Sharp Launches “AQUOS AI,” a New AI Character Conversation Service for AQUOS TVs

Sharp will launch “AQUOS AI,” a new service for its AQUOS televisions that lets users enjoy conversations with AI characters on a large TV screen, as well as receive help choosing content and using TV functions. The service uses Sharp’s proprietary generative AI technology. It enables natural conversations with AI characters and provides interactions tailored to users through “empathic intelligence,” which responds to their feelings, and “exploratory intelligence,” which interprets their intent. In the “Talk” feature, AI characters can serve as conversation partners for a wide range of topics, including daily events, passing thoughts, and subjects users want to learn more about. For example, if a user says, “Something nice happened today,” the AI character will share in the happiness, ask about what happened, and help the conversation flow. Because it can also respond based on past conversations, users can deepen their bond with the AI character through repeated interactions. The “Program Recommendations” feature helps users choose content. When users share how they feel, such as “I want to laugh” or “I want to relax,” the AI character interprets their intent through conversation and suggests suitable content. The “Usage Help” feature allows users to ask about TV settings and operations. For example, if a user asks how to turn on the TV every morning at 6 a.m., the service will guide them through the setup procedure. When using “Talk,” users can choose between the AI characters Daiki and Ayumi. On 65V-inch models, the character appears on screen at nearly life-size, allowing the whole family to gather around the TV and enjoy conversations together. Sharp plans to expand its lineup of AI characters and further broaden ways to enjoy television. Key features include: first, an industry-first service that uses generative AI technology to let users converse with AI characters on a TV; second, responses that stay close to the user through empathic intelligence, including conversations based on past interactions; and third, exploratory intelligence that recommends content matching the user’s mood and requests while also guiding TV operations. Use of the service requires an internet connection and COCORO MEMBERS registration. It does not support conversations involving real-time searches for the latest information. Recommendations cover broadcast programs, programs recorded on a separately sold USB hard disk, and some online video streaming services. Character selection is not available for “Program Recommendations” or “Usage Help.”