EchoVerse

Inspiration

We wanted to make AI feel less like a tool and more like a companion. Most AI chats happen in plain text on flat screens — but we imagined: what if you could meet and talk to an AI buddy as if they were right there in front of you? EchoVerse was born from the idea of blending human conversation with the immersive magic of Augmented Reality.

What it does

EchoVerse brings your personal AI buddy into the real world through AR. Just open the app, and your AI friend appears beside you, ready to chat, assist, or just keep you company. Whether you’re asking questions, venting, brainstorming ideas, or seeking advice — EchoVerse makes it feel like your AI companion is right by your side.

How we built it

We combined Unity and AR Foundation for the 3D augmented reality experience, and integrated OpenAI’s GPT model for natural language conversations. Using C# and Xcode for iOS, we designed a smooth interface to make the interactions feel intuitive and fun, blending AR object placement with real-time voice and text exchanges.

Challenges we ran into

Fine-tuning the AI responses to feel more like a "buddy" and less like a chatbot. Aligning AR object placement across different lighting conditions and environments. Managing smooth real-time communication between the AI server and the AR experience, especially for longer conversations.

Accomplishments that we're proud of

Creating a seamless conversation loop between the user and the AI in AR. Designing a user experience where it actually feels like you’re talking to a companion, not just a device. Overcoming compatibility issues to make the app stable across various iOS devices

What we learned

The real magic happens when you pair immersive design with smart AI behavior. AR interactions can massively enhance how users emotionally connect with digital companions. Small interface tweaks, like eye contact and animations, make the AI buddy feel more human and approachable.

What's next for EchoVerse

Adding voice-based conversations for a more natural, hands-free experience. Expanding character personalities so users can choose the vibe of their AI buddy. Introducing daily prompts and games to keep conversations fresh and meaningful. Exploring cross-platform support for Android and AR glasses We could implement more virtual objects like pets, houses, and so on.