On a particularly bad day, you may want to disable your webcam during video calls. For Teams users, Microsoft is introducing new AI-powered beauty features aimed at “making people’s lives a little easier.” On Wednesday, Microsoft announced that a new set of “virtual makeup” filters similar to the look-changing effects found across social media platforms, such as TikTok’s Bold Glamor feature, will be available in Microsoft Teams, courtesy of cosmetics giant Maybelline. announced that it will be introduced in
The Maybelline Beauty app offers Teams users 12 unique looks at launch, giving them the option to choose from a variety of blur effects and digital makeup color options. Each look displays a breakdown of shades reproduced by real-world Maybelline products and filters, allowing users to recreate their real-life facial makeup. While companies often use these virtual “try-on” experiences to promote real-world products, Maybelline encourages users to pull out their wallets and “try on different makeup looks.” We are in an unusual place: corporate workplace software.
The AI technology that powers the virtual makeup filters is provided by Modiface, an augmented reality company focused on the beauty industry. Modiface’s technology is one of the most popular virtual makeup “try-on” experiences and is used by various cosmetics companies such as Sephora and Estée Lauder. Maybellines’ parent company L’Oreal jumped on its popularity in 2018, buying Modiface for an undisclosed amount.
The filter is a non-profit public data organization focused on increasing inclusivity and diversity within the media to ensure that virtual makeup looks are suitable for a “widely diverse population.” Developed in collaboration with the Geena Davis Institute.
“Whether you’re working in person or working virtually, you can do your best by feeling good about yourself,” said Trisha Ayagari, global brand president at Maybelline New York. said in a press release. “That’s why we partnered with Microsoft Teams to develop Virtual Makeup. Now, even on your busiest days, makeup is just a click away.”
Enterprise users can find new virtual makeup products under the Video Effects tab in Microsoft Teams.
This new feature is rolling out to Microsoft Teams Enterprise customers worldwide starting today, with Teams meeting settings[ビデオ効果]displayed in the tab. We’ve asked Microsoft if the filters are available for users on the free Microsoft Teams level, and we’ll update this story when we hear back.
It’s a bit strange to think of a beauty filter role in a more professional communication app outside the realm of social media. There is plenty of evidence to suggest that filters designed to improve or manipulate our appearance can be detrimental to our mental health because they give us unrealistic expectations of our body image. I have. These AR/AI filter effects were once easy to identify because they distort the user’s face when obscured, but recent advances like TikTok’s infamous “bold glamor” effect make it difficult to detect. much more difficult.
However, despite the potential risk to our self-esteem, we cannot deter people from wanting to use these beauty filters for work-related uses. Other video conferencing platforms such as Zoom already include limited cosmetic effects, such as eyebrow and lipstick filters. The Maybelline Beauty app for Teams offers more options and customizations, and you might want to try even more, especially if it looks natural enough to avoid standing out among your co-workers for the wrong reasons. yeah.
