While Gatebox launched with a handful of characters, users can download additional content on the Gatebox Aapp Market, a digital app store for the device. Among the applications available to Gatebox owners are programs like HoloModels, a digital figurine service developed by Gugenka, a company known in Japan for virtual reality development. Other companies partnered with Gatebox are Japanese companies Pyramid and Amazing which have supported the Gatebox with games that will take advantage of its unique platform.

On the technical side, Gatebox works like a lot of smart home appliances. Based on Engadget’s analysis of the device, it can activate devices like lights based on your movement. It can do this by connecting to non-Wi-Fi enabled smart devices through infrared sensors. Users are able to interact with their virtual assistants through text chat or via a button on the device. The assistant itself is constructed by two projectors, each displaying a flat, two-dimensional image. Through these, it can play videos by connecting it to another device.

A Western Spin on a Japanese Virtual Assistant

Keyshare Innovation Group has designed its own version of the Gatebox for a market that’s less interested in anime. Instead of Hikari, Gatebox’s blue-haired anime girl home assistant, purchasers of Keystone’s model will have an option between a simple man or woman avatar. The device will be receiving additional technological changes, too. Keyshare has aimed for a smaller, more compact product that will likely sell under the GTBX-100’s nearly $1,400 price point. This model uses tablets instead of projection tubes to produce their characters.

Because Keyshare’s AI assistant isn’t in association with the original in any way, aside from its concept, it doesn’t feature a digital app store like it’s Japanese cousin. The absence of the store might make it look less enticing, as it’ll lead to a less customizable experience overall. The technology might not be there yet, but it would be nice to be able to customize your AI assistant if you found the choices provided to be a bit bland. Still, a cheaper price might make it competitive, and the current alternatives that are available in the western market don’t have hologram support. Hopefully, in the future, people will be able to hang out with a digital Kylo Ren or Spider-Man.

Next: Microsoft Accused Of Leaking Private, Embarrassing Cortana Assistant Voice Recordings

Source: Engadget