Gizmoz has a pretty interesting technology that trumps SitePal for the creation of Avatars according TechCrunch.  I tried to embed Gizmoz's new video format here but could not display it.

"…Users start by uploading a picture of themselves or their pet. Gizmoz turns the picture into a 3D model (see image to right), and the avatar can then be customized with a body, clothes, effects (scars, tattoos, etc.) and backgrounds. You then record a message and sound effects, and your avatar is created. The end result has a moving mouth and facial expressions while you talk, and the effect is quite stunning. Eyal calls it “bringing Pixar to the people.”

Here are a couple of videos they made with my picture - see here and here. I’d embed these but they auto-play and people would not be happy. Also, sorry for the lame audio, this was done in the hallway at Web 2.0 while I was surrounded by the Fox team. But I want to show what Gizmoz can do based on a couple of minutes of setup."

However, I was able to capture a YouTube video of LonelyGirl15 recreated using Gizmoz's technology a couple of months ago which is impressive - considering pretty soon you'll be able to do the same thing with any photo you upload - not just the stock images currently available.

I compared the Blog Citations between Gizmoz and SitePal and came up with this chart (see below).

One thing I'm aware of  - the disruptive nature of new products in the digital marketplace.  I can imagine next year one of the more common things will become uploading your favorite pictures to Gizmoz and getting personal 3D Avatars made that you embed on your site or send to friends.