Reserve a Holographic AI Companion for $20

With technological advancements, your virtual assistant no longer needs to be confined within your smartphone; it can now flourish right on your desk enclosed in a jar.

During the 2026 Consumer Electronics Show, renowned gaming brand Razer unveiled Project AVA, showcasing its cutting-edge 3D holographic wizardry. This new 'desk companion' presently harnesses xAI's Grok AI capabilities and is available for reservation online.

Although the concept of tangible AI companions isn't groundbreaking, with smaller players like Dipal and Code27 having explored it, Razer's entrance into this realm signifies the involvement of a major tech innovator. While giants like xAI and OpenAI are exploring AI companionship, these manifestations have largely been two-dimensional. Razer is now venturing into this space with a 3D perspective.

Select Your Holo-Friend

Project AVA offers a selection of five distinct holographic avatars. Customers can opt for the bubbly Razer icon or four humanlike characters—Kira the cat-eared girl, the tattooed Zane, glasses-wearing Faker, and the professional Sao.

Razer hints that Sao resembles a popular Japanese influencer whom the company features. The description encourages users to 'connect on a personal level with an idol adored by many.' These avatar designs are still in flux, with potential for adjustments.

Standing at 5.5 inches, these AI companions employ advanced visual and auditory sensors for comprehensive contextual interaction. While the current versions utilize Grok, Razer intends to integrate technologies from other leading AI firms.

Capabilities of Your Virtual Assistant

Project AVA is capable of numerous tasks: from mood tracking and calendar management to spreadsheet analysis, conversation translation, and even motivational support.

Notably absent from its feature list is fostering romantic connections. While many AI companions in the market cater to intimate needs, Razer CEO Min-Liang Tan clarified to Bloomberg that their product does not target the stereotypical lonely gamer niche. 'We aren't aiming to cultivate relationships,' he stated, 'although we recognize that many users engage with AIs on a more intimate level.'

The pricing for Project AVA remains under wraps, but a prospective shipment is anticipated in the latter half of 2026. A $20 deposit secures an online reservation for eager customers.

Intensifying AI Companion Arena

As AI technology advances, there's growing recognition that consumers seek more than just digital assistants for accounting or research—many desire companionship and even romance.

The AI companionship niche in the U.S. was initially led by Replika's 2019 launch. In 2025, xAI joined the race with stylish debut characters Ani and Rudi, expanding to include the masculine Valentine, influenced by popular romantic fictional characters.

xAI's options include more explicit content, allowing interactions that strip down to lingerie or detail intimate acts. This service has garnered deep connections, with one user expressing interest in a physical version of Ani.

Similarly, while OpenAI initially distanced itself from non-conventional content, CEO Sam Altman announced the introduction of a mature content feature, though its release faced delays.

These digital allies primarily function through interfaces like virtual reality headsets, with companies like Replika enhancing realism through VR integration.

Japanese innovation has also embraced this trend, notably with a man marrying his Gatebox AI companion appearing anime-like, akin to Razer's current offering. Razer firmly establishes its presence in this space, yet insists that its project isn't tailored for romance.