A new app has launched that aims to gamify birdwatching by allowing people to collect digital cards of UK bird species whenever they record seeing one.
Users of Birdex accumulate points for each bird they see, with less common and rare species yielding the greatest rewards. It is possible to add friends and compete over bird sightings. The app has got birdwatchers talking online – though it has raised hackles among some for its use of AI-generated artwork.
“Birds are great,” said Harry Scott, 24, one of the developers behind the app, who works in marketing. He and a collaborator built the app as a side project over a period of six months and he said the idea was to layer a rewards-based experience over birdwatching with a view to engaging young people in nature
Some have criticised the app’s developers for using AI to generate depictions of birds. “If the art is AI it’s an instant uninstall, sorry,” wrote one Reddit user.
Scott said they used AI in various ways during development because they had limited funds but they plan to hire artists in the future.
God forbid they should use royalty-free images instead of cramming their app with slop just to avoid paying an artist.
Hard pass.
Yeah, wtf, I bet there will be lots of inaccuracies at least in lesser known birds.
Can’t wait for Nintendo to claim bird watching violates their IP
Cool idea, went straight to download and try it but it requires a google account sign in to use which is some bullshit. Shame :(
Perhaps try Merlin Bird Id by Cornell Lab. Doesn’t need a Google account, but it will ask you to sign up.
