Razer is best known for glowing keyboards and high-end gaming laptops, but its latest product is a pivot toward digital companionship. At CES 2026, the company revealed “Project Ava,” a physical desktop device that houses an interactive, holographic AI avatar designed to act as both a gaming coach and a daily assistant. CES 2026 will also see smartphone innovations, including the Infinix Note 60 launch featuring satellite calling.
A digital friend in a glass box
Unlike standard smart speakers that just talk back, Project Ava gives artificial intelligence a face. The device is a transparent cylinder that sits on your desk, projecting a 5.5-inch 3D character inside. Razer claims this physical presence helps bridge the gap between a cold voice assistant and a “real” companion.
Users can choose from six different personalities to inhabit the device. These range from “Kira,” a supportive anime-style character, to “Faker,” an avatar modeled after the legendary esports pro. There is even a K-pop inspired character named “Sao.” The goal is to offer a sense of connection that goes beyond setting timers or checking the weather.
Powered by Grok to watch you play
The intelligence behind Project Ava comes from xAI’s Grok. This integration allows the avatar to handle complex conversations and reasoning. However, the device’s main selling point is its ability to see what you see.
By connecting to a Windows PC via USB-C, the device enters “PC Vision Mode.” This lets the AI analyze your screen in real-time with very low delay. If you are playing a strategy game, the avatar can offer tactical advice. If you are stuck in a menu, it can guide you through it. It acts like a “gaming wingman” that sits right next to your monitor.
Market Impact & Context
This move signals that Razer is taking the “loneliness economy” seriously. As gamers spend more time online, the demand for interactive, parasocial experiences is growing. By moving the AI off the screen and into a dedicated physical object, Razer is trying to create a product that feels more like a pet or a roommate than a piece of software.
It also differentiates Razer from software-only competitors like Microsoft Copilot. While others fight for control of your taskbar, Razer wants to claim real estate on your actual desk.
What comes next
Razer has opened reservations for Project Ava with a $20 deposit. The company plans to start shipping the device in the second half of 2026, though the final retail price has not yet been announced.
