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At CES this year, Razer aimed to demonstrate that it can still captivate audiences with “innovative breakthroughs and futuristic technologies.” In addition to its predictably enhanced and upgraded Razer Blade 16 laptop, the company also presented two captivating projects aimed at gamers. These included the Razer Project Ava AI gaming co-pilot and the Project Arialle heating and cooling chair. We were able to experience both of these conceptual technologies firsthand at the Las Vegas exhibition.
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Project Ava
According to Razer, Project Ava is touted as “the ultimate AI gaming co-pilot.” It utilizes artificial intelligence in two key domains: eSports coaching and hardware optimization. Razer has subsequently distilled four main functionalities from its AI training, which include:
- Real-time eSports coaching informed by data from Team Razer’s elite coaches and players
- An AI game guide, designed to assist players with challenging puzzles, bosses, and quests
- One-click PC setup optimization, claimed to enhance frame rates, reduce load times, and maximize graphics performance/quality
- A user interface that facilitates quick and intuitive access to Ava for assistance. Razer has also permitted Ava to provide support via either a chat interface or spoken responses.
Razer refers to its AI-powered assistant as “your gaming co-pilot.” During the demonstration, I noticed that, even in this preliminary version, Ava behaves much more like a co-pilot compared to Microsoft’s attempts with Copilot+. In a live demonstration of a MOBA game, with the server supporting Ava located in the same room, Ava consistently offered players guidance and advice on managing the battle, what power-ups to activate when, and beyond.
Some may perceive this as an unfair advantage, at the very least, but Razer asserts that its virtual coach adheres to tournament rules. It indeed felt very similar to having a skilled eSports player providing real-time commentary. Ava also effectively responded to several spoken questions from the player during the live demo, although it took a few moments, and I could clearly hear the server fans ramp up dramatically as it processed the speech and formulated a response. This served as a reminder of the intensive power requirements associated with large language models.
Additionally, I was shown a brief video recording of Black Myth Wukong, in which Ava provided tips during a boss fight. Some of the guidance felt akin to the suggestions given in the previous MOBA game, while others involved pointing out the
The precise dynamics of a creature’s assault seemed like the type of aspect you’re meant to unravel independently as a crucial element of engaging with the game.
Additionally, there’s the entire issue of where Razer obtains its Ava training datasets. A representative from the company informed me that currently, it derives from online guides, gameplay from eSports competitors, and comparable resources. The representative did voice some apprehension regarding how to at least acknowledge the origins of the data, a shared worry among many regarding services like Chat GPT and Google’s Gemini. Nevertheless, they also expressed a desire to collaborate with game developers to acquire a wealth of game-specific insights directly prior to a title’s release.
In an ideal scenario, this signifies that the volume of data Ava would need to absorb, process, and replicate would increase significantly, expanding tremendously as support for both new and established titles is incorporated. On one hand, if it performs as effectively as Razer’s demonstration suggests, it could simplify the gameplay of challenging titles considerably and, for many at least, enhance enjoyment. Yet, simultaneously, considering we are already contemplating reviving nuclear power plants to satisfy the escalating requirements of AI, I harbor mixed emotions regarding the extent of energy, water, and infrastructure required to construct and maintain an AI to assist us in playing hundreds or even thousands of games.
Project Arialle
Razer asserts that Project Arialle is the first mesh gaming chair from Razer to incorporate both heating and cooling functionalities. The company claims that the award-winning Razer Fujin Pro mesh gaming chair lays the groundwork for the Arialle project. Notable attributes added on top of that foundation include a bladeless fan system to facilitate both heating and cooling operations and easily reachable touch controls.
During the approximately 10 minutes I had to experience Razer’s bladeless heating and cooling chair, I was mainly impressed. The chair itself was cozy, and the cooling capability was noticeably felt across most of my back, marking an improvement over the Elemax X-Chair accessory I assessed a couple of years back. I didn’t obtain a clear sense of how intuitive the controls were, but they didn’t appear to be overly intricate.
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The heating feature of the chair was noticeably more subtle. It won’t substitute for a space heater blasting warmth at you during a cold morning. However, as I experienced the chair’s warmth intensify and envelop my upper body, the sensation was enjoyable even though I was already slightly warm from rushing to meetings throughout the day. The notion of enjoying this sort of heat while gaming or working on a frigid day is quite tempting. Importantly, the chair’s frame did warm up to the touch, but it was never excessively so.
The significant drawback of this design is its necessity to be plugged into a power source. A Razer spokesperson informed me that they have received considerable feedback suggesting that adding a battery for wireless convenience would be more attractive, and they mentioned that this is being considered. Nevertheless, I remain doubtful that, particularly the heating feature of the chair, can be sustained by a battery. Anyone who has ever tripped a circuit or blown a fuse while operating an electric heater alongside practically anything else in their household understands that electricity-generated heat is a significant power consumer. On the other hand, integrating a detachable rechargeable battery could at least allow you to stay comfortable while disconnected for extended periods during the warmer months.
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