The Next Step In Gaming Gear: A Holographic AI Assistant
Razer is already known for gaming chairs, flashy headsets, and plenty of RGB powered gear. At CES 2026 the company revealed its next big experiment for PC gamers and streamers. It is called Project Ava and this time it is not just software. Razer is turning its AI assistant into a physical holographic desk companion designed to sit right next to your gaming setup.
Project Ava started life as an esports focused AI coach. It was essentially a backseat gaming bot that watched your gameplay and tried to help you improve. Now Razer is pushing the idea further with a small desktop device that blends gaming tips with an always on digital assistant for everyday life.
If you imagine a sci fi test tube crossed with a smart speaker you are not far off. In the center sits a holographic display where your avatar lives and reacts to you in real time.
How Project Ava Works On Your Desk
The new desk companion version of Project Ava is built to plug straight into your PC life. Razer is combining several pieces of tech in one unit to make the assistant feel aware of both you and your gameplay.
- Holographic display: The main attraction is the animated avatar floating in the middle of the device. It is around 5.5 inches tall and is designed to move, emote, and lip sync while it talks.
- HD camera with eye tracking: The built in camera can track where you are looking. This is mainly there to help the avatar maintain eye contact and feel more lifelike, but it also enables more advanced interactions over time.
- Far field microphone: Like a smart speaker, Ava uses a sensitive mic so you can talk to it from across the room. That means quick voice commands as you game, work, or stream.
- PC Vision Mode: This is the big one for gamers. Project Ava can literally look at your monitor in real time to see what is happening in your games. With that view it can offer on the fly tips and strategies while you play.
PC Vision Mode turns Ava into a kind of live coach. Instead of just generic advice, it can react to your actual match, map, and current situation on screen. That might mean calling out positioning tips in a competitive shooter or suggesting build changes in a MOBA. Of course, this also raises privacy questions, since the device is constantly watching your screen and listening for commands, so anyone interested will want to keep an eye on how Razer handles data and permissions.
Razer is not limiting Ava to gaming. The company describes it as a digital partner for all parts of modern life. That means reminders, schedules, recipes, and even style suggestions alongside the usual gaming focused tools.
Avatars, Personality, And Everyday Use
Razer is leaning hard into the personality side of Project Ava. Instead of a simple voice in a box, you get an animated character that responds with facial expressions, eye contact, and synced speech.
- Custom Razer characters: At launch you can pick from Razer themed avatars including the original characters Kira and Zane. There will also be designs based on esports legends so your assistant could look like a pro gamer styled character cheering you on.
- Different personality styles: You can set the general vibe of your Ava. For example you might choose a bold and sassy coach that calls you out when you mess up, or a calm and friendly guide that keeps feedback more relaxed.
- Adaptive AI: Over time Ava is meant to learn your preferences. It remembers how you like your feedback, what games you play, your routine, and the sort of information you ask for the most.
This adaptive layer goes beyond gaming hints. Razer says the assistant can help with organizing daily tasks, tracking your to do list, and even giving wardrobe tips. That last one is sure to split opinions. Some people will love the idea of a virtual stylist while others might find the thought of a tiny avatar judging their outfit a bit unnerving.
For gamers the most interesting part remains the blend of coaching and personality. Imagine booting up your PC and having a familiar avatar greet you, queue your usual game, remind you about a scheduled session with friends, and then coach you through your matches. Whether that sounds motivating or intrusive will depend on the person.
Razer is targeting the second half of 2026 for Project Ava to start rolling out with full functionality. For now, US based gamers who are curious can place a reservation on Razer’s site for a 20 dollar deposit. Pricing and final specs are not confirmed yet, and as with any concept hardware there is always a chance details will change before release.
If Razer pulls it off, Project Ava could become a new category of gaming gear. It sits somewhere between a smart display, a streaming gadget, and a personal coach for your PC setup. For anyone building a modern battle station and already living in the Razer ecosystem, a holographic AI sidekick might be the next accessory on the list.
Original article and image: https://www.pcgamer.com/software/ai/project-ava-is-a-desktop-ai-assistant-that-promises-to-watch-your-every-move-to-offer-both-gaming-advice-and-wardrobe-tips/
