After changing its name from Facebook to Meta, the company introduced 3D avatars for Instagram, along with related updates to the Messenger and Facebook apps, ahead of its Q4 earnings report on Feb 2.
Meta announced on Monday that North American users will be able to choose 3D avatars directly in Instagram Stories and news releases, and platforms including Quest VR have received simultaneous updates.
Whether it’s VR stickers, dynamic posts, or Facebook profile pictures, Meta users can showcase their avatars.
Aigerim Shorman, general manager of avatars and identities at Meta, wrote in a blog post:
The new avatar includes more facial shapes and more inclusive assistive devices (such as cochlear implants/hearing aids, wheelchairs, and other disability aids).
Since presenting our long-term vision for the Metaverse at Connect 2021, Meta has been on the lookout for the future of social technology.
With the blessing of new technology, you will be able to feel in the same room as family and friends thousands of miles away, or easily collaborate with talented teams all over the world.
Shorman says the VR/AR platform is designed to connect the digital world, and the new 3D avatar is a further sign of the company’s aspirations.
CEO Mark Zuckerberg said in a high-profile announcement last year that the Metaverse was a priority for the company. In a new article on Monday, he added: “One day you will not only have rich expressive abilities but you will be given multiple avatars that are more lifelike.”
We saw an early technical demo of Codec Avatars and real-time environment rendering at Facebook Connect last October as part of the Metaverse Preview event. Finally, Meta will report its Q4 earnings on February 2 and will be revealing for the first time performance figures for its AR and VR Reality Labs division to reveal the financial impact of the transformation on other divisions.