dottocomu

Videophone avatars

Rumours are appearing here and there that DoCoMo will be introducing videophone avatars in its next range of 3G FOMA handsets, due out early next year. ZDNet links their story to an article about the system developed by Russian company SeeStorm, which creates an animated 3D model based on a single photo; we're not sure whether to take this a hint that DoCoMo will be adopting SeeStorm's system.

FOMA phones currently allow you to put up a static image if you don't want to be seen on a videophone call, and this new service takes that idea and runs with it; you'll now be able to have a 3D-animated avatar do the talking for you. Will be interesting to see if this finally sparks a videophone boom--"fun" content and uptake by teenagers seems to provide the biggest hits for Japanese cellphones, and avatars might be the extra push that's needed. We also imagine that the peace of mind they offer will be popular--no need to check your hair before you pick up if you already look like a humanoid sealion.