# Augmented Reality Chat Applications WeChat is Developing Its Own AR Framework for Smartphones By Ell Smith | Published 2017-09-25 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/popular-messaging-app References: [techinasia](https://www.techinasia.com/wechat-first-look-ar-platform) & [web.wechat](https://web.wechat.com/) WeChat, a popular messaging app in China, is developing its own [augmented reality platform](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ar-message-concept) with the intention of integration the technological framework into its existing services of [payments, entertainment, shopping](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/group-chat-interface) and transportation. WeChat's artificial intelligence team is working on creating its own 3D rendering engine, so that virtual objects or characters can look as realistic as possible. The current plans aim to bring inanimate objects to life, through the users smartphone screen. The company plans to develop its technology to enable users to [calculate the distance between objects](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/measure-tools), in addition to its entertainment-based applications. The technology is being developed with smartphones in mind, hoping to make augmented reality a more accessible means of communication for a wider demographic of people. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.6/10 - Popularity: 49% | Activity: 50% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Mobile](https://www.trendhunter.com/mobile) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Augmented Reality Integration:** WeChat is developing its own AR platform, integrating it into services like payments, entertainment, shopping, and transportation. - **Realistic 3D Rendering:** WeChat's AI team is working on creating a 3D rendering engine to make virtual objects and characters look more realistic. - **Distance Calculation in AR:** WeChat plans to develop technology that enables users to calculate the distance between objects in augmented reality. ### Who This Affects Most - **Messaging Applications:** Augmented reality integration can revolutionize messaging apps by introducing interactive and immersive features. - **Mobile Payment Services:** Integrating augmented reality into mobile payment services can enhance user experiences and create innovative shopping solutions. - **Entertainment Industry:** Augmented reality technology has the potential to transform the entertainment industry by creating immersive and interactive experiences for users. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Holographic AR Messaging Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/holographic-ar-messaging-app.md) - [Accessible AR Creation Tools](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/camera-iq.md) - [Tech-Enhanced Content Platforms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/youcam-app-suite.md) - [App-Facilitated VR Integrations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/whatsapp-4.md) - [AR-Powered Social Platforms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mmita.md) - [AI Messaging Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/viber-ai.md) - [AR-Enabled Snapchat NFTs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/snapchat-3.md) - [Advanced AR Eyewear Platforms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/qualcomm-snapdragon-ar2.md) - [Metaverse App-Building Platforms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/appbuilding-platforms.md)