Robo.to allows you to create 4-second, video avatars using your webcam or camera phone. Simply put, they are video status updates. It’s a basic concept, but their execution is formidable.

There are plenty of sites where you’re allowed to upload animated GIFs as your avatar, but it appears to be magic to the non-tech savvy. I would love to see this type of service integrated into larger sites as an alternative to your static self-image. Restricting the length of the video forces creativity out of people and keeps the spirit of the animated GIF. I look forward to the other products Particle creates.