RICHMOND, Texas (AP) – Texas attorney Rod Ponton’s appearance as a fluffy kitten during an online audience it provided a moment of levity for a pandemic world and tired by Zoom.
But this lovely, specific filter can be hard to find for anyone who wants to replicate the viral moment.
Ponton told the Associated Press that he was using his assistant’s 10-year-old Dell desktop computer when he connected to a routine civil confiscation hearing on Tuesday in Presidio County, Texas, where he serves as a prosecutor.
Ponton said his appearance looked normal on the webcam while he was waiting to be admitted to Zoom’s hearing in Judge Roy Ferguson’s court. But when the hearing started, much to his shock and dismay, he was a cat.
“I think everyone saw the video now and heard me trying while I struggled to try to get rid of it,” he said.
Ponton said he is still trying to unravel the mystery, but believes the computer software and the assistant’s young son are the most likely culprits.
Dell Technologies, Texas, says the old desktop probably needed a software update.
“Sir. Ponton was probably running an outdated driver that may have kept him in limbo for the cat filter a little too long,” said Glen Robson, chief technology officer at Dell’s customer solutions group. “While we technicians, we were probably stoked to see that video, I’m sure cat lovers everywhere were celebrating. ”
Video filters and virtual funds exploded in popularity as many of the world’s activities were transferred to the Internet during the pandemic. A commonly used program is Snap Camera, which allows users to download all types of filters, including one that makes a person look like a potato (like a woman famous did early in the pandemic).
Zoom separately offers its own filters through its application, although none is as realistic as Ponton’s cat lawyer.
Mishaps in online courts occurred during the pandemic, as the legal community adjusts to remote lawsuits. A case from Georgia last year he was interrupted by the music on hold, background noise and the neglected mute button. And in Florida, a judge told lawyers that they should get out of bed and put on clothes before appearing in the video for the process.
Ferguson, the judge who oversaw Tuesday’s hearing and posted the video online, told the Associated Press that he had no idea the clip would become an instant hit.
“My phone started to melt in about two minutes and I realized it was going to take on a life of its own,” said Ferguson.
In one of the most hilarious moments, Ponton says to the judge: “I’m ready to move on” with the audience, despite his feline appearance. Ferguson said that everyone involved is committed to maintaining the dignity of the court, despite the absurdity of the situation.
Ponton was in a good mood with his new notoriety, telling the AP: “I am happy to make the world laugh because I think we needed this in the past few months.”
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Bleed reported from Little Rock, Arkansas.