BeFake: Where AI Augments Your Friends in a World of Virtual Reality

In the era of AI-driven innovations, the world of social media is experiencing a transformative shift. And BeFake is at the forefront of this change. While platforms like BeReal aim to provide an unfiltered glimpse into users’ daily lives, BeFake, developed by Alias Technologies. This is an American startup specializing in artificial intelligence. It offers a unique proposition – allowing users to virtually disguise themselves with the power of AI. Launched on August 9th, BeFake’s name and typography are a direct reference to the French term “BeReal.” However, BeFake offers an entirely different experience, turning ordinary moments into surreal adventures. This contrast is emphasized in their slogan: “Let’s be real, it’s more fun to BeFake.”

AI-Powered Virtual Transformation

BeFake’s concept is simple yet captivating. Users are prompted, at least once a day, through random notifications, to take a photo of their daily life and post it on the platform. The application then utilizes AI to transform the image entirely, creating an entirely new context. By default, the automatic mode selects a new landscape and a charismatic character in a futuristic style, turning your portrait into a scene straight out of a Marvel franchise. If the result doesn’t satisfy you, you can customize the prompt. Similar to Midjourney, you only need to describe the desired outcome in one or two sentences, allowing the AI to interpret your request. Our initial tests have demonstrated highly realistic results in under ten seconds.

Sharing the Surreal

After editing the photograph, it’s time to share it. By default, the image remains within your close circle of friends, but you also have the option to share it with the entire BeFake user community. The application enables users to view their friends’ BeFake creations or discover those of other users. A brief scroll through the discovery section of the application transports you to a parallel world populated with 2D avatars reminiscent of a metaverse. As with BeReal, you can comment on a photo or react with emojis. The modified or automatically generated prompt is also visible to all users.

Resource-Intensive AI Generation

Generating images using artificial intelligence requires significant hardware resources. Like most AI image generation services, BeFake requires users to make payments after a certain number of images have been transformed. A default credit is granted when an account is created, allowing for the generation of several dozen images for free. The application explains, “Generating your BeFake requires heavy calculations performed by high-end and expensive processors. We absorb as many costs as possible so you can continue having fun with your friends on BeFake.” BeFake offers three subscription options: $9.99 per month, $99.9 per year, and $2.99 per week. Users also receive a daily 20-minute free window for editing an image with AI after receiving the daily push notification.

The Power of Stable Diffusion AI and BeFake

The founders of BeFake have shared insights into their technology with TechCrunch. The company’s AI engine is based on the Stable Diffusion AI model with a custom denoising system. This remote team of about a dozen employees is backed by a substantial $3 million investment, primarily from the American fund Khosla Ventures. Alias Technologies is counting on its AI technologies to attract a large user community in the coming months.

Like tech giants (GAFAM), the startup aims to develop its recommendation algorithm extensively to capture more users. Kristen Garcia Dumont, CEO, expressed her excitement during the application’s launch in August, stating, “I am genuinely passionate about the idea of breaking down the barriers that limit human connection. I believe we can use AI to democratize access to social media and alleviate the stress, pressure, and vulnerability that many feel when posting content.” BeFake is available on both iOS and Android platforms and, as of September 19th, has accumulated more than 10,000 downloads on the Play Store.

Linking to Ecological Considerations and BeFake AI

While BeFake’s primary focus lies in the realm of AI-driven virtual transformations, it is essential to consider the ecological implications of such technology. The heavy computational requirements for AI image generation can translate into increased energy consumption, contributing to the carbon footprint of data centers and the internet as a whole. As AI technologies continue to advance and become more integrated into our daily lives, it becomes crucial to prioritize energy-efficient solutions and sustainable practices in AI development.

Furthermore, BeFake’s impact on user behavior and the digital landscape should not be overlooked from an ecological perspective. The potential surge in image sharing and virtual interactions may lead to increased data storage and transmission, further straining the energy demands of data centers and networks. It is imperative for both AI developers and users to be mindful of the environmental consequences of their digital activities and to adopt eco-friendly practices wherever possible.

In conclusion, BeFake’s AI-powered virtual transformation offers a captivating glimpse into the future of social media. However, it is essential to consider the ecological aspects of such advancements and work towards sustainable AI development and usage in a world increasingly reliant on artificial intelligence.