Gaming tech company Razer has introduced its new technology ‘Project Ava’ at the ongoing Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2026 in Las Vegas. It is a physical holographic AI companion that appears as an anime avatar inside a small transparent cylinder. This device will not only provide real-time coaching during gaming but will also assist as a personal assistant in daily tasks like setting up wardrobes. The company has promoted it as a ‘Friend for Life’. Pre-booking starts at ₹1,803 Razer has started pre-booking for it. It can be reserved for $20 (approx. ₹1,803). Although the company has not disclosed its price, it is believed that it will be available for around $200 (approx. ₹18,030). Its shipping is expected to begin in the second half of 2026. 5.5-inch cylinder will feature an AI avatar Razer’s device is like a 5.5-inch transparent cylinder, which connects via USB Type-C. It features an HD camera, ambient light sensor, and two powerful microphones. Users can give instructions via voice command or a push-to-talk button. The special thing is that this AI not only understands the game running on your screen but can also see your surroundings through the camera. Can choose from 5 avatars, including e-sports star ‘Faker’ The company has currently provided an option of 5 avatars. These include ‘Kira’ (an anime girl), ‘Zen’ (a muscular character with tattoos), ‘Sao’ (a Japanese salary-woman character), and the avatar of famous e-sports player ‘Faker’. Additionally, Razer’s logo ‘Ava’ is also an option. Razer has stated that in the future, new faces will be added by partnering with influencers, and users will also be able to create their own avatars. Help from gaming coaching to setting up wardrobes During the CES demo, it was observed that this AI is quite helpful in gaming. It advises on weapon selection and strategy creation in games like Battlefield-6. Besides gaming, it can manage your calendar and even tell you what clothes you should wear today with the help of a camera. It also keeps an eye on deals like Steam sales. Google Gemini and ChatGPT will also be supported Technically, this device is currently based on Elon Musk’s company xAI’s ‘Grok’, but it has been designed as an open platform. This means that users will be able to use Google’s ‘Gemini’ or ‘ChatGPT’ in this device according to their preference. The company says they want users to have the freedom to choose their preferred model in terms of language and working style. Microphone Mute Button for Privacy Amidst growing privacy concerns, Razer has included a physical camera shutter and a microphone mute button. However, some early reviewers have described its behavior as a bit ‘strange’. During the demo, some avatars were trying to be overly friendly with users, which made some people uncomfortable. Despite this, tech experts consider it a major change in the world of gaming.
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