FACEBOOK has rolled out a free upgrade for users, which the tech giant says is perfect for when users aren’t “camera-ready” ahead of a Messenger video call.
The social media platform has updated its popular avatar feature to include live-action avatars – which users can use instead of their real face when video calling.
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“We’ve all been there: A call comes in but your hair looks like a hot mess… Sometimes, we’re just not camera-ready,” Facebook wrote in its announcement.
“Wouldn’t it be great if there were a third option between camera-off and camera-on to let you feel a little more present on the call?
“Cue your Meta Avatar. For the first time, we’re giving people using Messenger and Instagram access to real-time calling with Meta Avatars.”
The app will use artificial intelligence (AI) to create a live selfie avatar while you’re on a video call.
The avatar’s movements will match up with your mouth gestures and facial expressions, without revealing what you actually look like in that moment.
Users don’t even need an avatar that resembles them, either.
You can join your friend’s group chat as a Llama if you wanted to.
The feature is currently available for both Android and iOS users.
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Facebook fans have long-awaited a feature like this, with folks saying on Twitter that it has been the “most needed” upgrade for a while.
However, social media expert Matt Navara noted on Twitter that the feature is still being tested.
Therefore, there are likely to be some teething problems which may present as lagging video or a mismatch between you and your avatars expressions.
Alongside the major upgrade, Facebook-owner Meta has introduced social and animated stickers where you and your friends avatar can pose together and be shared in Facebook Stories, Comments and Instagram Reels.
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