For the first time, Second Life residents will have the ability to create photo-realistic avatars by simply uploading a single photograph--like a passport photo. Avatar Island will be the only avatar skinning facility in-world that can automatically produce photo-realistic avatars from a single photograph.

Prior to Avatar Island, the only way to produce this level of vivid realism was to hire professional 3D artists skilled in software packages like 3D StudioMax, Maya or Poser. Now, all a resident needs to do is take a reasonably good photograph, submit it to the system for processing and wait a few minutes for the results to be delivered to the resident’s email address. The new texture file is an impressive blending of photographic detail and animation magic.

At the same time they began construction of Avatar Island, CyberExtruder also announced the initiation of its search for tenant-partners that will be given free real estate on Avatar Island for the purpose of setting up symbiotic presences.

“We’re actively looking for tenant-partners that have relevant offerings for Second Life residents,” says Jack Ives, Chief Operating Officer of CyberExtruder. “Our plan is to build the focal point for avatar customization within Second Life. We want to attract the best avatar skinners and designers and bring them all together in one place. To that end, we’re supporting Avatar Island and will give space at no charge to others that bring relevant value to the group.”

To compliment CyberExtruder’s avatar creation system, plans are in the works to have a resident 3D animation studio that will provide regular classes and seminars in the use of Second Life’s tools and scripting as well as a 3D printing company that will be able to provide 3D replicas of resident’s avatars.

CyberExtruder has contracted the services of Cranial Tap, Inc. a Virginia based developer of 3D worlds to do the actual build out of Avatar Island. “We are both pleased and excited to help CyberExtruder bring this truly unique service to Second Life users, says Dave Levinson, CEO of Cranial Tap. “Reducing the barrier to character customization will have a far reaching and meaningful impact on this active community.”

Avatar Island is scheduled to open up on June 14. For more information on becoming a tenant-partner, please call Jack Ives between 9am and 5pm EDT or email him.

About CyberExtruder

CyberExtruder (cyberextruder.com) is a software development company whose technology enables the automatic conversion of a 2D facial image (e.g. passport photo) to an accurate 3D model of the subject’s face or head. CyberExtruder’s technology leverages advanced statistical models to interpret the third dimension from a 2D image. CyberExtruder’s software and back-end delivery systems are completely scalable, personalized avatars can be produced and delivered without limitation.

Note to editors: Second Life® and Linden Lab® are registered trademarks of Linden Research, Inc.

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