| Photomath | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | |||||
| Developers | Photomath, Inc. | ||||
| Initial release | 2014 (2014) | ||||
| Stable release(s)[±] | |||||
| |||||
| Written in | Java (Android/Windows) | ||||
| Operating system | Android,iOS | ||||
| Available in | 32 languages[4] | ||||
| Type | Education Technology | ||||
| License | Freeware,proprietary | ||||
| Website | photomath | ||||
Photomath is aneducational technology mobile app, owned byGoogle. It features acomputer algebra system with an augmentedoptical 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.[5]
The app is based on atext recognition engine developed by Microblink, a company based inLondon andCroatia and led by founder Damir Sabol, which also includes the developers of both Photomath and Photopay.[6][7] Photomath LLC was legally registered inSan Mateo, California. In 2021, Photomath announced $23 million inSeries B funding led byMenlo Ventures,[8][9] with contributions from GSV Ventures, Learn Capital, Cherubic Ventures, and Goodwater Capital.[10]
In May 2022, Google announced it would acquire the company for an undisclosed amount. After review by theEuropean Commission, the deal received approval in March 2023[11] 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 toChatGPT.[12] Upon Photomath's dissolution, Sabol transitioned to the role of Director of Software Engineering at Google.[13] As of February 29, 2024, Google has integrated the app into its Play Store publisher portfolio.[14]
Photomath utilizes the camera of a user's smartphone or tablet to scan and identify mathematical problems.[5] 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.[15][16]
In 2017, Photomath was recognized by The Tech Edvocate as one of the top 20 teaching and learning applications.[17][18]
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.[19][20][21]
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.[22][23]
