Kicks: adidas Originals iPhone app

by Chris O’Leary/@olearychris

adidas has jumped feet-first into the iPhone app world, launching its app today. Take a pic of any adidas sneaker and use the app to find similar items and locations of adidas Originals products. The program uses 3D image recognition to determine what the shoe is and what’s similar to it. adidas’ app made its public debut at Lollapalooza in Chicago this weekend is is free for download at Apple’s App store now.

Check the full release from adidas below. Pic, info via Counterkicks.

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adidas Originals launches first-of-its-kind iPhone® application

3D image recognition provides users with recommendations for new sneakers

Herzogenaurach, Germany, August 5th, 2011 – adidas Originals has created a unique application for providing first-of-its-kind access to the brand via the iPhone®. With the help of a special 3D image recognition software, users get their recommendation for a new pair of sneakers by taking a snapshot of a pair of shoes, and the closest matching product from the iconic sportswear label that is currently available will be generated. The snapshot is just the entry point into the mobile adidas Originals world, where users can also check out the nearest adidas store, flip through the product catalogue, or become one of the 10.5 million fans on the adidas Originals Facebook page.

Even though image recognition applications have made their way into the marketplace, the adidas Originals App uses 3D image recognition for real-life objects/products, which is the first of its kind in its industry. Users take a photo of a sneaker, and the application responds with the closest, most relevant matches based on the colour of the input image. This gives consumers the chance to find the best replacement for their favourite old sneakers, to find adidas sneakers most similar to shoes that might have caught their eye somewhere, or to simply play around and explore the different styles of adidas Originals sneakers in a fun way.

While the image recognition tool offers an exciting entry point to the app, the user will also be able to scroll through the adidas Originals catalogue, spin the products around in a 360 degree view and stay up-to-date about brand news and content from adidas. Users will also be able to find adidas Originals stores within 50 km of their location. Through Facebook Connect users will be able to share their favourite products with their friends.
A quick link to the adidas Originals Facebook page provides qualitative content, such as new product drops, events and contests, on a daily basis. The Facebook presence has developed into a global information hub from adidas Originals, well received by more than 10.5 million fans to date.

The adidas Originals App is available for free from August 5th, 2011 and will be first presented in public during the Lollapalooza 2011 Festival in Chicago, USA, from August 5th-7th, where festival visitors can download and try out the app.