Zoom appeals to consumers with new avatars as hybrid work reduces the need for video communications.
Zoom has rolled out a new avatar feature that lets users switch their own face on a video call with a cartoonish animal of their own choosing. The feature is a bit like Memoji on the iPhone but on Zoom video calls between users on almost all platforms, including Windows, macOS, iOS – but not Android. “Available for Zoom Meetings and Zoom Webinar, Avatars replace your appearance with a virtual animal that mirrors your head movements and facial expressions,” Zoom says in a blogpost. The feature aims to alleviate the tedium of video meetings in a world where people come to work a few days a week but still rely on online video meetings for days they work from home. Microsoft is also shaping its popular Teams app for hybrid work, with a focus on enterprise scenarios, such as presenting a business idea with PowerPoint and Teams. SEE: Want to get ahead at work? Try using this often underrated skill With this new feature, Zoom is appealing to consumers who work at home and the office, as well as students and educators.
