On the Internet it’s impossible to see someone’s body language or figure out what they are thinking. We don’t receive many clues. But still, we try our hardest to market products and services to a largely unresponsive audience.
However, communication is beginning to change on the Internet.
The most exciting development is in the field of avatar technology…
Essentially, an Avatar is an animated character with speech capabilities, a computer-generated personality that can be seen over any space on the Internet. The name technically means ‘virtual body’, and is seen as a virtual person on a computer screen.
Typically, this virtual person will be in a 2-D or 3-D shape and will be given specific features in order to make them look appealing and to create a specific
personality. The best Avatars have lip-synchronization ability for added realism and functionality.
This means you can easily program and customize an entertaining audiovisual presentation-giving your website something it lacked before…interactivity for your visitors.
There are different Avatars designed to do different things for you and what you are trying to express.
For instance, some Avatars are designed to simply make a statement with your style. This may include putting on certain clothing, holding a specific expression on its face, or posing with a specific backdrop.
Other types of Avatars are designed to say something that you can send to your friends or acquaintances on the ‘net, and perfect for use in email marketing.
These virtual people are a way to add on the extra expressions that are needed in order to be effective with any type of conversation.
One of the greatest benefits of Avatars is the ability to shorten the distance over the Internet, bringing you closer than ever before to your potential clients.
Avatars create an enjoyable online experience for
people; talking on the screen to new visitors, and by
answering questions, it’s a great way to build trust and connect with people.
This now becomes a welcome destination, instead of (yet another) dull, boring website.
Avatars can be used on any type of communication level on the Internet, including chat rooms, private instant messages, websites, and game rooms.
Depending on what you are trying to express, you can find an Avatar to suit your needs.
Avatars first became popular in the 1980s and 1990s.
People who were in the forefront of technology at the time, used them in order to build new communication models.
The first sign of avatars was in computer games, dating from 1985. They were used as characters that would create a personalized appearance for the games being played.
From the gaming world, avatars began to gain recognition and popularity in other areas.
This first began with Internet forums in the late 1990s. People in the forums would use avatars to represent specific ideas, movements, and social reactions.
It is from this basis’ that avatars grew into almost every area of the Internet.
The growth of avatars over the Internet is expected to become commonplace, with more abilities for expression.
For example, developers are finding ways to promote digital fashion models that can move and show specific items of clothing in online fashion shows.
As the technology progresses, avatars will continue to develop and be used widely for communication, expression and movement.
We really are looking at the cutting edge of Artificial Intelligence!
Just think what this could do for your promotions…
The Inside Edge To Marketing:
Using The Benefits Of Avatar Technology.
Version: General Internet Distribution
Date of Publication: March 2011
