Poleidoscope icon

Poleidoscope

Bowl
Science & Education Multimedia
Version
0.1.0
Size
2.8 MB
Requires
Android API 21+
4.2 / 5 · 5,050 ratings 27,519 downloads

Updated Nov 10, 2026

Quick answer

A kaleidoscope based on complex polynomials. Trippy.

Did you ever wonder what the world looks like through a holomorphic function?

No? Wondering what a 'holomorphic function' is in the first place?

Don't worry! You don't need to know any of this to use the app. Just touch the screen and see the math at work!

The Poleidoscope shows a rectangular domain of the plane of complex numbers. The user sets up roots and poles of a rational function on the screen and this function is then used to deflect the live camera picture.

Holomorphic functions are examples of so-called 'conformal mappings' which are prominently featured in the works of contemporary artists such as M.C. Escher. The Poleidoscope provides a live experience of similar pictures.

For those more involved in mathematics the app is a way to visualize complex polynomials and rational functions and give a feeling for several topics in complex analysis such as differentials of holomorphic functions, Rouche's theorem, ramifications, local normal forms, etc.

Screenshots

Poleidoscope screenshot 1
Poleidoscope screenshot 2
Poleidoscope screenshot 3
Poleidoscope screenshot 4

What’s new

How to install

  1. Download the APK from the button at the top of this page.
  2. Allow “Install unknown apps” for your browser or file manager only, not for every app.
  3. Open the downloaded file and confirm the installation.
  4. If installation fails with “App not installed,” remove an earlier build of the same app first. A signature conflict is the usual cause.

Data safety

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  • The permissions each app requests are listed on its own page.
  • Read the full safety policy for how we test, flag, and delist files.

Frequently asked questions

What is Poleidoscope?
A kaleidoscope based on complex polynomials. Trippy.
Who develops Poleidoscope?
Poleidoscope is developed by Bowl.
Which Android version does Poleidoscope require?
Poleidoscope requires Android API 21 or later.
What is the current version of Poleidoscope?
The synchronized F-Droid version is 0.1.0.
Which license does Poleidoscope use?
The signed F-Droid metadata lists GPL-3.0-only.
Where is the source code for Poleidoscope?
https://gitlab.com/bowl1/poleidoscope

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