MeetKai, a conversational AI and metaverse company currently deployed in more than 30 countries for more than 20 million users, announced the launch of the world's first publicly available AI-powered metaverse that is accessible via VR and any smart device. Free and open to the public, a physical billboard at the corner of 7th Avenue and 47th Street has been turned into an anamorphic portal to MeetKai's metaverse in a virtual recreation of Times Square in New York City. After scanning a QR code, users can simultaneously explore the exact same location physically and digitally, interact with other players, and enter other worlds from MeetKai’s metaverse.
This "Phase 1 Beta" activation is the first installment of MeetKai's broader ambition to map the entire world and enhance reality instead of trying to replace it, making activities such as shopping, collaborating, or learning easier and more enjoyable with the help of AI and VR.
MeetKai leverages an advanced patented conversational AI technology that is capable of understanding negation queries, natural speech, and remembering context for authentic, multi-turn conversations. The launch of MeetKai's first voice-operated AI concierge enabled consumers to leave behind traditional command-based exchanges with smart device assistants, opting for purposeful and full-fledged interactions that feel natural enough to resemble being on a phone call with a real-life friend. MeetKai's AI supports 16 languages and its personalized software solutions and virtual assistants are used by more than 20 million users across 30 countries in Europe, Asia, and South America.
MeetKai is co-founded by successful serial entrepreneur n. Kaplan, who serves as CEO, is an AI researcher, engineer, and inventor. Dai, the company’s Executive Chairwoman, is the Co-Founder of Marvell Technology Group and was named by Newsweek as one of the "150 Women Who Shake the World". Forbes also ranked Dai as one of the world's most powerful women in 2014, its 95th richest woman in the world in 2015, and 21st richest self-made woman in the United States in 2022.
United States partners of MeetKai include Nvidia and Scriber, the creator subscription service for professional entertainers, recently launched by the Jonas Brothers.
Experiencing the metaverse today requires app downloads that act as closed systems and resources such as VR headsets that aren't accessible to all. This reality has created a fragmentation and digital divide that could prevent entire populations from accessing and participating in the metaverse at its most formative stage of development.
MeetKai Metaverse not only creates VR-based experiences designed for headsets, but is by contrast, open, intuitive, and ultimately designed to be accessible to more than 83% of the world’s population owning a smartphone, as well as any browser compatible device — tablets or PCs — with zero download time. MeetKai's AI also ensures that communication mimics the way people converse in real life, versus having to adapt to the way machines process information.
While MeetKai's metaverse access is open and free to anyone with the QR code, exclusive perks will be provided for those who enter through the virtual portal located on a billboard at the corner of 7th Avenue and 47th Street in Manhattan, New York. They will have the opportunity to claim rare "Key to the City — NYC Edition" NFTs, able to unlock gift cards and special features. One of the keys will also grant its owner the chance to have a metaverse street named after them and inspired by their interests.
Access will also be granted to everyone who scans the QR code, and all users regardless of location will be able to claim a MeetKai Metaverse citizenship and enter an alternate Louvre metaverse, also developed by MeetKai.
The Time Square portal and billboard will remain open until August 11, 2022.
Shefik will appear in a promotional video for MeetKai Metaverse, that was taped at Times Square, as part of the product launch on July 11, 2022.
Credit: Shefik (Times Square Extra)
Last Updated: April 29, 2023
