University of Texas collaborates with Intel to create a Hook 'Em pocket avatar

Just in time for March Madness, a new pocket avatar featuring Hook 'Em is available for Longhorns fans.

The branded avatars, available in Intel's Pocket Avatar app, let fans send personalized messages to one another or fans of rival schools. Fans can use the avatar characters to record a personalized, 3-D video message -- in their own voice -- mirroring the users' facial gestures. The message can be sent to friends, family and rivals via text, email, social networks such as Facebook and Twitter, or the Pocket Avatars app itself.

"We are excited to partner with The University of Texas on the NCAA Mascot Pocket Avatar," said Rich Hannah, General Manager of Intel Pocket Avatars. "They recognize the innovation in the Pocket Avatars technology and are giving Longhorns fans a creative, new way to communicate their passion and enthusiasm for the school and sports programs in time for the March tournament."

Pocket Avatars is a free app available for both iOS and Android. Using a mobile device's standard camera and microphone, Pocket Avatars captures a user's facial expressions, head movements and voice and allows people to create, send and receive personalized 3-D video animated messages using avatar characters. There are more than 60 avatars in the app and new characters are introduced regularly.

Intel's partnership with Texas was brokered by IMG College, the university's multimedia rights partner.

For more information on Pocket Avatars, download the app from Apple's App Store or Google Play or visit PocketAvatars.com.

The University of Texas at Austin Athletics

University of Texas collaborates with Intel to create a Hook 'Em pocket avatar