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With its new AI-powered pocket-sized companion, Sharp is pushing technology into the realm of emotional intimacy. The Japanese electronics giant has unveiled Poketomo, a meerkat character that promises to be "a friend that makes every day more fun." Launching this November, the 12-centimeter-tall robot comes equipped with Sharp's proprietary CE-LLM AI technology, enabling personalized voice conversations that adapt to individual users over time.What sets Poketomo apart from AI chatbots is its deliberately intimate approach to artificial companionship. The device remembers conversations, visited locations and shared experiences, gradually building what Sharp describes as a deeper understanding of its human partner. Users can carry the robot in their pocket or hang it from their bag, while a companion smartphone app ensures continuity when the physical robot isn't present.The system's emotional intelligence extends to physical expressions the robot gestures during conversations and illuminates its belly with rainbow-colored lights to convey joy. This multi-modal approach to AI interaction suggests Sharp recognizes that successful AI companions need narrative context and emotional resonance to forge genuine connections with users.TREND BITESharp's Poketomo ("pocket friend") is a case study in kidult culture, emotional AI and the growing consumer desire for companionship tech. Three underlying trends:1. Kidulting and emotional companionshipThe rise of "kidult" products products for adult consumers seeking joy, nostalgia and play continues to reshape toys into lifestyle accessories.Poketomo bridges plush toy cuteness with real-time emotional AI, addressing loneliness, stress and the need for everyday micro-moments of joy.2. The next phase of AI consumer productsUnlike chatbots or disembodied apps, Poketomo gives AI a physical presence a portable companion with gestures, expressions and continuity between robot and app. People increasingly expect AI to "remember" them, share experiences and evolve. This aligns with a broader shift: from transactional AI tools relational AI companions.3. Everyday mental wellnessBy offering comfort in lonely or boring moments, Poketomo doubles as a low-key mental health support system. Consumers are normalizing small, ambient pieces of technology for self-soothing, much like Tamagotchi in the 90s, but updated with AI smarts and personalization.
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Marketing and Advertising
With a beta launch in Germany, Gore-Tex has introduced a subscription-based rental service that addresses a persistent pain point for parents: children outgrowing expensive outerwear before it wears out. The program offers premium jackets for kids aged 512, for EUR 25 per month. Parents can swap jackets every three months for a new size, style, or color, with full damage coverage included to account for everyday wear and tear.
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Marketing and Advertising
Catch up on select AI news and developments from the past week or so. Stay in the know. Read the full article at MarketingProfs
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Marketing and Advertising
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