Ikea Tries Virtual Influence, Happiness and More

So what is this?   An assistant?  An influencer in what sense?   Just to engage us?  An Android?  To do what for whom?  Assemble furniture or prepare meatballs?  Explores 'happiness at home'.   There is a video at the link, but we are warned 'nothing much happens'?   Ikea's innovation always gets my attention at least.

Ikea turned a virtual influencer into a physical installation in the Verge
Imma stopped by a store in Harajuku
By Andrew Webster n TheVerge

This past weekend, the Ikea Harajuku location in Tokyo was home to something unique: an installation starring a virtual person. The retail giant partnered with Imma, a virtual influencer, in order to explore the concept of “happiness at home.” Over three days, those passing by the first floor could peer into Imma’s living room, watching as she lounged on a couch, mindlessly browsing her phone. Meanwhile, a view into her bedroom was streamed on a screen on the second floor, viewable from Harajuku Station.

Of course, these weren’t real living spaces, since Imma is a CG model and not an actual human. But Ikea says that it created the installation using LED screens inside of the physical rooms, which were “curated” by Imma, to give the appearance of Imma being in a real place. You can watch a recap of the lengthy event below, though be warned not much happens.   ... "