Snapchat parent Snap has recently unveiled new AI-powered AR experiences within the popular social media app set to transform 'what's possible in augmented reality' and revolutionize how users interact with their environment through their smartphones.
Snap unveils new AI-powered AR features for Snapchat, enabling real-time generative AI experiences and providing creators with advanced tools for Lens development.Image via Snap
Snap Previews New GenAI-Powered AR Features for Snapchat
Snap is introducing a range of real-time generative AI (GenAI) tools that will enable Snapchat users to create vivid AR experiences instantly.
According to Snap, this milestone was achieved through breakthroughs in optimizing GenAI techniques to be faster and more efficient on mobile devices.
"We're unveiling new AR experiences powered by GenAI for Snapchatters and our AR developer community," announced Snap in a recent news release.
How the Feature Works
The core of this innovation is Snap's real-time image model. Users can now type an idea for a transformation, and the AI model will generate a vivid AR experience in real-time.
According to the company, this early prototype showcases the potential of AI in making AR interactions more dynamic and interactive than ever before.
Phone Arena tells us that where previous AR features could only manage simple effects like placing a hat on someone's head, the new AI-powered lenses can make the hat move naturally with the person's head and adapt seamlessly to the lighting conditions in the video.
For AR creators, Snap is rolling out a new GenAI Suite within its Lens Studio, a tool that has already been instrumental in developing Snapchat's AR features.
This suite includes tools for generating custom machine learning (ML) models and assets, significantly reducing the time required to create high-quality Lenses.
Snap claims that these tools can save creators weeks to months of work, allowing for faster and more efficient production of AR content.
The GenAI Suite is part of Snap's Lens Studio 5.0 release, designed from the ground up for improved productivity, modularity, and speed. "Lens Studio 5.0 release, built from the ground up for improved productivity, modularity, and speed," Snap said.
Collaborations With the Artistic Community
One notable collaboration is with London's National Portrait Gallery. Snap has worked with the gallery to develop Lenses inspired by iconic portrait styles.
Snapchat users can choose from a collection of these portrait-style Lenses, take a Snap, and submit it to the museum's "Living Portrait" projection wall.
This strategic move is part of Snap's ongoing effort to retain and grow its user base by providing unique and advanced AR experiences. As competitors such as Meta's Instagram and TikTok incorporate AI into their platforms, Snap's developments in AR technology give it a competitive advantage.
