Selfie-Sprucing Software

Selfie-obsessed people growing weary of the usual Instagram photo filters can now look forward to something far more advanced, what with the development of the MIT selfie algorithm. Researchers at MIT developed an algorithm that takes selfie manipulation to the next level, allowing distinctive studio-style photography looks to be layered on top of your self-portrait.

Existing approaches to filtering selfies and other photos use techniques collectively known as 'global style-transfer.' This involves adjusting things like color temperature and contrast to make photos look different. However, the MIT researchers noticed that these techniques aren't as affective when applied to selfies and close-up shots of faces.

The researchers set about developing a new method dubbed 'local transfer'. They used facial recognition software to find common features between subjects' faces and the face in an example photograph that they wanted to replicate.

Despite complications, this MIT selfie technology looks a lot better than existing image filters, making the selfies look like professionally lit shots.