The present invention provides a method and
system for reliable and accurate presence / status management and identity detection in
Instant Messaging (IM) applications by using video, still image, and / or audio information. In one embodiment, a device such as a camera captures still image, video, and / or audio data.
Relevant information is then extracted from the captured data and analyzed. Known techniques such as face recognition, face tracking, and
motion detection, can be sued for extracting and analyzing data. This information is then interpreted for the IM application, and provided to an Application Programs Interface (API) for the IM application. The API can use the information for various purposes, including updating the status of the user (e.g., available, busy, on the phone, away from
desk, etc.) and updating the identity of the user.