Intel is mainly known for its processors, but that is not stopping the company from pursuing other interesting segments in the technology arena. The company's latest effort has left us with a confused look on our faces, as it doesn't give us an idea what the chip company is planning.
There's a new app called "Pocket Avatar," and it is basically what Intel has released to the public. The new app is only available for iOS and Android, and it is designed to allow Intel fans to chat with each other via 3D avatars that are capable of tracking the user's facial expression by using the smartphone camera.
Technically, this isn't the first Intel app. The first set of apps created by the company was for corporate use, or apps about Intel news. This is the first app from Intel that is targeting the masses, and we have to wonder what else the company has up its sleeve.
This new messaging app by Intel is quite interesting due to the face tracking technology implemented. The camera basically takes the expression of the user's face and places it on a cartoon character, or avatar.
Now, there are several different avatars available, and quite a few of them are not free. A premium avatar costs around $99. These avatars include Barack Obama's face, Lego, a pufferfish and more.
"How many times have you written 'lol,' 'haha,' or 'rofl' without even cracking a smile? With Pocket Avatars silly, quirky, adorable characters, all of your messages are way more fun. Don't just chat... chat funner!" says Intel
Chances are; this move by Intel is only an experiment. If successful, then no doubt we'll have a new contender for best messaging app. Still, right now Intel has a far way to go if it wants to get a foot in the online messaging industry. This new app might be fun for a while, but asking user's to pay $99 cent just to have some fun with a new avatar, might turn out to be the reason for the failure of Pocket Avatar, if it does happen.
