Microsoft Research Asia has created 'VASA-1', an AI that can produce realistic avatar videos from a single image and audio clip.

VASA-1 specializes in true-to-life facial animations, including lip-sync, expressions, and head movements, with high-resolution and frame rate capabilities.

The AI allows user customization of avatars and supports animation and lip-syncing in multiple languages.

Despite its versatility, VASA-1 struggles with animating the torso and has issues with hair, clothing, and texture fidelity.

While the technology has applications in education, accessibility, and therapy, Microsoft has withheld its release due to ethical concerns and the risk of creating deepfakes.

Legal measures like the DEFIANCE Act are being considered to combat the unauthorized use of deepfake technology.