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Photomath is an educational technology mobile app, owned by Google. It features a computer algebra system with an augmented optical character recognition system, designed for use with a smartphone's camera to scan and recognize mathematical equations; the app then displays step-by-step explanations onscreen.[4]
| |||||
| Developer(s) | Photomath, Inc. | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Initial release | 2014 | ||||
| Stable release(s) [±] | |||||
| |||||
| Written in | Java (Android/Windows) | ||||
| Operating system | Android, iOS | ||||
| Available in | 32 languages[3] | ||||
| Type | Education Technology | ||||
| License | Freeware, proprietary | ||||
| Website | photomath | ||||
The app is based on a text recognition engine developed by Microblink, a company based in London and Croatia and led by founder Damir Sabol, which also includes the developers of both Photomath and Photopay.[5][6] Photomath LLC was legally registered in San Mateo, California. In 2021, Photomath announced $23 million in Series B funding led by Menlo Ventures,[7][8] with contributions from GSV Ventures, Learn Capital, Cherubic Ventures, and Goodwater Capital.[9]
In May 2022, Google announced it would acquire the company for an undisclosed amount. After review by the European Commission, the deal received approval in March 2023[10] and concluded in June. This takeover represented the largest startup acquisition in Croatian history, with Photomath being the nation's leading app at that time. This acquisition was cited as a strategic move by Google in response to ChatGPT.[11] Upon Photomath's dissolution, Sabol transitioned to the role of Director of Software Engineering at Google.[12] As of February 29, 2024, Google has integrated the app into its Play Store publisher portfolio.[13]
Photomath utilizes the camera of a user's smartphone or tablet to scan and identify mathematical problems.[4] Upon recognition, the app displays the steps to solve the problem. The app presents these steps through various methods and approaches, elucidating the problem-solving process in a step-by-step manner to educate users.
Starting in 2016, the app expanded its capabilities to include handwriting recognition, alongside printed text, allowing students to scan both textbooks and handwritten mathematical notes.[14][15]
In 2017, Photomath was recognized by The Tech Edvocate as one of the top 20 teaching and learning applications.[16][17]
While Photomath is predominantly free, it also provides a subscription-based service, ‘Photomath Plus’, which enhances functionality with features like solving mathematical word problems and providing solutions to textbook exercises.[18][19][20]
As of 2021, Photomath boasts over 220 million downloads globally, with its official website reporting the resolution of 2.2 billion problems monthly and adoption by over 1 million educators.[21][22]
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