Google is set to revolutionize the world of virtual reality with its new photorealistic avatars, dubbed 'Likeness'. These avatars are designed to compete with Apple's 'Personas' and offer users an immersive experience. But here's where it gets interesting: Google's approach to creating these avatars is both innovative and controversial. While Apple uses a headset for scanning, Google has taken a different path, making the process more accessible and user-friendly. Instead of holding a headset in front of your face, users can simply download the Likeness (beta) Android app and scan themselves with their phone. This method is not only easier but also opens up the possibility for a wider range of devices to be compatible with the avatars. However, this is where the controversy arises. Google's compatibility requirements for the Likeness app are quite restrictive, limiting it to only Google Pixel 8 or newer, Samsung Galaxy S23 or newer, or Samsung Z Fold5 or newer. This means that Android XR users with iPhones or unsupported Android phones won't be able to scan themselves, creating a divide in the market. Despite this, the potential for these avatars to be used as 'virtual webcams' is immense. They can seamlessly integrate with most video call apps, making them a versatile tool for communication. However, the current limitation to 2D avatars means that spatial meetings, where users can chat face-to-face with fully spatial avatars, are not yet possible. This is where the comparison with Apple's Personas becomes more relevant. While Apple has shown that it's possible to cross the 'uncanny valley' with photorealistic avatars, Google's approach still has a way to go. The question remains: how will Google address the challenge of creating smaller headsets with the same level of avatar fidelity? This is a question that could spark a lot of discussion and debate, and one that Google will need to answer if it wants to truly compete with Apple in this space.
