| Highlights for July 2024
Marketing and Customer Service Applications A significant focus of virtual beings in 2024 has been on customer-facing roles and brand engagement. A digital human highlighted in the “China: 2024 Third Digital Human” event interacts with customers using multilingual voice interfaces to provide product recommendations and usage guidance, enhancing retail convenience and accessibility. Nvidia’s advancements in digital human technology—powered by accelerated computing and AI—have evolved virtual characters beyond static visuals into interactive agents capable of serving in areas such as customer service, gaming, and telepresence. In Pakistan, chatbots have transitioned from simple rule-based systems to intelligent AI companions capable of handling complex customer interactions, reflecting broader regional engagement with synthetic agents. Additionally, a post on human and virtual Instagram influencers reported that AI-powered characters can be configured in appearance, voice, and behavior using basic configuration files and are compatible with leading AI models, illustrating growing personalization in marketing through virtual beings. Entertainment and Creative Industries The entertainment sector is increasingly adopting virtual beings as performers and creators. Akool, an AI platform specializing in face-swapping and video editing tools, was instrumental in producing an award-winning virtual athlete, demonstrating how synthetic character technologies can generate engaging content in sports media. Another case is Suvi, a virtual artist preparing to debut with a dance single titled “Suncream,” showcasing how digital humans with realistic appearances and AI-driven interactivity are now being positioned as independent entertainment figures. STUDIO JINGO, a Japanese creator known for 3D avatar models, continues to contribute significantly to the virtual being ecosystem in Japan’s online creative economy, emphasizing the regional diversity in avatar development and deployment. Enterprise and Technological Innovation 2077.ai, based in Shenzhen, is expanding its presence in virtual beings through strategic development led by its Director, Andy. The company is likely exploring applications that combine strategic AI deployment with virtual human interfaces. Meanwhile, KT in South Korea has brought in Shin Dong-hoon to advance its generative AI and large language model (LLM) initiatives, indicating the integration of foundational AI technologies with digital human applications at an enterprise level. These developments highlight the institutional commitment to enhancing virtual being functionality within larger AI ecosystems. Cultural and Identity Contexts The VTubing industry has become a focal point for discussions on neoliberal identity politics. The ability of VTubers to express unique and non-normative identities is celebrated, but the emphasis on personal branding and individuality aligns with broader neoliberal ideologies. This reflects a cultural tension between the liberatory potential of avatars for identity experimentation and the market-driven frameworks in which they operate. |
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