The FINANCIAL — SANTA CLARA, Calif. — Katy Perry and Intel Corporation today announced that the pop icon will adopt the latest trend in video messaging, with the launch of her first 3-D messaging avatar. Katy’s custom-created avatar will be available exclusively on the over-the-top video messaging application Pocket Avatars by Intel, according to Intel Corporation.
Katy is noted as one of the rare celebrities to earn enormous popularity based on genuine ground-level interaction with her adoring fans, known as “KatyCats.”
“Katy’s dynamic approach to social media and strong connection to youth culture made her an ideal collaborator for the new Pocket Avatars by Intel service,” said Rich Hannah, general manager, Pocket Avatars at Intel Corporation. “She’s an icon with a relatable and fun personality, and an endless number of looks. By marrying Katy’s visual appeal with our innovative facial-tracking technology, we’re allowing her fans to express themselves as imaginatively as Katy herself,” he added.
Pocket Avatars by Intel is a unique, fun and innovative communication tool for Katy fans to connect and share. People communicate via animated 3-D avatars that serve as alter egos. Katy fans will be able to select her avatar from a broad selection within the Pocket Avatars by Intel app, and to record and share personalized messages that mirror their own facial gestures and voice. The avatars featured in personal messages can smile big and small, blink or wink, raise and lower eyebrows, stick out their tongue, blow a kiss, and even sing the lyrics to the latest Katy Perry hit. Katy fans can then send the message to friends, family and other KatyCats through the Pocket Avatars by Intel messaging service or by text, email or social networks such as Facebook and Twitter.
Pocket Avatars by Intel is a free mobile app available on both iPhone and Android. Since its launch in mid-June, more than 1 million avatars have been downloaded and the app has expanded to more than 30 countries, boasting a library of over 55 avatars, including cultural and seasonal favorites like the collegiate football characters, Annoying Orange, characters from The Lego Movie and a host of seasonally inspired characters. Many avatars are free; some require a nominal purchase for unlimited use. The Katy Perry avatar is priced at $1.99, according to Intel Corporation.
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