AI Sharp introduces AI-powered TV with interactive virtual companion

Sharp Corporation is hoping customers will start talking to their televisions, or more specifically, to a generative AI companion service built into its latest TV models. A user telling the system, "I've been tired lately, so go easy on me," receives a gentle reply from an on-screen AI character suggesting they not overdo things and perhaps begin by relaxing with a warm drink. The company launched its "AQUOS AI" service to mark the 25th anniversary of the Aquos flat-screen TV series. The feature is available on models released on 23 May. Sharp said the move was aimed at creating new demand in the television market, which has become increasingly competitive and saturated.


The AI model is based on technology originally developed by OpenAI. However, Sharp said it had further trained the system using proprietary data to make conversations feel more like exchanges between family members. User conversations will also be stored on servers. According to the company, that data will help the AI adapt over time and provide more personalised responses in everyday situations.

For example, if a child's birthday comes up in a conversation, the AI character will celebrate it on the day. If a user says they "feel like laughing," it suggests recommendations from scheduled broadcasts, recorded programs and video streaming services. The conversation feature is free for up to 50 interactions per month. Paid plans are also available at 495 yen ($3), including tax, for 400 interactions and 1,980 yen for 1,600 interactions.

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I'm confident this won't work. I mean I'm sure it will become a normal kind of feature but I bet it won't help Sharp's fortunes. Maybe if it was fully integrated into the house and able to perform the same functions as Alexa or Google, it could have some utility. But I'd still bet against Sharp's success in this.