Wireless speakers that also serve as personal assistants are in fashion today. A crowded field that includes Amazon’s Alexa, Microsoft’s Cortana and Google’s…uh…Assistant has failed to discourage UK-based robotics startup Emotech, which believes it has a worthy opponent.
Enter Olly, a donut-shaped AI capable of constructing a personality based on its interactions with its owner. Olly’s responsibilities are remarkably similar to those of his competition — the toroidal guy can sync up with a range of smart home technologies, as well as answer simple questions like “Where can I get Chinese takeout nearby?” and “What’s the weather like tomorrow?”
What sets Olly — the winner of four 2017 CES Innovation Awards — apart is its ability to learn from its owners’ interests and daily routines, as well as analyze vocal patterns and adjust accordingly. Olly will offer further information and even suggestions based on recent interactions you’ve had with him, and will learn to predict behaviors to do things like turn on your favorite song every morning as you get ready for the day.
It’s clear that this level of personalization has captured the imagination of 21st-century residents, as Olly has already raised nearly $30,000 a few hours into his Indiegogo campaign. He still has a month left to reach his crowdfunding goal of $100,000, which seems pretty doable given the initial success.
Although he’s tethered to the power cord and base, Olly is an active guy. The donut-like part will rise from its base during interaction and face the source of your voice. The multicolored lights on Olly’s face will change accordingly as he speaks, helping to personify the robot’s otherwise basic aesthetic.
However, we warn you that Olly is not cheap company. If you pre-order as a super early bird on Indiegogo, you’ll be able to snag the bot for $449, which is 35 percent off the $699 retail price. Still, that’s a pretty penny to pay for a smart speaker that, while seemingly capable of more than other similar products on the market, is also significantly more expensive. Either way, if you’re looking for a more personal smart assistant experience, Olly might be the guy for you. Delivery is expected in May 2018.
Update: Olly is now available for pre-order on Indiegogo.
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Source: newstars.edu.vn