What is HeyMates and how does it work?

HeyMates are AI-powered collectible figurines that come to life through smart bases with speakers and microphones, allowing users to chat with characters.

How does Buddyo's AI Pod differ from HeyMates?

Buddyo's AI Pod is a platform that uses AI to give personalities to existing collectibles, unlike HeyMates which offers new, dedicated AI figurines.

Can I use my existing Funko Pops with Buddyo?

Yes, Buddyo's AI Pod and accompanying app allow you to create AI chatbot personalities for your existing Funko Pops and other figurines.

Home / Technology / AI Buddies: Collectible Figures Get Chatty

AI Buddies: Collectible Figures Get Chatty

10 Jan

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Summary

Two startups, HeyMates and Buddyo, are merging AI chatbots with collectible figurines.
HeyMates plans Kickstarter for AI characters based on figures like Einstein and Darth Vader.
Buddyo's AI Pod works with existing figurines like Amiibo and Funko Pops, using community-created personalities.

AI Buddies: Collectible Figures Get Chatty

New AI-driven toys are emerging, merging the popularity of collectible figurines with interactive chatbots. HeyMates, developed by Olli, aims to launch on Kickstarter later this year, featuring figures like Albert Einstein and Darth Vader that can converse about their respective domains. This move seeks to capitalize on a predicted market boom.

Buddyo offers a different approach with its AI Pod, designed to work with existing collectibles such as Nintendo's Amiibo and Funko Pops. Users can create chatbot personalities for their figures through an app, leveraging community-generated content to give these toys conversational abilities, a strategy potentially aimed at satisfying collectors and sidestepping IP issues.