The Apple company is developing a new function for the Messages application, it can be integrated in iOS 11 starting from the summer of this year and it will be extremely interesting. More precisely, the Apple company imagines that the iPhone 8 with its 3D camera will allow us to create virtual avatars to use in the Messages application and FaceTime in conversations.
We are talking about a patent registered to the Apple company, which allows the creation of a 3D image of our face, which can be used in conversations. According to the Apple company, this function for the Messages application allows us to create an alter ego, which can be customized in detail to make it look like we are on good terms.
From eye color to skin color, ear size, nose shape, facial expressions, or facial hair, the avatar created using this function will be the digital representation of our face. Although Apple describes a simple system for creating an avatar, the latter can be used in all of Apple's online services, or even in games.
The created avatar is also animated, and in applications such as Apple Maps or Address Book, it would be displayed with animation instead of a classic image, as it is now. In the Messages application, the avatar can also display different facial expressions depending on certain messages received or sent, so we are talking about an extremely interesting functionality, which is also applicable in FaceTime.
"An avatar editing environment is disclosed that allows users to create custom avatars for use in online games and other applications. Starting with a blank face the user can add, rescale and position different elements (eg, eyes, nose, mouth) on the blank face. The user can also change the shape of the avatar's face, the avatar's skin color and the color of all the elements."
