizer is a mobile Augmented Reality app which enables users to re-colour their walls, while viewing the results live on their mobile device, as they move around the room. This is the first time a global paint brand is providing an AR tool to consumers, and was developed in collaboration with AkzoNobel, mobile app developers Tessella and customer experience agency Webcredible.

Choosing colour for the home can be a stressful experience, and in the UK alone it is estimated that 3m households a year give up on painting projects at a cost of over £200m. By providing a tool to quickly visualise paint colour, in-situ and in real-time, consumers can quickly and confidently choose the right colours for their home, prior to using paint testers.

"Choosing interior colours for your home or business is a very personal undertaking," said Paul Skidmore, Director of Product, who oversaw the development at String.

"The capability to choose real paint colours, and then preview them live on your own walls, will we hope, remove some of the risk that consumers might worry about."

He went on to add: "This partnership was immensely attractive to us, as it's a prime example of how computer vision can provide a real world benefit to consumers.

"AkzoNobel's uncompromising vision for the project required us to break new ground in this field; what you see today represents a first step towards that vision, and we're looking forward to the advances our on-going research and development will bring to future versions of the product."

For AkzoNobel, the app also promises to significantly shorten the sales cycle through e-commerce integration, while strengthening their global brand portfolio, encompassing some of the world’s best known paint brands such as Dulux, Flexa, Nordsjö and Coral.

AkzoNobel's Head of Digital Operations, Stewart Longhurst said, "String's fierce drive and passion, and their unwavering confidence that they could invent the necessary core technologies, enabled us to bring this challenging project to reality.

"We're very proud to lead the industry by providing this ground breaking tool for consumers, and we're excited about our partnership with String moving forwards."

Source : String & Everything PR
www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/string-partners-with-akzonobel-to-create-augmented-reality-app-which-helps-consumers-visualise-paint-colours-live-on-their-walls-264526161.html