Wrinkles Launches AI Audio Tour App to Uncover Location-Based Local Stories
A new location-aware mobile application named Wrinkles has launched on iOS and Android, offering users AI-driven audio experiences about surrounding locations. Designed to function as a hands-free tour guide, the platform provides details about local lore, street history, and architectural secrets without requiring continuous screen engagement.
What Happened
Wrinkles was created by David Stemler, a former advertising executive, and Ryan Hansan, entrepreneur behind ScratchDC and TasteLab. The concept originated during Stemler’s visit to the British Museum in London. While utilizing the museum’s official tour app, Stemler felt disconnected from his surroundings because he was constantly matching physical wall numbers to digital phone lists. Following his trip, Stemler contacted Hansan from the airport to propose an audio-first approach that leverages phone location data to tell stories about nearby places.
The app launches with a foundational database of 1.3 million points of interest, referred to as Wrinkles, spanning 177 countries. Alongside this core repository, external entities including historians, cultural institutions, brands, and content creators can publish custom experiences directly onto the interactive map.
Key Highlights
- Cross-Platform Availability: Wrinkles is accessible on both iOS and Android devices.
- Interactive Audio Q&A: Users can ask questions during tours, such as asking about the water source of the Trevi Fountain while listening to its history.
- Social and Personal Features: Allows users to follow friends, family, creators, and institutions, build custom guides, and attach personal media like photos or recordings to specific locations.
- Broad Global Coverage: Launches with 1.3 million points of interest across 177 countries.
- Free Access for Users: The platform is free for end-users, deriving revenue from business partnerships, institutional tools, and transaction commissions.
Why This Matters
According to co-founder Ryan Hansan, the application targets everyday curiosity rather than strictly annual vacation travel. Users can engage with the platform during daily commutes, visits to local attractions such as botanical gardens or zoos, and while exploring their own hometowns, alongside international trips. For institutional partners like museums, universities, tourism boards, and hotels, Wrinkles provides an alternative to developing standalone mobile apps, enabling them to publish location-based content and offer booking links directly through the platform.
What to Watch Next
The founders envision Wrinkles becoming an integral tool for spatial navigation and local discovery. Future usage spans trip planning, exploring university campuses, and uncovering regional history. Monetization will continue to rely on partner features, sponsored guides, and transaction revenue shares from linked services such as tour bookings, ticket purchases, and dining reservations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who created the Wrinkles app?
Wrinkles was co-founded by David Stemler, a longtime advertising executive, and Ryan Hansan, who previously launched ScratchDC and TasteLab.
How does Wrinkles generate revenue if the app is free?
Wrinkles earns revenue from B2B partners, including museums, hotels, and tourism boards using the platform to host content, as well as sponsored guides and transaction commissions on partner booking links.
Can users add their own content to the map?
Yes, users can attach photos, videos, audio recordings, and personal family memories to specific locations to create private or shared historical archives.
Source: TechCrunch