![The AI hologram Mario at CES 2024 is terrible [Update]](https://i1.wp.com/i.kinja-img.com/image/upload/c_fill,h_675,pg_1,q_80,w_1200/5986788d20a912b7dab5ff14cb9670de.jpg?w=1024&resize=1024,1024&ssl=1 "The AI hologram Mario at CES 2024 is terrible [Update]")
The Consumer electronics fair (CES) is taking place this week in Las Vegas and is buried in the huge convention hall – filled with new computers, among other things Car you can drive with a PlayStation 5 controllerMonitors and Other Tech – is a strange, terrifying, holographic Mario powered by AI and sponsored by AARP (earlier the American Association of Retired Persons).
Update 10/01/2024 at 10:10 p.m. EST: Proto and AARP confirmed with My city that Nintendo was not involved in the hologram at CES and sent the following statement:
The AI hologram animation briefly shown today is an unfinished proof of concept that was tested for a client to demonstrate technological capabilities and innovation. It is not intended for commercial release. AARP and Nintendo were not involved in the accidental presentation today. The fact that so many players around the world have taken notice shows that they are the best fans in the world and we salute them.
Original story continues below.
Like the Twitter (or a short 3D CG Mario. This well-known Nintendo character can answer questions and respond to participants. However, his stilted, robotic, monotone voice and delivery are very off-putting and strange. I can’t believe I’m saying this, but I wish I had Chris Pratt’s Mario about this holographic mess.
At some point, Greggory claimed that an AARP representative on the stand told him Ask Mario how to buy a video game. Mario then gave the helpful advice to go there The goal is to buy it.
On another note: This particular holographic stand appears to be co-sponsored by Target, as the store’s logo is featured on the machine.
What is this thing and how is AARP connected to it?
While a robotic-sounding, AI-powered Mario hologram is strange enough, its connection to AARP makes it even stranger. Why does this organization, which primarily supports the elderly and retired, present a Holo-Mario? Well, it’s part of it AgeTech, a major technology push from AARP focused on meeting the needs of “the world’s aging population.” Yes, people who know Mario are getting old, including us. AgeTech includes various start-ups, investors, founders and companies.
One of those members appears to be Proto Hologram, a company that designs and manufactures large holographic boxes that can be placed in stores or public areas and used to advertise things featuring lifelike people or mascots. According to an AARP blog Through its CES 2024 booth, Proto’s 3D holograms can also “help combat loneliness and improve telehealth.”
Ahead of CES 2024 Proto and AARP hyped it a major showcase event featuring the comedian, actor and voice of Gizmo Gremlins, Howie Mandel.
“3D holograms allow you to beam there when you can’t be there,” says the AARP CES 2024 website. “See how this next-generation spatial computing platform is transforming communications, combating loneliness and revolutionizing telemedicine for older adults.”
As far as I can tell, this Mario experience is not advertised or promoted by AARP or Proto. But I don’t think it’s because this is happening without Nintendo’s consent. There was no way these companies and groups would go rogue at CES 2024 and feature Mario in a big booth. Instead, this is probably a way to get people at CES 2024 to go to the AARP booth and pay attention. Or maybe AARP thinks your elderly grandma would enjoy chatting with Mario?
My city contacted AARP.
In a recent post by Greggory on Twitter, the user says that he will see Mario again and asks people a few questions. I have one thing: ask Mario to sing “Peaches,” record it, and let’s all have a good time watching this bot butcher the song.
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