Bondee is a virtual avatar social networking app developed by Singapore-based tech firm Metadream. It is a platform for connecting and interacting with others by using a personalized figure-style avatar. Launched in January 2023, the app quickly gained popularity in Asia and topped App Store charts in several countries.
Metadream, an independent Singapore-based tech company, acquired the intellectual property (IP) rights for True.ly in May 2022.[1] It was founded by investors from the United States and Australia, with research and development (R&D) and operational bases in Japan and South Korea, as well as data centers in Singapore, Japan, and the US, to ensure product safety and meet data security requirements.[2] The company plans to establish regional operation centers in additional countries (such as Thailand and the Philippines) to serve local users.[3] On November 15, 2022, it was announced that information technology (IT) startup company, Metadream, would launch Bondee, a figure-style avatar messenger application.[4] The virtual avatar application was then officially launched on January 17, 2023.[5]
Bondee is a messenger application that allows users to send and receive messages from friends and acquaintances, "express their current mood, condition, situation," or others through a "figure-style" avatar, and "exhibit" it to the other person using the app.[6] It is available on operating systems such as iOS 13.0 and above and Android 8.0 and up versions.[7] Upon opening the app, users would be able to customize their personal "3D virtual" self from a "wide selection" of avatars, hairstyles, clothing, shoes, and accessories; then, they would be redirected to create a virtual space or home with pieces of furniture, fixtures, and fittings.[8] Users can also participate in "virtual" activities such as camping, swinging, dancing, sailing, visiting each other's rooms with friends, and leaving notes.[9]
Bondee topped App Store charts in multiple countries and had over five million downloads on Google Play, "record-breaking" seven months faster than Instagram.[10] Since its launch in January 2023, it has gained large popularity in Asia.[9]
The application's graphics are 3D and customizable, allowing users to exhibit and pick their choices.[11] Its interface was also compared to Animal Crossing, Habbo Hotel, and The Sims for the game's functions.[12] It also received mixed to positive reactions wherein the game was said to be "lacking in some features" regarding the ability to play games with friends.[13]
^Han, Mi-jin (November 15, 2022). 메타드림, 아바타 메신저 '본디(Bondee)' 런칭 [Metadream, Launches Avatar Messenger 'Bondee']. GValley News (in Korean). Archived from the original on February 7, 2023. Retrieved February 7, 2023.
^Kim, Jong-young (November 15, 2022). 메타드림, 피규어 스타일 아바타 메신저 '본디' 런칭 [Metadream, To Launch Figure-style Avatar Messenger 'Bondee']. ITBiz (in Korean). Archived from the original on February 7, 2023. Retrieved February 7, 2023.
^Guiao, Micah Avry (February 2, 2023). "The SPOT.ph Guide to Bondee". Spot.ph. Archived from the original on February 2, 2023. Retrieved February 7, 2023.
