AI Avatars Coming to Zoom: How Virtual Avatars Will Let You Communicate Without Being Present

Zoom, the leading video communication platform is about to change the way we conduct virtual meetings, the company has announced plans to introduce artificial intelligence (AI) avatars that can represent users in online discussions and can be used to send brief messages.

What’s New:

Zoom’s upcoming feature will let users create personalised AI avatars that will look and sound like them. These avatars can be used to deliver pre-written messages during virtual meetings and allow users to communicate without being present in the meeting. This feature will be part of Zoom’s broader strategy to integrate advanced AI capabilities into its platform.

Key Insight:

To create an AI avatar, users will have to record a short video of themselves which then be used by Zoom’s AI technology to analyse the video and to generate an avatar that mimics the user’s appearance and voice. After creating these avatars users can type a script for their avatar to speak that will make it possible for the avatar to send messages on their behalf when they are not available.

How This Works:

1. Video Recording: Users first have to record a brief video of themselves.
2. AI Processing: Zoom’s AI will analyse the video to create a digital representation that resembles the user.
3. Message Delivery: Users can write messages for their avatar to deliver during meetings which will effectively allow the avatar to communicate without the user needing to be present.

This feature will work with Zoom’s Clips function which allows users to share short video updates with colleagues.

System Requirements:

• Operating Systems: Windows 7, 8, 10 (64-bit) or MacOS.
• Processors: Intel (4th generation or higher) or AMD with similar performance.
• Camera: A webcam is necessary for recording.

Results:

The AI avatar feature is designed to make communication more efficient, especially in team settings. It saves time by allowing users to send messages without needing to record each one live. However, it is important to note that these avatars are intended for sending only brief messages rather than engaging in interactive long discussions.

Why This Matters:

The introduction of AI avatars addresses the growing need for effective communication tools in remote work environments. As more people work from home or in hybrid settings, having an AI avatar can help maintain connections and streamline information sharing among teams.

However, there are concerns about the potential misuse of this technology, particularly regarding deepfakes. Zoom is aware of these risks and is implementing security measures such as advanced authentication and watermarking technology to protect users.

Negatives of the AI Avatar Feature:

• Deepfake Risks: The technology used to create these avatars could be misused to produce deepfake videos which can spread misinformation or can be used to scam people.
• Security Concerns: While Zoom has mentioned implementing safeguards like advanced authentication and watermarking, the effectiveness of these measures remains uncertain. Watermarks can be easily removed using screen recording tools.
• Miscommunication: Relying on the avatars can lead to miscommunication as it will depend on the typed script, users can misinterpret it as the avatar will not be able to deliver the exact intent behind the message.

Smita Hashim, Zoom’s Chief Product Officer, addressed the potential risks associated with the new AI avatar feature, stating “We will continue to review and add safeguards as needed in the future. We employ technology to make it obvious when a clip is generated with an avatar, and to help ensure the integrity of avatar-generated content.”

We’re Thinking:

Zoom is planning to roll out this feature in its premium AI Companion which will cost $12 per user per month. This move aligns with CEO Eric Yuan’s vision of using AI to enhance workplace productivity and allow users to delegate tasks like attending meetings or answering emails to their digital avatars.

Balancing innovation with safety is of utmost importance especially when AI is being used, as the company is prepared to launch the feature in early 2025 the company should focus on building trust and safety before the launch among the users. The company is committed to developing safeguards that ensure the responsible use of its AI technologies while enhancing user experience in virtual communications.