avatar

In Hindu mythology, the descent of a deity to earth in a visible form, for example the ten avatars of Vishnu.

avatar

Computer-generated character that represents a human in on-screen interaction. In the mid-1990s, avatars were primarily used in computer games, but because they take up much less memory or bandwidth than full video and can be programmed to respond to user input, they are now used in situations such as public information booths and even as automated receptionists.

In 1999, 3D avatars of ‘virtual newsreaders’ were created. The Press Association's Ananova was not based on any one person, but did strongly resemble pop singer Kylie Minogue. Channel 5's Vandrea, however, was based on the channel's real-life newsreader Andrea Catherwood.