With video conferencing becoming the new norm in this age of COVID-19, a Tokyo-based startup has come up with a way to digitally users appear to be dressed up, even when they’re in their pajamas.
Users simply need to download EmbodyMe’s app to their computer and upload professional photos of themselves, according to Nikkei Asia. Then, using artificial intelligence the app generates a more polished version of their image so users can attend Zoom and Teams meetings looking like they’re wearing a full suit while still wearing pajamas.
EmbodyMe launched a beta version in September 2020, and has since released the full app in response to strong demand. The basic filter is free, but users can add recording and other capabilities for a monthly fee of $8. The startup wants to cultivate corporate clients as well.
EmbodyMe’s app relies on a range of complex technologies. It tracks 50,000 different points on users’ faces in 3D to detect shifts in expressions, which, combined with neural rendering, allows it to generate a natural-looking image on the screen. It can reflect the users’ movements as well, including when they move closer to their camera.