Vinclu, a Japanese company, has a new product called Gatebox, which is an AI-powered holographic 'waifu' in a tube shaped container for those deep-pocketed lonely men, too busy to devote time on partners but comfortable with a virtual partner.
Gatebox is meant for people who have a fascination for anime-based characters. It is a home automation system. It acts like your partner, but a virtual one. The product is the size of a home coffee-maker where consumers will see a display of a computer-animated AI avatar in 3D format.
Like the real-life partner's the AI character, Azuma Hikari will animate and interact with her owner. She can send and receive messages when her owner is not at home. She will also be able to control smart-home appliances like lights and air conditioners.
The company's website claims that Hikari is "a comforting female character that is great to those living alone. She will always do all she can just for the owner."
Japanese actress Yuka Hiyamizu has given the voice over for Hikari's character. Gatebox promises this will be beginning of a "new, shared lifestyle" for single buy lonely men.
Pre-orders
The company is taking pre-orders in Japan and US.
Price
Gatebox is priced at ¥321,840 (about $2,700). So, buyers need to have deep pockets.
