Vizrt shows how live video can be produced anywhere, without complex studio setups
Updated
April 20, 2026 1:40 PM
A camera filming a still life on a table. PHOTO: UNSPLASH
Vizrt, a media technology company, has introduced a new AI-powered tool to simplify the creation of virtual scenes in live production. Its latest release, the AI Keyer, is built around a simple idea: remove the need for green screens and make virtual production possible in almost any environment.
Traditionally, creating virtual backgrounds or augmented reality (AR) scenes requires controlled studio setups, green screens, precise lighting and skilled operators. That makes high-end visual production expensive and difficult to scale, especially for smaller teams or live, on-the-ground reporting.
The AI Keyer is designed to address that gap. It uses AI trained on real-world footage to identify people in a frame and separate them from the background in real time. This allows production teams to replace backgrounds, insert AR graphics or place presenters into virtual environments—whether they are indoors, outdoors or on location.
"Creating XR environments typically demands large infrastructure investments and requires specialized skills for daily operations. The Vizrt AI Keyer removes all these constraints, so high-quality virtual scenes and AR graphics become a reality for live productions of every size", says Edouard Griveaud, Senior Product Manager at Vizrt.
In practical terms, this means a presenter can appear in a different location without moving, a remote speaker can be placed inside a virtual event space or branded graphics can be added to live interviews without a complex setup. The system works without chroma keying, reducing both preparation time and production overhead.
This shift also reflects how the company is approaching AI more broadly. Instead of treating it as a background feature, Vizrt is positioning AI as a core part of the content creation and delivery process.
"AI is transforming the world, and the creative industries are no exception. At Vizrt, we have been on this journey for years, embedding intelligence into our solutions, empowering storytellers and delivering real, measurable impact for our customers", says Rohit Nagarajan, CEO of Vizrt. "That is not a vision for tomorrow. That is happening today. The Vizrt AI Keyer is the latest proof point of our relentless commitment to innovation. Putting breakthrough technology in the hands of every creative, at every level, everywhere in the world".
Beyond the product itself, the direction is clear. By removing the need for green screens and complex setups, tools like the AI Keyer make it easier to produce high-quality visual content in more flexible settings. The result is a production model that is less tied to physical studios and more adaptable to real-world environments, where content can be created and adjusted in real time.
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With Phia’s AI, the new luxury is knowing what’s worth buying
Updated
February 10, 2026 12:56 PM
Phoebe Gates and Sophia Kianni, founders of Phia. PHOTO: PHIA
AI has transformed how we shop—predicting trends, powering virtual try-ons and streamlining fashion logistics. Yet some of the biggest pain points remain: endless scrolling, too many tabs and never knowing if you’ve overpaid. That’s the gap Phia aims to close.
Co-founded by Phoebe Gates, daughter of Bill Gates, and climate activist Sophia Kianni, Phia was born in a Stanford dorm room and launched in April 2025. The app, available on mobile and as a browser extension, compares prices across over 40,000 retailers and thrift platforms to show what an item really costs. Its hallmark feature, “Should I Buy This?”, instantly flags whether something is overpriced, fair or a genuine deal.
The mission is simple: make shopping smarter, fairer and more sustainable. In just five months, Phia has attracted more than 500,000 users, indexed billions of products and built over 5,000 brand partnerships. It also secured a US$8 million seed round led by Kleiner Perkins, joined by Hailey Bieber, Kris Jenner, Sara Blakely and Sheryl Sandberg—investors who bridge tech, retail and culture. “Phia is redefining how people make purchase decisions,” said Annie Case, partner at Kleiner Perkins.
Phia’s AI engine scans real-time data from more than 250 million products across its network, including Vestiaire Collective, StockX, eBay and Poshmark. Beyond comparing prices, the app helps users discover cheaper or more sustainable options by displaying pre-owned items next to new ones—helping users see the full spectrum of choices before they buy. It also evaluates how different brands perform over time, analysing how well their products hold resale value. This insight helps shoppers judge whether a purchase is likely to last in value or if opting for a second-hand version makes more sense. The result is a platform that naturally encourages circular shopping—keeping items in use longer through resale, repair or recycling—and resonates strongly with Gen Z and millennial values of sustainability and mindful spending.
By encouraging transparency and smarter choices, Phia signals a broader shift in consumer technology: one where AI doesn’t just automate decisions but empowers users to understand them. Instead of merely digitizing the act of shopping, Phia embodies data-driven accountability—using intelligent search to help consumers make informed and ethical choices in markets long clouded by complexity. Retail analysts believe this level of visibility could push brands to maintain accurate and competitive pricing. Skeptics, however, argue that Phia must evolve beyond comparison to create emotional connection and loyalty. Still, one fact stands out: algorithms are no longer just recommending what we buy—they’re rewriting how we decide.
With new funding powering GPU expansion and advanced personalization tools, Phia’s next step is to build a true AI shopping agent—one that helps people buy better, live smarter and rethink what it means to shop with purpose.