New AI App Lets You Collect Real-Life Cats Like Pokémon

If you’ve ever stopped to admire a street cat, there’s now an app that turns the experience into a game.

CatchCat is a new mobile app that lets users collect real-life cats simply by pointing their phone at them and taking a photo. Using on-device AI, the app identifies the cat, estimates its breed and awards it a rarity ranking ranging from common all the way to legendary.

Developed by German creator Sebastian Seidel, the game has exploded in popularity since launch. Interest has grown so quickly that demand has reportedly begun putting pressure on the app’s servers.

 

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The concept has drawn comparisons to Pokémon GO, but instead of hunting virtual creatures, players are encouraged to discover the neighbourhood cats already wandering around their streets.

For cat lovers, it might just be the most wholesome mobile game yet.