TL;DR
Razer has moved Project Ava from software into hardware at CES 2026, presenting it as a small capsule that projects an anime-style holographic character for your desk. The company previously showed an AI game coach under the Project Ava name; details about features, pricing and availability were not provided in the source.
What happened
At CES 2026, Razer presented a new hardware take on Project Ava, which began life last year as an AI game coach software concept. The updated Project Ava is described in the source as a compact capsule designed to sit on a desk and display a tiny holographic anime girl. The story notes that similar "anime girls in pods" had already appeared at CES 2025, and that Razer’s iteration follows that trend, though the excerpt ends before explaining how Razer’s version differs. The available information focuses on the shift from a software offering to a physical device and on the visual concept — a desk-mounted holographic character — rather than on technical specifications, interaction methods, or launch timing.
Why it matters
- Marks a shift from software experimentation to physical consumer hardware for Razer’s Project Ava concept.
- Highlights an emerging trend of small holographic character devices appearing at tech trade shows.
- Raises questions about how AI-driven companions might be packaged and marketed to desktop users.
- Touches on potential issues around use cases, privacy, and social reception for anthropomorphic AI devices.
Key facts
- Project Ava was presented as software last year, described as an AI game coach.
- At CES 2026, Razer showcased Project Ava in a hardware form factor.
- The hardware is described as a small capsule intended to sit on a desk and project a tiny holographic anime girl.
- The excerpt notes that anime-character pods were already shown at CES 2025.
- The source does not provide technical specifications, pricing, or availability details.
- The excerpt does not specify how the new hardware differs from the earlier software incarnation.
- The reporting in the excerpt focuses on the device’s form and aesthetic rather than on functionality.
What to watch next
- Release date and availability: not confirmed in the source
- Pricing and regional availability: not confirmed in the source
- Technical details (display method, resolution, processing): not confirmed in the source
- Interaction and privacy features (voice, connectivity, data handling): not confirmed in the source
Quick glossary
- Hologram: A visual effect that gives the appearance of a three-dimensional image; implementations vary from true volumetric displays to light-based illusions.
- AI game coach: Software that uses artificial intelligence to analyze gameplay and provide guidance, tips, or training suggestions to players.
- CES: The Consumer Electronics Show, an annual trade show where companies often unveil new consumer technology and prototypes.
- Form factor: The physical design and size of a device, which affects how it is used and where it can be placed.
Reader FAQ
What is Project Ava?
Project Ava began as an AI game coach software concept and is now shown as a hardware device projecting a small holographic anime character.
Did Razer reveal technical specs or pricing?
Not confirmed in the source.
Is this part of a broader trend?
The excerpt notes similar "anime girls in pods" appeared at CES 2025, suggesting it follows a recent trend.
When will it be available to buy?
Not confirmed in the source.
Project Ava was software last year, and now it’s hardware this CES. Razer's Project Ava AI game coach from last year's CES is taking a new form for 2026: a…
Sources
- Razer is making an AI anime waifu hologram for your desk
- Project AVA: Your Ultimate AI Gaming Companion
- Project Ava is a desktop AI assistant that promises to watch …
- CES 2026: Razer's AI gaming assistant, Project Ava, has a …
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