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Freaky Female "Avatar" Hologram Launches At Local Airports
By
John Del Signore
Published May 22, 2012
Modified May 22, 2012
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By
John Del Signore
Published May 22, 2012
Modified May 22, 2012
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Meet Ava, the "latest and greatest in next-generation public advertising technology." Yesterday the Port Authority unveiled a new helpful hologram intended to help travelers at information kiosks in all three major NYC airports. Here's video of the so-called "avatar" in action—created by Cyberdyne SystemsAirportOne, the eerily lifelike Ava insists, "I'm so versatile, I can be used for just about anything":
"I can say what you want, dress the way you want, and be just about anything you want me to be," Ava tells us. "I can advertise products, promotions... I can even provide instructions and give directions. Even better, it won't be long before I can answer questions!" Port Authority Executive Director Pat Foye tells Transportation Nation the machines "are meant to supplement the airport’s 350 flesh-and-blood customer representatives, who will soon be joined by 70 new hires."
For now, Ava is not yet interactive and can't answer specific questions—she gives the same creepy smile to every passerby, while providing info about restroom locations, flight connections, and shuttle service. According to the Post, the Port Authority is renting the avatars on a trial basis for about $180,000 for six months, or when they become self-aware and take over the Cinnabons. Money well spent!
Tagged
airports
ava
avatars
holograms
John Del Signore
Originally from the Albany area, John Del Signore has called NYC home since 1995. In addition to his thousands of meticulously-crafted bespoke blog posts for Gothamist, his writing has also been published in The Awl, Deadspin, The Nervous Breakdown, and performed at The Brick Theater in Brooklyn.
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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