A FaceTime feature introduced by Apple in 2019 has recently started to scare users off. When enabled, the FaceTime Eye Contact feature creates the appearance of a user making eye contact with the other person during a FaceTime video call. This happens even when that user is actually looking elsewhere.
FaceTime Eye Contact Digital changes user images
Apple quietly launched the eye contact feature in FaceTime calls in 2019. When not enabled, if a person looks directly at the other party during a FaceTime call, it does not appear that the person is making eye contact. with her because she doesn’t. Don’t look directly into the camera It gets quite interesting once the feature has been activated, however. When enabled, Eye Contact alters the video to make it look like you’re looking straight into the other party’s eyes.
While this may seem okay to some, many users find it scary. This is understandable since the feature digitally alters a user’s image to make it look like the person you’re talking to is actually looking at you even when they’re not.
How Apple is implementing the feature
To make the feature work, Apple uses ARCore, the same technology used for FaceID and Animoji. What shocked users the most was the fact that Apple automatically enabled the feature. It is therefore up to the users to deactivate it in Settings -> FaceTime -> Contact lenses.
The Daily mail reported some reactions of users who found the feature, originally called FaceTime Attention Correction, scary and suggested turning it off immediately.
“Didn’t realize ios14 had a FaceTime update called ‘eye contact’ that changes the look of your eyes and was really terrified and confused,” another wrote.
“Just found out there’s an augmented reality filter enabled by default on recent versions of #FaceTime that alters your eyes to look like you’re making eye contact!” What is the neurotypical?’ one tweeted.
Digital enhancement has been going on for a while now
That’s not to say we’re defending Apple, but we think the Cupertino tech giant had the best intentions when it launched the feature. What Apple may not have done is properly announce it with an explanation of how it digitally alters users’ images during FaceTime sessions. Either way, the editing of digital images has been going on in social media for years. I have seen many images of friends and even family members who have digitally enhanced their photos before posting them on social media. But, yes, I found it scary at times. Yet in the case of the FaceTime feature, the point is to make personal contact and not just for aesthetics. There is nothing wrong with that.
Comments are closed.