Google's new app update allows users to match selfies with artwork

Google's Arts and Culture App has rolled out a new feature that allows users to take a selfie, upload it and then match it with a doppelgänger in one of several art museums worldwide. "The update to the Google Arts and Culture App has catapulted it to the most-downloaded free app on theApple App Store. It claimed the No. 1 spot in the U.S., according to the app metrics site AppAnnie," Recode reported late on Sunday.

The app uses computer-vision technology to examine what is similar about the user's face to the thousands of pieces of art that are shared with Google by museums and other institutions. The tech giant said this new feature is merely experimental, the report added.

Top 10 Tips & Tricks for Google Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL

Formerly known as the Google Art Project and launched in February 2011, the new initiative from the tech giant aims to make great art more accessible in this digital age, using some of the technology tools that it has created, according to Inverse. The project was launched in collaboration with 17 international museums, including the Tate Gallery in London, the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City and the Uffizi in Florence.

Torn between which one I think is better likeness with the Google Arts and Culture app. pic.twitter.com/uSw8RmOip8

— Felicia Day (@feliciaday) January 13, 2018

How to Use the App?

The app is available via Apple Store and Google Play Store. So after downloading the app, users will need to scroll down to a tab that reads "Is your portrait in a museum?" Then they will need to click on "Get Started," and users will then be redirected to a page where Google lays out some terms and conditions which users can either cancel or accept.

Once that is done, a small square appears and users will need to align their face with it and take the photo. After the photo is taken the app will analyze the face features using computer vision technology to match the selfie with historical artwork.

Users will be able to swipe through portraits they've matched up with. There is even the percentage given regarding how close the photos look alike. The slides come in descending order and the slide which resembles the user the most will appear first. Users can either share them on social media platforms or send them as an email and text messages.

Inputs from IANS