zoom launches ‘avatars’ so users can be a virtual animal in meetings

latest feature

zoom introduces its latest features ‘avatars’, creating a more fun environment into meetings and webinars, and lightening the mood regardless of the place the users are in. ‘video communication is a modern marvel, but creating those magical and spontaneous moments that make in-person interactions so special can be difficult in a virtual setting. our teams at zoom are always looking for ways to help you connect with others. that is why we are excited to announce our latest feature, avatars!’ writes david ball, zoom’s product marketing manager, meetings and chat.

available for both zoom meetings and webinar, ‘avatars’ mirror the movements and facial expressions of the users through camera detection. they replace the person’s image with a virtual animal, all while still allowing the users to change their background. ‘they also provide a good middle ground for users who don’t want to appear on camera, but still want to express body language and facial expressions,’ writes ball. by turning on the new feature, zoom’s technology uses the device’s camera to detect the face on the screen and apply the avatar after choosing an animal from the list.

images courtesy of zoom

no facial recognition

on the other hand, the feature does not use facial recognition, meaning it fails to identify the person. ‘so, while the avatars feature can tell what is or is not a face, it does not recognize or distinguish between individual faces,’ shares ball. currently, zoom is only offering animal avatars at this time, but the team has plans in store for its users, updating the feature regularly and adding new avatars in the near future.

the new feature makes meetings more fun

turning on the feature

to turn on the feature, users should enable their video and camera. in the meeting toolbar, click on the ‘stop video’ menu then select ‘choose virtual background’ or ‘choose video filter’ option. navigate to the ‘avatars’ tab, and the fun-filled, avatar magic begins! zoom’s team believes the add-on invokes fun to team-building activities online by dressing up as the user’s favorite animal; creating an atmosphere of wonder to engage young students in the online lessons; and even making pediatric care less stressful by making the patients smile and glee.

users must enable video and camera to turn on the feature