It’s not every day that a company like eBay launches a new app, mainly because it’s already got apps on all the major platforms and apart from the odd redesign here and there, there’s no need for any additional apps. Or is there?
Today eBay has launched a new iPhone app called eBay Exact. Available to download from the App Store right now, and costing absolutely nothing, the new app isn’t really eBay as we know it. In fact, it’s all very interesting indeed.
Instead of playing host to a mind boggling number of auctions for things that are really not that great, eBay Exact is actually a place where people can choose, and then customize, items that will be made via 3D printing. A variety of companies like Makerbot and Sculpteo are the people that are making the products in question, and we presume eBay will be taking a cut for their part in the transaction. Unfortunately, as far as we can tell, whilst the app can be downloaded worldwide, it appears that the products can only be shipped to the US and Canada only, and nowhere else. Booooo!
The options are actually rather interesting. There are iPhone cases, little ornaments and jewelry for all kinds of tastes, and because they are being printed, they can be customized. That’s kind of the big selling point here, so if you want an iPhone case with your name on the back of it, or a model with your face on it, then you’re going to love eBay Exact. Assuming you live in the right country, of course.
This move by eBay is perhaps the first attempt at making 3D printing a mode mainstream thing, and it will certainly highlight the technology to a group of people that would otherwise not know it existed. That being said, we wonder whether they will care how their items are made, so long as they can add their own individual touches to them.
And really, who can blame them?
Anyways, if you’re living in States or Canada, be sure to give the app a spin. Like we said before, it’s free, so there’s no harm in giving it a shot.
(Download: eBay Exact for iPhone on App Store)
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