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Review

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In this video, I review an augmented reality (AR) camera app called Leo AR for iOS and Android. I reviewed the Android version of this app, so keep in mind there might be differences between the two versions which I didn't cover in this video.

This is a social augmented reality app that allows users to bring a different type of animated 3D models into the real world, record a video (preferably with other people) and share them on their profile page (upon registration).

I liked the animated 3d models and the built-in video recording and social features, but the app has a kind of identity problem in my opinion. The fact is that people want to be part of the movie they are recording, but obviously, they can't do it by themselves because they are the one who is taking the video, so they need to ask someone to take a video of them in so they can upload it to their profile page. This is obviously something that isn't good for such an app, because of the obvious reason that you need someone to take a video of you, and some people can't express themselves fully when other people are around or taking a video of them.

Now, do you want to take many videos of other people in the footage, probably not, well, unless you are into shooting a cool short video scene? If that's what the app should be about, you should offer much more control and features to direct it. For example, a few more animations and the ability to control the character can yield some really cool results and drive people to create, as I did in Vixeo app:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ENkjxJf71yM

or with Film Studio AR app:

https://arcritic.com/1990/film-studio-ar-ios-app-review/

The reason apps like Snapchat and TikTok (I'm not talking necessarily on AR apps) are popular is because they allow more self-expression and creative freedom, with the emphasis on "self".

This is why I found Leo AR to be very lacking when it comes to self-expression and creativity, aside from not having many 3d models listed, no sub-animations- not sound, voices, music and same goes to the Discovery social video browser, just the same characters all over again in so many videos, anemic experience due to lack of sounds, etc.

Also as I mentioned, there isn't an option for capturing stills, no option for a selfie (not having AR for the front camera is understandable), non-responsive controls,a bug where I couldn't record a video at all it just stuck (app freezes) no visual effects and many other features that can allow users to create more interesting and unique short videos.

For all those reasons and those mentioned in the video, I found it hard to find it as a great social AR app, maybe for the first few days that you try it, but the excitement kind of wear off pretty fast, at least that how it was for me.

This is my opinion about Leo AR App in general. I would like to hear what you think about this app. Thanks for watching/reading.

Download:

Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.leoapp.main&hl=en

iOS: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/leo-augmented-reality-camera/id1286981298?mt=8

#SocialApp #AugmentedReality #VideoSharingApp