Social network Polygram includes facial recognition for expressing emotions

A new social network called Polygram includes a way to respond to other users by letting the software scan facial expressions. That information is used to select an emoji that best matches the facial expression.

Polygram has built-in smart algorithms that scan the user’s facial expression and estimate how he or she is feeling. The software is used to allow users to comment on posted photos; first, the facial expression is scanned, after which a corresponding emoji is selected for the reaction to the photo. However, users are not required to disclose their name.

Anyone who posts a photo will see an overview of how others have reacted. Other statistics are also made clear, such as where the people who respond to the photo come from. Other demographic data such as gender can also be viewed.

Polygram has also built in a function where a placed image is made blurry on purpose. The image can be clarified by swiping the screen, but despite this, the picture only remains sharp for a short time, after which it becomes blurry again. This should probably help against covertly taking screenshots of images sent in private messages.

An application is available for iOS, but support for Android is not yet available. It is not known when the makers think they will release an Android app. Polygram was able to release its first app after getting money from investors, TechCrunch reports.