A new development in AR for online communication, the Animoji uses facial-mapping software to allow users to control a customised avatar of a human, animal or ghost’s face on their iPhone X. But is this just another frivolous fad or does the popularity of animated avatars signal their important social role in online interaction?

Imagine a future where adverts are created just for you or you can buy products with a simple nod of your head. In China, that future is near as AI and facial recognition software shake up shopping nationwide. How are companies utilising this tech and how are consumers embracing it?

The HiMirror Mini Premium does far more than just show your reflection. With its ability to analyse a user’s skin and track changes over time, in addition to keeping tabs on when products are due to expire, the device is able to provide beauty guidance that’s tailored to the individual.

Moscow’s passenger railroad service is testing facial recognition to provide a cheaper and faster payment system for Russian consumers. Biometric scanning is already used in some museums and restaurants and now they are reaching the transport sector, as demand for seamlessness grows.