Holo is an app that uses augmented reality principles to realistically embed celebrities, memes and zombies into people’s personal photos and videos.

Tango only…for now

Slated for official release later in the year, a Beta version of the Holo app has been available through the Android Play store since December.

The Beta version that’s currently-available only works on devices that use Tango technology—the augmented reality computing platform developed by Google. The Tango hardware requirement restricts the test-market quite severely at present, so it’s only available to select high-end devices like the Lenovo Phab 2.

There are reports that the hardware limitations will be lifted either at or shortly after the official launch date. Then, the app will be able to run on a broader range of devices.

Antipodean Ingenuity

The app is the brainchild of 8i—a start-up from New Zealand that has since expanded into LA. They’ve assembled a high-profile team to work on the project and just landed around $27 Million in funding from big-name investors to develop and distribute their idea further.

With the burst of new funds, it seems 8i is about ready to lift the lid on their offering, despite still being officially in Beta testing mode. They have refreshed their website and posted a new Holo promo video to YouTube.

If Holo hits the mainstream, it could make quirky the new normal. There are even greater implications when one considers other potential uses for the technology. It’s yet another sign that augmented reality is on the rise.