Skype brings Snapchat-like AI photo effects

Snapchat may not be doing wonders for Snap but its surely a huge source of inspiration for other social media platforms. The latest copy-cat in the long list is Skype that has added a string of Snapchatesque photo effects to its mobile messaging apps, including face stickers, filters, captions and handy info like the weather.

The new feature is based on technology Microsoft introduced earlier this year with a fun camera app called Sprinkles. The app leverages Microsoft’s machine learning and AI capabilities to do things like detect faces in photos, determine the subject’s age and emotion, figure out your celebrity look-a-like, and suggest captions. It then lets you swipe through its suggestions – for example, various props to add to your photo, funny captions, and stickers displaying its guess about your age, among other things.

"With photo effects on Skype, you can easily add a dash of wit and creativity to your everyday moments. Share decorated photos with your friends and family via chat or on your Highlights," the company said in a blog post.

Microsoft says these photo effects will change often – like on different days of the week or holidays, for instance. The resulting image can be shared with Skype friends in a conversation or posted to Skype’s new Highlights feature, which is the Instagram/Snapchat Stories clone introduced earlier this year.

Though the new features won't lure you away from Snapchat or Instagram, it would surely keep Skype updated with current times. Skype’s release notes list Photo Effects as “upcoming” in Android version 8.10.0.4 and iOS 8.10.0.5. This version began rolling out on Monday, and should reach everyone over the next week.