"Memoji," a new feature that will roll out with the upcoming iOS 12 software update allows users to customize their own avatar.
Apple introduced the world to animated emojis or Animojis along with the iPhone X last year, and they were an instant hit. At this year's WWDC event, the company unveiled a new and exciting addition called "Memoji" that lets users create an Animoji of themselves.
Here's everything you need to know about the Memoji feature and how it works:
What Is A Memoji?
It is essentially a customized make-your-own-avatar feature expanding off Apple's Animoji. The feature allows users to scan their face using the iPhone's front-facing camera and choose a 3D character to mimic their facial movements and expressions and bring the characters to life.
Memojis have the basic look and feel of Animojis, but instead of a unicorn or robot, users can design and create a human character based on their appearance or however they want.
The feature will be available with the final version of the iOS 12 software update, which is expected to launch in fall this year along with the the next iPhone or iPhones. The update will also bring with it new Animoji characters including Ghost Koala, Tiger, and T-Rex, and they will be more expressive than ever with the new tongue detection feature.
How Does It Work?
As demonstrated at the WWDC keynote, users can create a Memoji using the Messages app. One can either open an existing message thread or start a new one, click on the Animoji app icon, and then hit the "" sign at the beginning of the list of characters.
Once users are in the Memoji creation tab, they can swipe through different categories to customize their avatar. Users can choose the cartoon-like character's skin color, hair, eyes, lips, ears, facial hair, accessories such as earrings, headgear, sunglasses, and so on.
As users adjust and edit character, changes are reflected in real time, and once they're satisfied, they can hit the "done" button. This will take them back to the Animoji selection tab, and their personalized avatar will be among all the other Animojis.
What Can Users Do With The Memojis?
There are a number of things that users can do with their Memojis. They can record 30-second video clips of their Memoji talking or singing, and share it with their friends, just as they would with any other Animoji.
The new Messages camera effects features also lets users replace their heads with their personalized avatars for a photo or video. With the upcoming iOS 12 update, one will also be able to use Memojis with the FaceTime app.
