[Freddy]

Art:

What if there wasn't a need for an avatar character at all?

Yep, that's the way I am thinking too.  The main goal might be to create the Ai first before any other considerations, then maybe have an avatar as a plugin of some sort.

Those touchscreens are good in the right place, the one I most commonly use is in the local bowling alley.  Other times I have seen them used in places like museums where they compliment the displays.  I'm not sure if I would want them in my own home though as I prefer the tactile keyboard for general use and in no time the touchscreens get covered in grease and finger prints.

As for things like the projected keyboard I am not so sure if they will ever hit the mainstream.  I can imagine all kinds of RSI injuries being caused by typing on a hard surface for any length of time.  I think the humble keyboard will still be with us for a long time yet.  I can however see them having a place with portable units which is where I believe the main focus is anyway.

The light board idea does look like it has some promise, but apart from the places they are aiming to sell it to (like resaurants) I can't see a more personal need for it either.