The company behind the technology has now admitted that a disturbing AI-powered hologram of Nintendo-developed Mario was unlicensed and unofficial at the 2024 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.
The odd-looking, robotic-voiced Mario was the work of Proto Hologram, a company that creates holograms in large, box-shaped structures that you can talk to and interact with.
What’s even more surprising is that the Mario hologram was supposed to be a collaboration with AARP, an American advocacy group for people over 50 – ostensibly to show how AI holograms can combat loneliness in the elderly. But with Mario? What’s worse – having a broken 3D Mario model with bad audio quality?
Mario’s 3D footage from CES attendees shows the animated plumber answering questions with generic answers and lip movements, while strange voices emit a robotic response.
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After the footage gained attention on social media and users asked questions, hologram maker Proto has now responded.
A spokesman for Proto said: “The AI-powered 3D animation previewed today is an incomplete proof of concept test to showcase the customer’s technological capabilities and innovation.” my city. “It is not intended for commercial release.
“AARP and Nintendo were not involved in today’s accidental release. Many players around the world have noticed that they are the best fans in the world and we applaud them.
Eurogamer has reached out to Nintendo for comment on the use of Mario in Proto’s hologram, but has yet to hear back.
