Social media company Snap has recently announced its plans to introduce revolutionary augmented reality (AR) experiences driven by generative AI (genAI) technology.
The company is currently in the experimental phase with a new tool designed to “bring imagination to life” by allowing users to input their creative ideas and instantly generate a vibrant AR experience while using the app. Although this innovative feature is still in the prototype stage, it holds significant potential for transforming the way users interact with AR technology.
Snap has also revealed that it already uses genAI to power various existing features on its platform, such as bitmoji backgrounds, chat wallpapers, Dreams, and AI pets. This demonstrates the company’s commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technology to enhance user experience and engagement on the app.
In addition to these developments, Snap is set to integrate genAI features into a special program for developers who create AR special effects, known as lenses, for the app. With the introduction of genAI-powered tools in the AR authoring tool Lens Studio, users will have the ability to generate custom machine learning models to drive the lenses’ functionalities.
Snap has claimed that this advancement will significantly reduce the time required to create new models from scratch, potentially saving users weeks or even months in the process. This efficiency is expected to pave the way for the rapid development of lenses, aligning with Snap’s mission to continuously innovate and push the boundaries of AR technology.
To celebrate the launch of these features, Snap has partnered with London’s prestigious National Portrait Gallery to develop lenses inspired by iconic portrait styles using the GenAI Suite. As part of this collaboration, users will have the opportunity to select from a diverse collection of portrait-style lenses, capture a Snap using their chosen lens, and submit it to be featured on the museum’s “Living Portrait” projection wall.
Snap’s venture into the realm of AR experiences powered by genAI technology represents a significant leap forward in the integration of cutting-edge AI capabilities. Through these developments, the company is not only enhancing the creative potential of AR technology but also fostering collaboration with renowned cultural institutions to showcase the diverse applications of this innovative technology.
Keep an eye out for more updates as Snap continues to revolutionize the digital landscape with its pioneering advancements in AR and AI technologies.