Real time avatars for Zoom!? Recorded video avatars are one thing, but would you want to be in a meeting with a bunch of avatars of your friends or colleagues? In other words, the real people are actually on the call, but their likeness is an artificial “mask”. Before you judge too quickly, just imaging: you could be in the tub, or on the beach, but appear to be attending the meeting wearing a suit and seated in a conference room. Now maybe it doesn’t sound so bad! Regardless, a new AI company called Pickle is betting that people will love it. Currently in early funding, the platform has been so swamped with interest that there’s currently a waiting list to try it. A taste of what’s to come? We’ll see!
In a world where virtual meetings have become the norm, a new player called Pickle is making waves with its innovative approach to web conferencing. As reported, Pickle offers a service that allows you to create a digital avatar of yourself, enabling you to appear on Zoom calls without actually being present. This could be a game-changer for those who find themselves tied to their desks, longing for a bit more freedom.
Here’s how it works: you provide a five-minute training video of yourself, and within 24 hours, Pickle creates an avatar that can attend meetings on your behalf. This service is currently available in three versions—basic, standard, and pro—ranging from $300 to $1,150 per year. While it’s currently compatible only with MacOS, a Windows version is expected soon. The supported conferencing platforms include Zoom, Google Meet, and Teams.
Benefits
The potential benefits of this technology are significant. Imagine being able to attend a meeting while you’re actually on the go, or even just taking a break in your own home. It offers flexibility and could help reduce the fatigue that comes with back-to-back video calls. For those who juggle multiple responsibilities, this could be a way to maintain a presence without being physically tied to a computer screen.
Concerns
However, there are some challenges to consider. The idea of a digital stand-in raises questions about authenticity and trust. Will colleagues feel deceived if they find out they’re interacting with an avatar? Moreover, the current demand for this service is high, leading to delays in clone generation, which could be a hurdle for new users eager to try it out.
Possible Business Use Cases
- A virtual assistant service that uses Pickle’s technology to manage client meetings, allowing entrepreneurs to focus on strategic tasks.
- An educational platform that provides virtual attendance options for students, ensuring they never miss a class due to personal commitments.
- A corporate wellness program that encourages employees to take mental health breaks by using avatars for non-essential meetings.
As we consider the implications of Pickle’s technology, it’s clear that it offers both exciting opportunities and potential pitfalls. On one hand, it could redefine how we think about presence and productivity in the digital age. On the other, it challenges us to rethink the nature of human interaction and the importance of authenticity. As with any innovation, the key will be finding a balance that maximizes benefits while addressing concerns. Whether this technology becomes a staple in our work lives will depend on how well it can integrate into our existing systems and meet the needs of its users.
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Image Credit: DALL-E
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