Bringing the iconic character to life in the real world for the very first time.
Touch Press today launched My Very Hungry Caterpillar AR, specifically designed for iPhone and iPad.* The app was developed with ARKit, a new framework that allows developers to easily create unparalleled augmented reality experiences for iPhone and iPad. By blending digital objects and information with the environment around you, ARKit takes apps beyond the screen, freeing them to interact with the real world in entirely new ways.
Touch Press is excited to bring this unique experience to the millions of My Very Hungry Caterpillar fans around the world.
Barry O’Neill, CEO of Touch Press, described how children who had played with the all new AR app had “expressed themselves – and expressed wonder” at the vibrant life-like caterpillar which appeared to be right in front of them, sliding across the floor in search of food. “ Children believe in magical, invisible things. With ARKit we’ve been able to develop an app that gives them a lens to reveal, and interact with this magical, invisible world”, he added.
Eric Carle’s much-loved character, The Very Hungry Caterpillar™, has won the hearts of millions of children globally for almost 50 years. In 2014, in partnership with Eric Carle, StoryToys (part of Touch Press) brought the world’s favorite caterpillar to life for the very first time in the stunning interactive My Very Hungry Caterpillar app. To date 4.6 Million users have cared for their digital pet, feeding their caterpillar and watching it grow into a beautiful butterfly. More information and facts available here.
With ARKit, users can now interact with the caterpillar in a real world environment. Not only do children learn about the lifecycle of the caterpillar / butterfly, but they also develop empathy and responsibility as well as visuospatial skills. The app can spark conversation, as children who have played it have talked amongst themselves and to the adults in the room.
The My Very Hungry Caterpillar AR app is available for iPhone and iPad on the App Store for just $2.99.
