Tinder may go pokemon Way to discover singles

LOS ANGELES: Future versions of Tinder could let users find out if strangers are single simply by pointing their smartphones at them, according to the dating app’s co-founder. Augmented reality technology similar to that used in Pokemon Go could transform the dating world by letting singles discover anyone’s relationship status, according to Tinder’s CEO Sean Rad. He also predicted the app could guess which users may be attracted to each other, and even offer to help plan their dates using information about their interests. Rad admitted his forecast could sound “a little scary”. But he said developments in augmented reality and artificial intelligence would “definitely impact dating”. Augmented reality technology, which was used in the hugely popular Pokemon Go, overlays digital images on the real world. Rad’s vision of future dating apps was inspired by the technology and “traffic light parties”—in which people wear the colours red, amber or green according to their relationship status. “The impact is profound as these devices get closer to your senses,” he said. The increasing sophistication of artificial intelligence will also impact upon dating, predicted Mr Rad. “I think this might sound crazy,” he admitted.