Samsung

On a scale of Bixby to ten, how creepy are Samsung's new Neon avatars?

by Daniel Petrov / Jan 08, 2020, 8:45 AM

Samsung took the stage at the CES expo for a long and winded keynote that was supposed to usher in the Age of Experience, where roaming robot balls follow us and your gym session is boosted by an exoskeleton.

The weirdest thing on CES, however, and we are talking about an expo with many a funky sex toy, are the long-touted and Samsung-backed Neon AI personalities - lifesize avatars that can look as you please and you can supposedly carry a conversation with.

Samsung was in pains to explain that these are not replacements for its virtual Bixby assistant that is present on your Galaxy phone right this very moment, but something allegedly from the future that is dubbed to be an artificial human. These are coming from the Neon startup that Samsung backs via its experimental STAR Labs subsidiary (yeah, DC Comics, yeah).

We’re ready - are you? #CES2020 #NEON https://t.co/mxleTyasNG
— NEON (@neondotlife) January 5, 2020

From a girl that looks a step away from a wardrobe malfunction, to a National Park ranger, there is something for everyone's taste and mood to chat with mixed results.

We don't know if and when will these reach the consumer-centric stage, but will just post this conversation below, and leave you to decide whether the digital avatars live up to the hype on the runup to the CES expo.

Shop Related Products

Options

12 Comments

1. j_grouchy

Posts: 190; Member since: Nov 08, 2016

Oh that's painful to watch...

posted on Jan 08, 2020, 9:15 AM 9

2. LiveFaith

Posts: 519; Member since: Jul 04, 2015

For sure!

posted on Jan 08, 2020, 9:27 AM 3

3. Wazupmrg

Posts: 213; Member since: Apr 10, 2017

Implying Bixby is equal to 0 just shows how pathetically bias you are. It's not the best, but it's not the worst either. And Neon is going to really change how businesses operate. Hell, even in international airports you're seeing holographic help. I presume you're an apple user writing this, so it's natural you're freaked out over anything technologically advanced. Stay in your sandbox with your shiny toy. The rest of the world actually appreciates this tech and its implications.

posted on Jan 08, 2020, 9:49 AM 10

4. Tsepz_GP

Posts: 1226; Member since: Apr 12, 2012

He uses a Mate 30 Pro and seems to love modding, complete opposite of what you claim in your rant:https://www.phonearena.com/news/These-are-the-Phones-We-Used-and-Loved-the-Most-in-2019_id121038 But I guess you’ll take any chance to go at Apple like many around here. :’D So awks.

posted on Jan 08, 2020, 10:45 AM 2

12. TheHitman1982

Posts: 98; Member since: Dec 30, 2014

Comeon man, even as a Android fanboi, you gotta admit. Bixby is f**king terrible.

posted on Jan 09, 2020, 12:43 PM 1

5. gigicoaste

Posts: 466; Member since: Feb 21, 2016

on the scale where Bixby is best and 10 is worst. :)) Now seriously, it's clear now how much PA write against Apple competitors. bias.

posted on Jan 08, 2020, 12:13 PM 2

7. ph00ny

Posts: 2077; Member since: May 26, 2011

Seriously what's wrong Bixby. It does ton of daily tasks on the phone so well. I think i use bixby more than i use siri on iphone. Now OK google is another level for sure