Disclaimer: We may earn a commission if you make any purchase by clicking our links. Please see our detailed guide here.

Follow us on:

Google News
Whatsapp

Samsung’s Move to Bring AR Emoji to Video Calls May Not Be a Publicity Stunt

Join the Opinion Leaders Network

Join the Techgenyz Opinion Leaders Network today and become part of a vibrant community of change-makers. Together, we can create a brighter future by shaping opinions, driving conversations, and transforming ideas into reality.

Samsung has recently acquired a patent for a system that replaces the user’s face with a Samsung AR Emoji-like 3D model during video calls. The said patent was filed in the first quarter of 2016 and gained recognition by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office on the 17th of this month. According to the Korean smartphone manufacturer, this feature could be useful in places where slow or limited internet connectivity can’t support video calls.

This idea of using 3D models of users during video calls seems similar to the Galaxy S9’s existing AR Emoji feature allowing users to map their faces onto animated emojis.

This feature would be used in future Samsung devices equipped with 3D cameras, with the creation of a 3D mesh model of the faces of the users making the call. The models would become animated during the video call with the help of the image data received from the cameras.

The patent highlights some situations where the apparently flashy functionality could prove useful. The emojis will require a small amount of bandwidth to reproduce; live video in regions with poor internet connectivity could be replaced by them. The user’s real-time likeness and facial expressions will be reproduced without the same stutters/lag as the regular video calls.

Samsung AR emoji will help address the issue of non-alignment of eye contact in video calls. Front-facing smartphone cameras are always situated sideways with respect to the display. Hence video call participants appear to look beside each other rather than at each other. The emojis would appear to face down the camera.

Of course, gaining the patent doesn’t necessarily mean that Samsung is absolutely going to release this feature. However, with augmented reality technology being on the rise, combined with the continued popularity of emojis, it seems quite likely that the feature will be available soon.

Reports suggest that the Samsung Galaxy S10 will have a 3D-capable camera. This could actually help to implement the said functionality.

Join 10,000+ Fellow Readers

Get Techgenyz’s roundup delivered to your inbox curated with the most important for you that keeps you updated about the future tech, mobile, space, gaming, business and more.

Recomended

Partner With Us

Digital advertising offers a way for your business to reach out and make much-needed connections with your audience in a meaningful way. Advertising on Techgenyz will help you build brand awareness, increase website traffic, generate qualified leads, and grow your business.

Power Your Business

Solutions you need to super charge your business and drive growth

More from this topic