Face Scan - Blendshapes
Face Scan is a 3D facial scanning utility for animators, providing FACS-based blendshape exports on iOS.
The App DNA
What makes this app unique?
The app removes the need for expensive dedicated motion-capture hardware by using the device's True-Depth camera array to generate professional-grade animation data.
For 3D animators and motion capture artists requiring mobile-based facial scanning for character animation.
What does it look like?
Key features
Captures 3D facial geometry using the device front-facing True-Depth camera array.
Generates 50 Facial Action Coding System based blendshapes for use in 3D animation software.
Exports captured facial data in the industry-standard ASCII FBX file format.
How much does it cost?
The app uses a freemium model where the website acts as a showcase for export quality to drive professional adoption.
Velocity
Dormant developmentperformanceShow more...
Face Scan has reached a zombie state, with no updates or feature releases in 1,788 days. The development cycle has been completely inactive for over four years, suggesting the project is no longer supported. The last recorded update focused on technical infrastructure, including iOS 15 compatibility and texture formatting, but no further development has followed.
Who built it?
niels jansson
2 apps tracked · Productivity
User Sentiment
What do users think recently?
How are ratings & reviews evolving?
Not enough recent reviews to extract reliable themes yet.
Read the full review analysisCompetition
Competitive landscape for Face Scan - Blendshapes
How's the Productivity market?
Face Scan serves a specialized niche in the Productivity category with a 2.8-star rating across 13 total reviews. The lack of updates for over 1,700 days positions the app as a legacy tool rather than a competitive participant in the current 3D scanning market.
Read the market outlookThe rivals identified
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Access the full report for freeThe Analyst's Read
Key takeaways for Face Scan - Blendshapes
Where is it heading?
The 3D scanning market is shifting toward native integration within professional animation software, which diminishes the value of standalone mobile utilities. Face Scan remains exposed due to its lack of updates, and the PM should expect continued decline in relevance as platform changes eventually break the current functionality.
- The 1,789-day update gap indicates the app is in maintenance mode, which increases the risk of platform-level deprecation for users.
- The 2.8-star rating suggests that the current feature set is not meeting user expectations, which compounds the churn pressure on the small user base.
The SWOT
- True-Depth camera integration creates a technical barrier to entry for lower-end devices.
- FACS-based blendshape standardization enables direct integration into professional 3D animation pipelines.
- Implementing a subscription model for advanced export formats could monetize the professional user base.
- Expanding the website's tutorial library could lower the barrier to entry for new users.
Next best moves
Sunset the app because the 1,789-day update gap indicates it no longer serves a strategic purpose → reduce brand drag.
The counter-intuitive read
The app's lack of updates is not a…
Read the full takeBottom line
Face Scan provides a functional utility for 3D animators, but the 1,789-day update gap renders it a legacy tool that cannot compete with modern, frequently updated scanning solutions.
Unlock 2 critical frictions, 2 market threats and the analyst’s take.
Access the full report for freeFAQ
Is Face Scan still supported for the latest iOS?
How does Face Scan compare to professional motion capture tools?
Is Face Scan suitable for professional animation workflows?
What are some alternatives to Face Scan?
Sources
- [1] App Store
- [2] Developer website, source
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