MSQRD-- Live Filters & Face Swap for Video Selfies

iPad, Android

Teaches: creativity, art, language, cameras

CTR Rating: 96%

CTR Review

Stick your head in a magical mirror where you can try on a space helmet or some glow-in-the-dark face paint. The result is a powerful motion driven augmented reality experience. The app starts quickly, and after you give it permission to use your camera, gives you a clear clear face outline to look into. You simply line up your front camera and the effect starts automatically. In some cases the effect is triggered by a motion (hence the "live"). Open your mouth to see rays shooting out of your eyes, or make a kissing motion to smear lipstick on the screen. We counted 36 filters; all free. So what's the catch? The free app wants your permission to send you updates, and it tags itself in your social media posts. A few of the filters could be considered edgy by some, with culturally derived gender or ethnic stereotypes; but all in all our reviewers found it to be classroom friendly. If nothing else, it's an amazing conversation starter. This app was demonstrated by Gail Lovely during Dust or Magic.