Without a doubt, AI is taking over. From new Language Models popping up to AI companions, and even a global shortage of components due to the huge AI demand.
Everywhere you look, you see AI.
Now, I use an LLM myself, but I’ve kept my usage to text-based conversation. However, we’ve started to see a shift towards creating devices that give your LLM a more human touch. Things like Siri’s voice were the start of it, but now, we have visuals.
At CES, Razer’s Project Ava seemed to take much of the focus for a holographic AI companion. More than likely, thanks to Faker and his good looks. But, I’m certain there were at least 13 other AI companions on show, and one caught my eye from a company you probably wouldn’t expect.
Does anyone remember Napster? The program that gave the world free downloadable music? Essentially, the grand daddy of streaming audio and digital music. Well, they’ve got an AI companion too.
Napster View is a $99 Holographic Screen that displays one of a team of AI avatars, giving your LLMs a bit more humanity. The screen clips to the top of your monitor and is powered by a USB-C cable.
The holographic display makes the avatar seem more lifelike by adding depth to the visuals.
Of course, you will need to pair this with a paid-for Napster App, which you could technically use without the Napster View, if you don’t mind the always-on, always-floating app taking up screen real estate.
Speaking of always on, the Napster View is, well, always on. If it’s plugged in, there will be a face watching you. It won’t respond or technically see anything unless you interact first or give it permissions, but it will just be sitting there, waiting. Creepily.
According to a review of the device by TechRader, the LLMs also don’t know that you have given them an avatar, and they don’t seem to be very comprehensive AI models to work with either. However, I’m sure that will be fixed in the future, more than likely by the AI themselves.
The question, though, is this a step too far, or is the world ready for these digital people to exist with us? I’m sure many of you remember the movie Her, and I feel like we are very quickly heading in that direction.
While I’m not opposed to AI assisting me with my tasks, I’m not quite sure I’m ready for them to be as real as a remote colleague.
