Facebook rolls out free upgrade to users – it’ll help you avoid any embarrassing Messenger video calls
FACEBOOK has rolled out a free upgrade for users, which the tech giant says is ideal for when users aren’t already “camera ready” before a Messenger video call.
The social media platform has expanded its popular avatar feature to include live-action avatars that users can use instead of their real faces during video calls.
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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 ready for the camera,” Facebook wrote in its post Notice.
“Wouldn’t it be great if there was a third option between camera off and camera on to give you a little more presence on the call?
“Show your meta avatar. For the first time, we are giving Messenger and Instagram users access to real-time calling with meta avatars.”
The app uses artificial intelligence (AI) to create a live selfie avatar during a video call.
The avatar’s movements match your mouth gestures and facial expressions without revealing what you actually look like at that moment.
Users don’t even need an avatar resembling them either.
If you want, you can join your friend’s group chat as a llama.
The feature is currently available for both Android and iOS users.
Facebook fans have been waiting for a feature like this for a long time, and people on Twitter said it was the “most needed” upgrade in a while.
However, social media expert Matt Navara pointed out on Twitter that the feature is still being tested.
So it’s likely that there are some teething problems that can manifest themselves in a laggy video or a discrepancy between you and your avatar’s facial expressions.
Alongside the major upgrade, Facebook owner Meta has introduced social and animated stickers that allow you and your friends’ avatar to pose together and share in Facebook stories, comments and Instagram reels.
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