2wai launches AI-powered avatars, working with BT to offer interactions with historical figures in the classroom

2wai claims its likelife HoloAvatars will “transform the classroom experience” by bringing a wide range of historical and fictional characters to life with realistic movements and speech.

Any human, fictional, or animated character can be brought to life as a HoloAvatar that can manage unlimited conversations and communicate in 40 languages. In the early access version of the app, which is available on iOS, users can interact with characters including playwright William Shakespeare and others. 

Celebrities, personal assistants, and superheroes are also in the world, with more figures added to the app on a weekly basis. 

“2wai is on a mission to become the defining face of AI,” explains Russel Geyser, CEO at 2wai. “Today’s launch is the first spark in igniting a new era of online interaction. Early access users will receive a first look at the endless opportunities unlocked by 2wai’s edge AI capabilities and globally minded approach to human connection.”

2wai is working with British Telcom, IBM, and Globe Telecom on creating HoloAvatars. The company says its patented technology will ensure educators maintain strict control over any avatar content.

“We are without a doubt entering a new era of AI that will transform how we connect with brands, and in this case, esteemed visionaries of the past,” Geyser added.

The news comes shortly after the launch of Historic Mentor, which offers users a chance to interact with AI -powered, personalized versions of history’s most influential figures. Historic Mentor offers conversations with notable figures from history including Marcus Aurelius, Socrates, Confucius, Friedrich Nietzsche, Lao Tzu, Leonardo da Vinci, Benjamin Franklin and Sun Tzu.