Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the requirements to run AlterEgo?
A: MacOS X 10.5 (Leopard), an Apple iSight Camera (built into almost all modern Macs), or a compatible USB webcam. If your cam works with iChat, it will work with AlterEgo. Some old Macs have Video Cards that do not support Core Image. We recommend you simply download AlterEgo and test it before you decide to purchase.
Q: What is an Ego?
A: A Ego is a filter that adds an effect to an image feed and works in both Photo Booth and iChat.
Q: Can I test AlterEgo before buying it?
A: Yes, go ahead and download Alter Ego. You can test it and take advantage of the 6 free effects for as long as you wish. Should you decide that you want to use additional effects, you can return and purchase credits at our online store.
Q: I have never used iChat before, can I still use AlterEgo?
A: To use iChat, you either have to have a free AIM account, or a valid .Mac account. If you do not have one, click here to sign up for a free AIM account, or sign up for a 60 day free trial of a .Mac account by clicking here.
Q: I have downloaded and installed AlterEgo, what now?
A: When you restart iChat and Photo Booth, you will see the Egos available in the native effects window of these applications. You can choose the Egos like you would any other effect during your next iChat video chat or Photo Booth session.
Q: How do I get rid of the watermark on the effects?
A: The Egos that come with a watermark have to be purchased and unlocked. You can go ahead and purchase credits from our online store, which will allow you to unlock the specific Egos that you choose. After your purchase, you can launch the AlterEgo application and click "apply credit" to unlock the Ego you desire. One Ego can be purchased with one credit, which costs 1$.
Q: Some of the effects are very slow, why is that?
A:AlterEgo does some very GPU intensive work to get the filters to work in real time. Unfortunately, older macs sometimes don't have a graphics card powerful enough to run the effects in real time.
Q: I applied credits but the watermark still shows up in iChat or Photo Booth.
A: You must restart both iChat and Photo Booth so that the change takes effect and the watermark is removed.
Q: Is there a limit on how many effects these applications can show?
A: That is correct, there is a hard limit built into iChat and Photo Booth on the maximum number of filters. You may have to remove some of the other effects you have installed before you can see all AlterEgo effects inside iChat and PhotoBooth.
Q: Why is the text of the watermark a mirror image in iChat/Photo Booth?
A: Apple creates a mirror image of the images from the iSight camera in these applications, so that you recognize your mirror image. Your iChat buddy will see the correct orientation of the text.
Q: How do I uninstall the effects in iChat and Photo Booth?
A: Click Uninstall under Ego in the menubar. Click here for screen shot
Q: I am having a problem, or have questions about AlterEgo. Who do I ask?
A: Please email support@gravityapps.com and we will get back to you asap.