... the first internet, interactive, virtual girlfriend is here ... and boy is she bossy !
Artificial Life, Inc. is a software company pioneering in artificial intelligence. Formed in Boston in 1993, the companies' Hong Kong based global headquarters has recently announced perhaps it's most ambitious 'invention' yet - the virtual girlfriend.
Following success with interactive mobile games and internet-based 'e-learning', Artificial Life formally introduced the long-joked-about 'virtual partner' as a way of allowing those who were happily single to enjoy the 'emotional advantages' of a relationship, without the hassle of needing to involve an actual 'human' female.
Invoked via a photo-screen cell phone image, the virtual girlfriend is packed with 'features' that guarantee the busy man interaction with a 'woman', whilst still remaining free from the need to face any of the unpleasant consequences normally associated with 'switching off' during a relationship.
Far from being the ludicrous idea that it first appears, it would seem that internet consumers the world over simply cannot get enough of the idea, with such a positive response being received that Artificial Life already have plans in the works to produce a male equivalent, the 'virtual boyfriend'.
With the 'virtual girlfriend' herself being a curiously demanding and high maintenance creature, the trend has already been likened to the 90's 'Tamagotchi' craze, where mechanical 'pets' were sold that required large amounts of time and attention just to keep them 'alive'.
So, with requests for 'diamonds', gifts and unending praise, the virtual girlfriend may soon see herself 'gone the way of the Tamagotchi' via the man who 'ordered' her growing tired of her demands and simply letting her battery run out.
As for the 'virtual boyfriend' plan, well, do they have toilet seats in cyberspace ?. Because if they do, they'll be wanting to take that issue into account before they think they've hit on any 'virtual man' prototype that I'd consider taking home.
Go get your dream girl here: Link 