Retro launches Splat to turn photos into coloring pages

The development team at Retro, a company known for its photo-sharing app designed for close friends and family, is expanding its product footprint into generative AI. The company has launched a new mobile application called Splat, which is now available on both iOS and Android platforms. Splat allows users to transform standard photos from their mobile device’s camera roll into custom coloring book pages designed specifically for children.

The setup process does not require a standard sign-up; instead, users are prompted during their first use to select a preferred app icon and check off specific categories of interest to their child. To generate a page, users can take a new picture or select an existing photo from their device. The app then offers options to customize the output, allowing users to choose from various visual styles such as anime, 3D movie, manga, cartoon, or comic. In addition to personal photos, the app provides pre-loaded, kid-friendly categories for generation, including animals, space, flowers, fairy tales, robots, and cars. The AI then processes the selection to create an image that children can either color directly on-screen or print out for physical use.

Splat operates on a subscription-based pricing model after an initial trial. The application offers two distinct subscription tiers to accommodate different levels of household use:

• Weekly subscription: Priced at $4.99 per week, this option allows users to generate up to 25 pages per week.
• Annual subscription: Priced at $49.99 per year, this option provides a larger allocation of up to 500 pages per year.

To ensure a child-safe environment, Splat includes a parental gate designed to restrict access to settings and purchases. This security feature uses a pop-up that requires a parent to input their birth year before allowing access to any transaction screens or configuration options.

The launch of Splat reflects a broader industry trend of companies experimenting with generative AI to build creative consumer tools. Other recent initiatives in this space include Stickerbox, a project that offers printed AI-generated stickers for coloring, and electronics manufacturer Casio, which recently launched Moflin, a fluffy robotic pet that uses AI to develop its personality over time.

Why it matters

Retro is leveraging generative AI to address a specific consumer pain point by providing custom, ad-free coloring activities for children. The launch represents a strategic expansion for the photo-sharing company as it seeks to apply generative AI to practical, family-oriented consumer software.