Prisma, a unique photo app introduced several months ago, is back with a big update that features the capability to apply filters to 15-second videos.
Using what it calls as deep learning algorithm, the photo app promises to transform a video clip into something that has an entirely different graphic style. It also works locally, which means users do not need internet connectivity. What is even cooler is that the process will only take under a minute.
"The processing time as well as the resolution depends on the device. It takes 30 secs to run a 15-sec video on iPhone 7, 55-60 seconds on iPhone 6s, and 2 minutes on iPhone 6," Prisma Labs said.
For those people who are still not familiar about Prisma, the app was first introduced last June as a photo editor on both iOS and Android platforms. It immediately became popular because, unlike the ones found in Snapchat, Telegram or other photo editors, its filters are seamlessly integrated into the photos so that they look natural. It can be fun but it can also be more serious and artistic.
"Prisma transforms your photos and videos into works of art using the styles of famous artists: Van Gogh, Picasso, Levitan, as well as world famous ornaments and patterns," its website description stated.
As of today, the app has been downloaded on Google Play Store by more than 10 million users.
The developers behind Prisma credit the app's appeal to its proprietary neural network technology when processing images and videos. When editing a photo or video, for example, the system builds everything from the ground up.
Other applications tend to overlay filter effects onto an image or a video. Even Snapchat's more sophisticated "lenses" also overlay filter effects, although this is done through some nifty 3D modeling process as well.
In the new update, there are only nine available filters, which include Candy, Paper Art and Cold Fish. Prisma Labs promises to expand these styles further in the future. This makes sense because the filter is one way by which the company generates revenue. Some of the 30 styles available overall within the app are sponsored by brands.
Prisma's latest change is still limited to the iOS version as of this writing. The Android update is scheduled to roll out in two weeks' time. GIF support is also coming soon but Prisma Labs has not provided a specific date for this feature.
Prisma Labs is based in Moscow. Interestingly, its photo app's closest rival, Artisto, is also developed by a Russian tech company called Mail.ru Group.
