Want to see what Metaverse is capable of? Watch this unique Interview with Zuckerberg being a… Codec Avatar.
Lex Fridman, the host of his podcast series, recorded a full interview with Mark Zuckerberg within virtual reality using, well, virtual avatars. However, instead of using Meta’s Horizon Avatars, they used the experimental technology that Meta is actively developing – Codec Avatars.
Codec Avatars represent one of the most promising technologies expected to emerge in the VR/AR space in the coming years, or perhaps even decades. These avatars serve as highly realistic virtual representations of people, distinguishing themselves from the more cartoony avatars currently used by Meta. In fact, they achieve a level of hyperrealism that successfully overcomes the uncanny valley, a challenge that has haunted similar technologies in the past.
Meta has been working on this tech for several years now. But until recently, all we got were quick prototype videos which were all pre-recorded in perfect conditions. Well – this changed in the interview with Fridman and Zuckerberg. Check out the full one-hour interview below.
Lex Fridman was genuinely shocked by how impressive these avatars turned out to be. Even though we only see the whole scene from one angle in the video, Fridman had the freedom to check out Zuckerberg’s codec avatar face from any angle he wanted, just like in real life.
Now, picture this with a full body and a regular environment, perhaps in augmented reality. This technology has the potential to unlock spatial telepresence – a game-changing tech that, when paired with AR glasses, could revolutionize our communication methods and mark the next significant leap in this technology.
Reportedly, Meta aims to integrate the initial version of Codec Avatars into their upcoming high-end VR/AR Headset, known under the codename La Jolla. This headset could potentially serve as the successor to the Quest Pro, albeit a considerably more advanced one. Rumor has it that this headset will hit the market in 2025 with an estimated price tag of around $2000.
