Meta announced that it will begin rolling out updated 3D avatars to Facebook and Messenger, as well as Instagram Stories and DMs starting today.
Meta launches new 3D avatars
STRONG POINTS
- Meta has launched updated 3D avatars for Facebook and Messenger in India.
- It also introduced 3D avatars for Instagram for the very first time.
- Meta adds new facial shapes and assistive devices for users with disabilities.
Meta on Tuesday launched updated 3D avatars for Facebook and Messenger in India. For the very first time, the company introduced avatars for Instagram. The tech giant said the new avatars are “more expressive, more customizable and more diverse.”
The company announced that it will begin rolling out updated 3D avatars to Facebook and Messenger, as well as Instagram Stories and DMs starting today. Users will be able to use these avatars as their virtual selves in apps via stickers, feed posts, Facebook profile pictures, and more.
Meta also revealed the addition of new face shapes and assistive devices for users with disabilities. The new 3D avatars feature cochlear implants and on-ear hearing aids in different colors and on all platforms, including virtual reality. These avatars also include wheelchairs, which will be available for Facebook, Messenger and Instagram DMs. The company also said it will continue to add more options over time based on community feedback.
Facebook’s parent company is also improving the look of existing avatars. Subtle adjustments have been made to some face shapes and skin tones in an effort to make the avatars more authentic. The company also said it will continue to make improvements to existing avatars. Throughout 2021, Meta added new eyes and noses, beards and hairstyles, outfits, body types, and more.
Commenting on the launch of new avatars, Manish Chopra, Director and Head of India Partnerships at Meta, said, “Representations in the metaverse should reflect the diversity of the real world. Avatars are just the first step in allowing everyone to express themselves in their own way. When you create your avatar, you can choose facial features, body types, clothing styles, and more to create your virtual self. We offered over a quintillion different combinations when we launched our updated avatars last year, and we continue to add more options to give people even more ways to express themselves.
