April 24, 2024

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[THE INVESTOR] Kia Motors said on May 4 it has partnered with Facebook to help the US social media giant test augmented reality.

Earlier in the week, Facebook announced it will test a new feature in Facebook Messenger that will let users message companies to see what they are buying ahead of time using AR. Kia is one of four partner companies to use AR for the Facebook Messenger platform. The others are ASUS, Nike and Sephora.

On Facebook Messenger, for example, users can send a message to take a closer look at a new car from Kia Motors, the carmaker said in a statement.

Through AR, shoppers can place a three-dimensional rendering of a new vehicle, in their choice of color, in their garage, driveway or other environments. They can also share these AR images in group or one-on-one conversations within Messenger, it said.

“We’re thrilled that Kia is showcasing the 2018 Stinger using our new AR effects for Messenger,” Messenger Product Manager Heath Black said in the statement.

“Integrating AR camera effects into their messaging experience will allow their customers to get up close and personal with the Stinger and visualize the car in a new and engaging way.”

By Song Seung-hyun and newswires (ssh@heraldcorp.com)