Skype Gains Background Blurring Feature

[MacRumors]

Skype is getting a new screen-blurring feature this week. Users of Microsoft's video and voice calling service can now choose to blur the background on video calls if the scene behind them is something they'd rather not share.

The idea behind the feature is to save the user's blushes because of the messy room they're skyping from, or to obscure a business plan on a whiteboard behind them, for instance.

Background blur in Skype and Teams uses artificial intelligence (AI)--trained in human form detection--to keep you in focus during your call. This technology is also trained to detect your hair, hands, and arms, making a call with background blur just as relaxed and easy as a regular video call.

Background blur in Skype is similar to background blur in Microsoft Teams, according to the software giant. The results are somewhat akin to the "bokeh" effect most commonly seen in Portrait photos on iPhone, but in this case in a live video stream.

The feature is rolling out on desktops, mobile, and web, and can be enabled in Skype's settings or by using the video call button.

Article Link: Skype Gains Background Blurring Feature

 

[e1me5]

I doubt it will work with the crappy webcams the latest MacBooks have.

 

[ruka.snow]

All this software to try mimic a larger sensor and fast lens. I'll stick to using my DSLR on a tripod for video calls.

 

[SparkOnShore]

All this software to try mimic a larger sensor and fast lens. I'll stick to using my DSLR on a tripod for video calls.

Awesome! Stick to the 60s while world is moving forward! Good for you mate.

 

[Scooz]

Brow blur next

 

[Xenc]

“What’s that blur coming out of your shower darling?”

 

[ginkobiloba]

All this software to try mimic a larger sensor and fast lens. I'll stick to using my DSLR on a tripod for video calls.

Sure, but can you fit your DSLR+Long Lens +Tripod in your pocket ? This is what it's for, video chats over the net, not artistic photo/video.

 

[Veinticinco]

—

 

[FilipeTeixeira]

Awesome! Stick to the 60s while world is moving forward! Good for you mate.

Pfff skype. There's nothing like using a pigeon to send messages.

 

[nvmls]

“What’s that blur coming out of your shower darling?”

"Kittie grew & likes water now darling.."

 

[trusso]

Anyone want to stop and ask what data or images of your video chats might be sent to Skype in order to implement this feature? It sure sounds like a win for privacy, but the devil is in the details. Personally, I wouldn’t be sure there are entirely altruistic motives behind this.

 

[ArtOfWarfare]

unlike this feature, it doesn’t scream or even suggest “I don’t want you to see I’m a clutter monster and therefore unprofessional”.

I don't think background blur is going to suggest this... people should be looking at you, not behind you. If there was something interesting behind you, maybe they'd notice it, but since it's just a blur behind you, they won't notice it. Out of sight, out of mind.

 

[centauratlas]

It would be nice if Apple introduced something similar as an option for FaceTime. Not that I really care since we rarely use FaceTime and never use Skype, but I can imagine when some people would like the option.

 

[Asarien]

All this software to try mimic a larger sensor and fast lens. I'll stick to using my DSLR on a tripod for video calls.

Awesome! Stick to the 60s while world is moving forward! Good for you mate.

For someone who knows how to use sarcasm, you're pretty bad at detecting it, mate.

 

[Christoffee]

I have no idea what AI is anymore.

 

[Trhodezy]

For someone who knows how to use sarcasm, you're pretty bad at detecting it, mate.

Glad someone else got it..