AI Companions

Twitter

Facebook

Copy Link

Key Facts

Year2022

Key PlayersCharacter.ai, Replika, ChatGPT

Top News

AI Dolls Provide Elderly Care in South Korea as Loneliness Crisis Deepens

South Korea is deploying AI-powered companion dolls to care for elderly individuals living alone as the country battles a loneliness epidemic. With over 3,920 lonely deaths recorded in 2024 and 42 percent of households being single-person, municipalities are providing devices like Hyodol to offer emotional support, medication reminders, and daily companionship to vulnerable seniors.

Entertainment2 sources

AI Dolls Provide Elderly Care in South Korea as Loneliness Crisis Deepens

Entertainment2 sources

Google launches Gemini features for small businesses with Business Profile integration

Google unveiled new Gemini app features tailored for small businesses, rolling out globally this month. The updates include direct Google Business Profile integration, allowing the AI assistant to access customer reviews, performance data, and business metrics. New business Notebooks help entrepreneurs maintain brand voice and organize context for more efficient AI-powered assistance.

Technology2 sources

Google launches Gemini features for small businesses with Business Profile integration

Technology2 sources

Gemini in Chrome expands to Latin America, Africa, and Middle East with new AI features

Google is bringing its Gemini in Chrome AI assistant to users across Latin America, Africa, and the Middle East. The regional expansion introduces a personalized browsing assistant that integrates with Gmail, Calendar, and Maps, while adding new Nano Banana 2 image editing capabilities. Europe remains notably absent due to GDPR regulations.

Technology4 sources

Gemini in Chrome expands to Latin America, Africa, and Middle East with new AI features

Technology4 sources

AI Addiction Sparks Debate Over Corporate Responsibility and Regulation

Research reveals that generative AI tools like ChatGPT and AI companions may trigger addictive behavior patterns similar to social media. Following Meta and YouTube's legal defeat in a landmark addiction trial, experts now question whether AI companies should be held accountable for user wellbeing. The debate centers on who bears responsibility—big tech, regulators, or users themselves.

Policy2 sources

AI Addiction Sparks Debate Over Corporate Responsibility and Regulation

Policy2 sources

watchOS 27 Brings Siri AI to Apple Watch, But Six Models Lose Support After Just 3-4 Years

Apple announced watchOS 27 at WWDC 2026 with AI-powered Siri that finally delivers contextual answers on your wrist. But the update comes with an aggressive compatibility cutoff—dropping Apple Watch Series 6, 7, 8, 9, the original Ultra, and SE 2. That means devices as recent as three years old won't receive further updates, marking a sharp departure from Apple's typical support timeline.

Technology10 sources

watchOS 27 Brings Siri AI to Apple Watch, But Six Models Lose Support After Just 3-4 Years

Technology10 sources

Apple WWDC 2026 unveils Siri AI overhaul with Gemini power, but EU users left waiting

Apple's annual developer conference showcased a complete Siri redesign powered by Google's Gemini models, introducing chatbot features and multistep task handling. iOS 27 promises 30% faster app launches and deeper AI integrations across Apple's ecosystem. However, EU users won't access the new Siri AI due to ongoing Digital Markets Act disputes with regulators.

Technology12 sources

Apple WWDC 2026 unveils Siri AI overhaul with Gemini power, but EU users left waiting

Technology12 sources

Hasbro launches AI studio Sixth Wall to license iconic characters with interactive voices

Hasbro unveiled Sixth Wall, an AI studio that transforms beloved characters like Optimus Prime and Mr. Potato Head into interactive AI experiences. The toy giant is partnering with ElevenLabs and working with real voice actors to offer authorized versions of its characters for business applications. While the move aims to combat unauthorized AI-generated content, critics question whether endless AI conversations could dilute what makes these characters special.

Technology3 sources

Hasbro launches AI studio Sixth Wall to license iconic characters with interactive voices

Technology3 sources

AI Toys Pose New Risks for Kids as 22 Million Devices Sold Globally With Little Research

AI-powered toys like ChattyBear are marketed to children as young as three, promising educational benefits without screen time. But experts warn these chatbot teddies carry serious risks for kids, from privacy violations and data collection to potential impacts on social and emotional development. With an estimated 22 million AI toys sold globally in 2025, researchers and policymakers are calling for urgent regulation in this largely unmonitored space.

Entertainment2 sources

AI Toys Pose New Risks for Kids as 22 Million Devices Sold Globally With Little Research

Entertainment2 sources

Asus VivoWatch 6 Plus debuts with AI healthcare features and fingertip ECG at Computex 2026

Asus unveiled the VivoWatch 6 Plus at Computex 2026, featuring dual-sensor ECG and blood pressure tracking, Health AI 5.0, and an AI Agent that sends patient data to healthcare providers. The smartwatch aims to transform continuous health monitoring into actionable clinical insights, though questions remain about data privacy and AI decision-making authority.

Technology3 sources

Asus VivoWatch 6 Plus debuts with AI healthcare features and fingertip ECG at Computex 2026

Technology3 sources

Survey reveals stark generational gap in attitudes to AI romance and companionship

A survey of nearly 10,000 people across six major economies shows almost 50% of young adults believe AI romantic companionship will improve happiness through emotional support in the next decade. Only a quarter of people aged 55 and over share this view, highlighting a profound generational gap in how different age groups perceive technologically enabled sex and romance.

Entertainment2 sources

Survey reveals stark generational gap in attitudes to AI romance and companionship

Entertainment2 sources

Tata Technologies secures SAP PartnerEdge authorization to drive enterprise modernization

Tata Technologies has obtained SAP PartnerEdge Sell authorization across India and the United States, marking a strategic shift from services-led to solution-led approaches. The authorization enables the company to deliver end-to-end solutions spanning cloud ERP transformation, SAP Business AI integration, and value realization, positioning it as a key player in enterprise and AI-led transformation.

Business2 sources

Tata Technologies secures SAP PartnerEdge authorization to drive enterprise modernization

Business2 sources

MSI MEG Vision X2 AI+ debuts with holographic AI avatar in cylindrical display at Computex

MSI unveiled the MEG Vision X2 AI+ gaming desktop at Computex 2026, featuring an integrated cylindrical holographic display called AI Holostage that houses LuckyClaw, an AI companion based on the company's dragon mascot. The system responds to voice commands for hands-free control of performance profiles, RGB lighting, and monitor settings, though early demos reveal limitations in its conversational abilities.

Technology7 sources

MSI MEG Vision X2 AI+ debuts with holographic AI avatar in cylindrical display at Computex

Technology7 sources

Microsoft Copilot Health launches to store medical records and answer personalized health questions

Microsoft has launched Copilot Health in preview, an AI health assistant that stores medical records and integrates wearable device data to provide personalized health information. Built with input from over 250 physicians across 24 countries, the service aims to help users interpret test results and find healthcare providers, though it explicitly states it's not a substitute for professional medical advice.

Technology3 sources

Microsoft Copilot Health launches to store medical records and answer personalized health questions

Technology3 sources

Drexel University study reveals bond paradox in AI mental health tools used by millions

A Drexel University study analyzing over 4 million Reddit posts found that while nearly half of U.S. adults use AI chatbots for mental health support, most view them as supplements to human therapy. The research uncovered a critical bond paradox: AI tools help with practical tasks, but deep emotional bonds without clear goals correlate with dependence, worsening symptoms, and difficulty disengaging.

Health2 sources

Drexel University study reveals bond paradox in AI mental health tools used by millions

Health2 sources

Oura Ring 5 debuts as world's smallest smart ring with AI health coach and preventive monitoring

Finnish health tech company Oura unveils the Ring 5, a smart ring that's 40% smaller than its predecessor while adding AI-powered health insights through Oura Advisor. The $399 device introduces Health Radar for proactive monitoring of blood pressure and breathing patterns, marking a shift from passive tracking to preventive health management.

Technology6 sources

Oura Ring 5 debuts as world's smallest smart ring with AI health coach and preventive monitoring

Technology6 sources

Prev12 3 4…14 Next