You've got questions, we've got answers!
How does it work?
What is an Eternaview?
Eternaview.com is a technology platform that allows you to record an Eternaview, or interview, of yourself and invite others to view the recording. Unlike a traditional video recording, however, the viewer can interact with the Eternaview multiple ways.
The first way – and this is the real magic – the viewer can just ask a question like they would in a normal conversation. Alternatively, if the viewer prefers, they can also type in their question. Then, our natural language platform, through AI, retrieves the best answers from the recorded interview. The viewer also has the option to just click among a list of questions that the creator can respond to.
Is the interaction with a real human or is it some sort of avatar or deepfake?
An Eternaview is not an avatar or deepfake. The responses given to a viewer are the actual recordings made by a human. We utilize AI to enable this interactivity, but it is intended to remain a very human experience. If no relevant response has been recorded, such will be indicated to the viewer.
Why do I need Eternaview for creating an interview versus other options?
We believe the ability for the viewer to ask a question using natural language creates a much more personalized experience for the viewer than they might achieve through traditional viewing of a video. The ability to see an index of all questions addressed in an Eternaview also gives the viewer the ability to know all questions that were addressed in a recording; this permits them to quickly get the answer they want, whether by asking the question or clicking on it in the index.
We believe that Eternaview’s curated list of questions also facilitates great interviews and that the user interface provides for easy recording and storage of a video interview and for inviting others to interact with it.
Can I see the interview questions before I subscribe?
Yes, you can preview them from the Create page. Not all modules and questions will apply to you, and you are welcome to skip whatever you like.
What if the questions that are asked during the creation of my Eternaview don’t match exactly what I want to talk about?
You can skip any individual question or even whole module that isn’t relevant to your life or which you might just not want to answer.
What will happen to my Eternaview as technology, including AI and natural language processing, evolve?
We believe that the interactions viewers have with your Eternaview will improve over time as the AI improves and as we continue training our database.
Devices and Hardware
What devices can I use for creating or interacting with an Eternaview? - iPhone, Android Phones, PC (Desktop/Laptop), and Tablet?
Except for some very old hardware or versions of software, the product should work with most major browsers (e.g. Chrome, Safari, etc.) and virtually all:
- Personal computers (desktop and laptop) running windows or macOS (Apple)
- Mobile phones running Android or iOS (Apple)
- iPADs
We continue to test on other devices such as Android tablets, Surfaces, and Chromebooks.
Does my device have a camera?
Virtually all smart phones, tablets, and laptop computers would have a built-in camera/webcam. A desktop computer may or may not have a webcam, depending on whether you purchased an external one.
What do I need to record sound for my Eternaview?
You can use the:
- Built-in microphone on your webcam or phone; or
- Headphones with a built-in microphone; or
- External microphone.
You can test your microphone with a practice Eternaview. Built-in microphones on webcams may not capture the highest sound quality.
If I record an Eternaview on one type of device, can I and other people watch the recording from a different type of device?
Yes. Because we are using a web-based platform, an Eternaview can be recorded, edited, or watched from any of the devices we mentioned above.
Do I have to download any software?
Nope – the Eternaview platform is all web-based. You just need a stable internet connection.
Why can’t I get the site to recognize my external Webcam rather than the webcam that is built into my computer?
Go to your “Device Manager”. Expand the “camera” section. If it shows both the external webcam and the webcam built-into your computer, select the webcam built-into your computer and click on the “Action” tab at top. Then click “disable”. Now please try to see if Eternaview works with your external webcam. After you are done, you may want to again “enable” your built-in webcam in the Device Manager, if you would like it to be recognized by other applications.
Recording and Editing
Before I do a video Eternaview, how do I know what the quality of the video and sound will be?
You can complete a quick Practice Eternaview and then Interact with it for a few minutes. That will give you a sense of the quality of the video and sound, and whether you need to adjust the position of your camera, lights or microphone. It’s a good idea to interact with it on a computer monitor so you get a sense of the video quality on a large screen (as opposed to a smaller phone screen).
Where is my Eternaview stored?
We store your Eternaview on AWS (Amazon Web Services). We also provide you the ability to download your Eternaview on your local drive [the AI-enabled interactivity will not work in that locally-stored version, but at least you will have an individual video copy of each of your answers for safe-keeping and which you should be able to play like any traditional video].
I am not technologically adept. Is this going to be too hard?
We think you will find the process pretty simple and intuitive. Our system should automatically detect if everything is working properly with your camera, webcam and microphone and let you know if you have to “allow” access for our application. You will also be able to give the process a Practice run before committing to a purchase. Just go to the “Home” or “Create” page from the main menu, and click the “Practice” button.
If you do have problems, though, with your equipment after subscribing, please just let us know and in most cases we should be able to refund your purchase.
If needed, a tech savvy family member or friend can also help by running the controls. If using a mobile phone or most tablets, that tech savvy helper could also read the question and film you for each answer using the rear-facing camera.
Can I use either the front or rear camera on my phone or tablet?
In most cases, either should work. Similarly, if you have a helper recording you from a webcam on a PC, if it’s an external webcam the helper can turn the webcam towards you while they focus on the PC’s screen.
Should mobile phones and tablets be positioned vertically (portrait mode) or horizontally (landscape mode)?
Either can work. You can do a practice Eternaview first to see which way is easier for you to record in and which seems to better frame you in your setting. Portrait may be a little easier in terms of keeping your recording finger out of the shot.
Sometimes it can be helpful to have a holder or tripod for the phone, or a family member or friend that can record you.
How do I position myself for the interview? Can I record myself doing activities?
One approach is to sit fairly still like you might in a typical interview or conversation, keep the camera steady, maintain the same background, and stay a constant distance from the camera throughout creation of the Eternaview. That said, it’s also perfectly fine to have fun with it and move the camera around in order to conduct the interview across a range of locations. For instance, questions such as “Can you play piano?” and “What do you like to cook?” and “Do you know how to dance?” may be a great opportunity to record your skills. Then, when a viewer asks a similar question, the video of you performing the activity will play back.
Is there any limit to how long I can record myself?
We don’t set out specific limits for your individual recorded answers, but we note that there will be limitations on what your browser and device can store (your answer is stored in your browser until you review and submit it). We would generally recommend you keep your answers to 2 minutes or less for both these technical reasons and so you don’t lose your audience when they come and interact with your recordings. For these same reasons, in no case should you record an answer longer than five minutes.
The cumulative length of all your answers cannot exceed the plan maximum of six hours, but we think that will provide far more than enough time for virtually all users. In the off-chance that it appears you may approach the maximum while recording, you will be given notice so that you can adjust your pacing.
What should I wear?
It’s up to you – whatever you are comfortable in, captures your personality, and reflects how you want to be remembered for posterity. We would recommend, though, that you not wear stripes, polka dots, or certain other patterns, as they can create some visual distortions.
What else should I do to achieve optimal picture quality while creating my Eternaview?
If you would like additional hints, please see our blog titled “How to Optimize Your Video Recording.”
Can I edit a recording after creating it?
Yes, you can re-record your answer to a question immediately, can go back to it later during the same recording session, or go back and re-record it at a later date.
Is there any limit to the number of edits that I can do?
When you initially record each answer, there is no practical limit to the number of times you can re-record each answer before submitting it (at which point it’s uploaded to the cloud). As laid out in the plans, you will be permitted a finite number of edits (although still many) annually whereby you can re-record earlier answers or answer for the first time questions you initially skipped. Each time your subscription renews, you will receive a fresh allotment of edit allowances. You can also renew your subscription early if you need them immediately.
How long will it likely take me to record an Eternaview?
That depends on the type you are creating, whether you are a person of few or many words, and what modules and questions are relevant to you. Even if you answer the vast majority of the questions, it can be done in a few sittings over a day or two.
Will I be able to take a break while recording?
You can take a break any time. All of your recording up to that spot will be saved and you can return later right to where you left off (as long as your subscription is still current – i.e. that you didn’t take a break for a year). You may want to create your Eternaview over multiple sittings – this is everything about you – and we think it’s worth the investment of your time!
How do I resume creating my Eternaview after I take a break?
Just log in, go to My Eternaviews (in either the My Collections or Profile tab) and click on the in-progress Eternaview to resume.
If I skip a question or a whole module, will I get a chance to answer them later?
Yes, you will be given another chance once you get through all the modules and questions. You will also be able to go back at a later date. Please note that a subscription includes a certain number of edits, but it’s plenty for most people and you will also be granted additional allowances every year.
Can I delete an Eternaview that I create?
In most cases, an Eternaview will cease to function or be visible to viewers if you let your subscription lapse. If you want the Eternaview permanently deleted (either before or after a subscription lapses), please email support@eternaview.com and request that you want it permanently deleted.
Can I record someone else alongside me (e.g. a spouse, other family member, or friend?)
Yes, but recognize that there are limits to what the technology can handle. For instance, the viewer cannot just talk specifically to one of multiple creators on the same Eternaview; if a couple creates an Eternaview together and then a viewer asks a question specifically to one of the two creators, the AI will not be able to play just that creator’s answer and leave the other creators’ answer out.
Invites/ Interaction/ Viewing
Will everyone be able to see the Eternaview I create?
You have the option to mark your Eternaview “public” in order for it to be visible on eternaview.com for anyone to see it, but we believe most viewers will mark it “private” and intend for it to only be seen by family and friends they invite or share a link with in order to view it. You can also change between the “public” and “private” options at any time. Please note that we are still testing the “public”/”private” feature, and even if you select “public” we may choose that it remain “private” (based on video quality, content, space on the site, or a range of other reasons).
If I chose the “private” option, can my family and friends still see it?
Yes, when choosing the “private” option you can send invites or share links right after you create the Eternaview and/or at a later date.
Which Eternaviews can I watch?
You can, of course, watch all public ones. If you have a family member or friend who created an Eternaview (public or private), they may have sent you an invitation via email (from noreply@eternaview.com) or they may have shared a link with you directly via email or text message.
Can a creator restrict who an email invitation or shared link will work with?
Not currently – they would work for whoever they are forwarded to. However, in the future we plan to allow the creator to set permissions so that they would only work for people on their invite/restricted list.
Is there any charge for interacting with an Eternaview?
There is no charge to a viewer for interacting with an Eternaview. Rather, the costs are covered by the creator’s annual subscription (which permits thousands of queries to be asked of their Eternaview per year).
How come I don't see a microphone icon to click on in order to ask a question?
Depending on the device, please check that you have a working microphone plugged in and that you have allowed the site to access your microphone.
How does a viewer know what questions I can ask?
When viewing the video, you can click on the “Topics” button to see the questions that were asked and answered. You can also just ask whatever you want and see what type of response you get… that’s definitely more fun!
Should I say the person’s name (e.g. “Mary”) or relationship to me (e.g. “Grandma”) when asking a question?
No. The AI works better if you do not.
Can a creator see who has viewed their Eternaview?
For viewers that were logged in while viewing the Eternaview (which may be required in order to view certain Eternaviews), it will depend on how the viewer sets their privacy settings. For viewers that were not logged in, the answer should generally be no. Note that some of this functionality is still being tested, and we cannot guarantee anonymity at the current time.
Will the creator of an Eternaview know what viewers asked that Eternaview?
For privacy of the viewer, the specific questions that any viewer asked will not be ascribed to that viewer. There may, in certain circumstances in the future, be anonymous consolidated questions shown from a whole group of viewers.
Can Practice Eternaviews be shared?
No (although, of course, you could have a family member or friend sit by your side while you interact with your Practice Eternaview). We do not enable sharing of Practice Eternaviews because they are just designed to allow the creator to practice recording and interaction, make sure their equipment is working properly, etc. Because a Practice Eternaview involves a small number of recorded answers, it is not intended for viewers to ask wide-ranging questions.
Plan and Account Options
Do I have to pay to create an Eternaview?
In order to see how Eternaview works, you can do a free Practice recording of yourself answering a handful of sample questions and then interact with them yourself. However, it does require a purchase in order to create a full-length interview.
Do the people whom I want to view/interact with my Eternaview have to also pay?
No.
The cost varies by Eternaview and the list of plans can be seen by clicking on “Pricing” in the footer section of the website.
The cost varies by Eternaview and the list of plans can be seen by clicking on “Pricing” in the footer section of the website.
Why is there an upfront charge?
The one-time upfront charge is designed to cover various costs including – mainly with respect to video – the upfront processing that will enhance the quality of the experience when viewers later come to interact with your Eternaview. We optimize your Eternaview for multiple variables, including that it should work well on most types of device/screens and varying internet speeds.
Why is there an ongoing subscription cost?
We have significant ongoing costs relating to, among other things, storage, streaming, and AI-related costs. The usage allowances under any plan, which relate to # of edits that a creator can make and # of questions viewers can ask an Eternaview, will reset every year with the annual subscription (usage allowances can also be reset by renewing early).
We also know that creators will often want their Eternaviews to be accessible for a very long time – sometimes forever. We believe that charging an ongoing subscription payment helps to provide us the necessary resources that might need to be available to maintain your Eternaview longer term. In addition, in the future we will likely want to add additional bells and whistles in terms of how viewers can interact with your Eternaview, but we wouldn’t necessarily be able to offer those future options without an ongoing subscription cost.
Who will pay for the subscription if I pass away?
If you pass away, your subscription can be renewed indefinitely by:
- A Designated Potential Trustee (you will be prompted to provide one after you create your Eternaview), or
- Anyone you add to your invite list, or
- Immediate or extended family members/descendants.
Keep in mind that there is no charge for creators to download their Eternaview onto local devices. Downloads will not be AI-enabled for interactivity but can be played back like any other video.
How many Eternaviews can be created per upfront payment/subscription?
Each Eternaview – meaning essentially one interview where you answer any or all of the couple hundred template questions we provide – requires its own upfront payment and subscription.
Additional Information
What is appropriate to include in an Eternaview?
You, the creator, need to give an accurate account of your feelings and life. But we would recommend that you’re mindful to not be overly negative or vent needlessly. Your Eternaview is also probably not the place for negative bombshells, particularly as it’s always possible that someone you don’t intend to see your video does in fact eventually see it. It’s ultimately up to you, though, as to what you include..
That said, Eternaview does not permit creators to engage in the following in their recordings:
- Bullying;
- Violence;
- Nudity or sexual acts;
- Hate speech or derogatory language based on race, gender identity or orientation, or religion;
- Any action that may violate laws governing Eternaview’s or the user’s actions.
Eternaview may further restrict or require changes to any recording for whatever reason it sees fit. Eternaview may also waive restrictions for educational, documentary, scientific, artistic reasons, where it may be in the public interest to do so, or in other cases where, in its sole discretion it sees fit to do so.
What happens to my Eternaview if you go out of business?
While it is our goal to be around for the long-term, we take our responsibility to you very seriously and have to acknowledge that neither our nor virtually any business can assure how long they will be around. Included with your subscription, we also provide you the ability to download your Eternaview on your local drive [the AI-enabled interactivity will not work in that locally-stored version, but at least you will have an individual video copy of each of your answers for safe-keeping and which you should be able to play like any traditional video]. Were our company ever to be acquired, we would also hope to work with any acquirer towards a seamless transition for the continued storage and/or usage of your Eternaview.
Where can I get additional information?
You may contact Support through the website or email to support@eternaview.com. We will do our best to answer any inquiries in a timely way. You can also check out our Blog and demos for additional tips and answers.