Intel Corporation (NASDAQ:INTC) introduced Pocket Avatars, a new avatar-based over-the-top (OTT) mobile chat messaging app that mimic’s the facial expression, head movement and voice of a user and maps the data into a 3D character.
The Pocket Avatars mobile messaging app was developed by the technologists at Intel Labs as part of the objective of Intel Corporation (NASDAQ:INTC) to add fun or laughter on communication.
According to the chipmaker, Pocket Avatars allows users to create and send customized 3D animated video messages with their standard smartphone camera and microphone of their favorite characters such as Gumby and Pokey, LEGO characters, Mr. Bill and the San Diego Chicken.
In a blog post, Michael A. Bell, corporate vice president and general manager of New Devices Group at Intel Corporation (NASDAQ:INTC) said Pocket Avatars is integrated with sophisticated, real-time facial and head-tracking technology that enables the app to draw out different facial expressions built from created 3D models.
“Avatars can smile big and small, blink, raise & lower eyebrows, stick out their tongue and blow a kiss. This is all enabled by efficient and robust algorithms that can capture diverse image conditions such as changing light and moving subjects,” according to Bell.
He added that their goal in introducing Pocket Avatars is to “explore the exciting market opportunities around mobile chat while bringing consumers a new and interesting way to connect, communicate, have fund and sometimes just be silly.”
Intel Corporation (NASDAQ:INTC) said users in the United States and Canada will be able to download Pocket Avatars for free from the App Store and Google Play.
According to Bell, over the coming weeks, they will improve the app with new features and capabilities including a constant stream of new avatars, improved tracking technology with new facial expressions that work on a wider range of lighting environment.
Separately, Intel Corporation (NASDAQ:INTC) launched Chrome Developer Zone, a new site that features videos, tutorials and sample code for application developers as part of its commitment to boost the Chrome OS.
Developers will find a range of resources from the Chrome Developer Zone for them to learn about different things such as how to create X86/Intel architecture based Chrome app and improve the efficiency and responsiveness of their app on website as well as information about different Chrome device form factors.
