Galactic Compass 2: now with new augmented reality mode
The developer of the Galactic Compass app has released an update featuring a new augmented reality mode. The app, which points users toward the center of the Milky Way, has gained popularity for its meditative utility and its origins as an early example of AI-assisted coding.
Why it matters
It highlights the intersection of consumer-grade AR technology and the growing trend of 'vibe coding' where non-experts use AI tools to build functional software.
I updated my Galactic Compass app for iPhone with augmented reality mode.
Galactic Compass is a floating green arrow that always points the way to the middle of the Milky Way, 26,000 light years away.
Here’s the announcement blog post from 2024.
It went kinda viral at the time. It was in the “top free apps” charts at the App Store briefly. In the Travel category. ( I keep a list of press mentions over on Acts Not Facts .)
Why so popular? Probably because it was early “vibe coding” – I copy-and-pasted between ChatGPT and Xcode to code it, and that was new at the time.
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