[Art]

Or something along those lines are currently being experimented with by some members of a "communal Think Tank" of sorts. Quite interesting and as with most endeavors of this type, should only improve over time.

[Data]

Good God, they seem to be using windows XP for this 

There was me thinking they were using cutting edge technology.

[Freddy]

They probably started it a few years back when XP was still up there.  Changing OS would no doubt inflict new headaches.

Can't help thinking that actors could do a better job.

[Data]

I just looked at the stats on this vid, it was uploaded March 2010, so out of date now being 3 years old. Might explain the use of good old XP.

[Art]

Come on guys...it was meant to be about the concept and not so much as the technology. Don't focus on the hammer as much as what's being built.
I forget...what were they building?...

[Data]

Sorry Art I was only giving my idiot opinion.

I wonder how far this has come in the last 3 years.

[Freddy]

I still stick to my original point; couldn't actors do this ?

I do like the curved LCD screen they are using though.  That kind of thing is beginning to filter down to home use now too, but it's pricey.

I think this would be good in a museum, how about chatting to Genghis Kahn and trying to reason with him 

Also here's their home site : http://ict.usc.edu/groups/virtual-humans/

You can see there that they also made the talking twins we discussed some time back.

[Art]

Look to the future Freddy. Why put up with and pay for actors when there are VIRTUAL AGENTS to do the same work?
Now with even BETTER technology and certainly NOT XP (hehe), the avatars are practically indistinguishable from real people.

Those avatars will NOT go on strike for better working conditions, pay, benefits, etc. will ALWAYS show up when needed, will
NOT complain and will act out their part exactly as ordered without quibble or compromise. Once their initial cost is realized
or recouped, the rest is icing on the cake!

The possibility of having an avatar to assist with banking, kiosks, travel, shopping, etc., makes most people feel more interactive
and at ease. It is a future that IS coming soon to a device near you. I dismiss that Uncanny Valley theory as one guy's opinion and
certainly not the norm.

Personally IF the avatars are able to deliver the correct content / answers when asked, they are more likely to gain acceptance
by the masses. I personally dislike it when my phone's "assistant" doesn't understand when I meant when I asked for something.
I don't really hate the avatar but rather the app for NOT providing the information I requested.

Interactive doctors and lawyers? Hmmm...If developers get the avatars motion of the hand being held out to collect money from us
how would we ever tell it wasn't a real person? Hahah!!