Google Acquires An AI Startup For ₹822 Crore To Build Your Avatar

Google has acquired an AI startup named Alter (earlier known as Facemoji) to build virtual avatars & to join the trend of short-format videos like Reels & Shorts.

Alter, a Twitter-backed AI avatar firm that was originally known as “Facemoji,” is said to have been surreptitiously acquired by Google. 

According to Report, Google paid $100 million earlier this year to acquire the startup. The completion of Alter’s acquisition was announced to TechCrunch by an anonymous source two months prior.

Google formally announced the purchase yesterday (Thursday), but did not disclose the deal’s specifics, such as the date or the sum paid for Alter.

The Chief Operating Officer of Alter, Jon Slimak, has also modified his official LinkedIn profile to inform people of his new position with Google Avatars.

Since then, the Alter website has remained offline.

According to reports, Google has been actively investing in its artificial intelligence (AI) technologies over the last couple of years. 

From language learning models to producing photos appropriately, the tech giant has been placing AI at the center of its product suites.

For instance, Google will deploy AI in its search engine to help users filter out undesirable results and assist those who are dealing with personal problems.

Google has been embedding AI processing cores into the phone’s processor, similar to the hardware shown in the recently unveiled Pixel 7 handset, for better assistance with processing fine pictures or translating speech.

Since TikTok captured the attention of millions, as we are all aware, the trend of short videos has accelerated. 

We currently have Facebook Reels, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts; Google may be the next platform to enter the race by introducing a new feature enabling short videos on the platform.

Further information indicates that Google Avatars and Shorts may soon be included.

The company Alter, which has offices in both the USA and the Czech Republic, intends to create avatars through the use of AI. 

The software employs AI to construct bodies and faces, and it also mimics their attire and accessories.