Galactic Compass 2 introduces an augmented reality mode and Apple Watch app, letting users place a floating arrow pointing toward the Milky Way's center—26,000 light years away. The original app, which went viral in Feb 2024, was built using early 'vibe coding' techniques combining ChatGPT and Xcode.

The app resonates deeply with users, offering a grounding perspective on our place in the cosmos. Some users find comfort gazing at the arrow during difficult times, connecting with the vastness of space.

Version 2 features AR placement where the arrow can be walked around, maintaining a 75cm distance in phone reference frame before locking into world frame. The Apple Watch app required building a custom 3D graphics library since Reality Kit isn't supported on watchOS.

Development challenges included fixing rotation issues using quaternions—a mathematical concept the developer learned through interactive tutoring with ChatGPT after struggling with traditional methods and mathematician friends.