Get ready for your holographic AI companion in a jar

AI companions don’t have to be limited to smartphones. You can also place it in a jar on your desk.

At the 2026 Consumer Electronics Show, popular gaming company Razer unveiled its 3D holographic technology Project AVA. The Desk Companion, powered by xAI's Grok AI technology, can now be reserved online.

Although far from mainstream, physicalized AI companions are nothing new. Smaller companies like Dipal and Code27 have long marketed these projects, touting their ability to bring you closer to your digital friends.

But Razer is the biggest company yet to enter the space. From xAI to OpenAI, leading technology companies see opportunity in AI companions, but the physical representation of AI companions remains primarily 2D. Razer is now betting on this trend. This time it's 3D.

Please select a companion

Project AVA brings your AI companion to life in one of five holographic bodies.

Customers can choose from Ava, the bubbling Razer logo, or four human-like shapes. There's Kira the cat girl, Zane who wears ink, Faker who wears glasses, and Thao who is a professional.

Sao seems to mirror the Japanese influencers that Razer frequently promotes. Her description reads, “Connect on a personal level with idols who are capturing hearts around the world.'' Avatars are under development and subject to change.

The Project AVA companion stands 5.5 inches tall and uses “human-like vision and audio sensing for complete context awareness,” the company said. The current iteration is running on xAI's Grok, but we plan to open it up to other major AI companies.

What can you do with Project AVA Companion? Razer gave some examples like mood tracking, schedule planning, spreadsheet analysis, conversation translation, and excitement.

Falling in love doesn't make the list. While various NSFW companions capitalize on the desire for digital intimacy, Razer CEO Min-Liang Tan told Bloomberg that the product is not aimed at the typical lone gamer.

“We're not trying to foster relationships, but we do recognize that people are using AI in a more personal way,” he said.

Razer has not yet announced pricing for Project AVA, saying it is expected to ship in late 2026. Customers can reserve online for a $20 deposit fee.

AI companion competition intensifies

As the AI ​​race heats up, companies are realizing that users don't just want chatbots to act as accountants or research assistants. Many people desire a friend or even a romantic companion.

Replika was launched in 2019 and pioneered the American market for companion push.

Elon Musk's xAI enters AI companion games in 2025, debuting anime girl Ani and red panda Rudy. Later, Valentine, a male companion inspired by “Twilight” and “Fifty Shades of Grey,” also debuted.

The XAI guys have more NSFW abilities, including the ability to get in their underwear and depict sex acts. For some, the companion has formed a lasting relationship, including one male user in his 20s who previously told Business Insider he would be interested if xAI offered a physical version of Ani, the anime AI companion.

Many OpenAI users also have an emotional connection with ChatGPT and its AI voice model. OpenAI has previously distanced itself from NSFW products, but CEO Sam Altman just recently announced that the company would open an age-restricted erotica feature, although his December deadline has since been pushed back.

All of these companions work through digital interfaces. Some, like Replika, can be accessed using a virtual reality headset, making the experience feel even more realistic.

3D companions may be the next frontier. It became popular in Japan, where one man married a fellow Gatebox user, and like Razer's products, it also appeared in anime form.

Razer is clearly making a point, even if they claim their project is not geared towards romantic love.