Initially introduced as a simple co-pilot for gamers, Project Ava is now taking a decisive leap forward. At CES 2026, Razer revealed a radically reworked version of its concept, one that goes far beyond gaming. The brand’s ambition is now clear: to create a true AI companion, embodied in holographic form, capable of supporting users in their professional lives as well as in their daily routines.
With this new direction, Razer aims to move artificial intelligence out of the screen and into physical space. Project Ava appears as a cylindrical device placed on the desk, featuring a 5.5-inch holographic display where a three-dimensional avatar comes to life. Customizable and animated in real time, this assistant is designed to observe, listen, understand and interact continuously with its environment.
From gaming coach to digital partner
When it first appeared, Ava positioned itself as a gaming assistant, able to analyze on-screen action and deliver real-time advice. Today, its scope has expanded dramatically.
In gaming, it remains a coach, offering strategic analysis, gameplay reminders and even psychological support after a defeat. In professional use, Ava acts as a productivity and creativity partner, helping to analyze documents, translate conversations, organize projects or support brainstorming sessions. In everyday life, the assistant can suggest meals, manage schedules, provide wellness reminders and even offer style advice.
Through this versatility, Razer is clearly aiming to build a permanent digital partner, one that evolves alongside the user and adapts to habits over time.
An embodied AI that understands context
Project Ava integrates a camera, long-range microphones and advanced visual recognition. This technology, known as PC Vision, allows the assistant to interpret what is happening both on the screen and in the surrounding space. Ava can comment on a live game, detect inconsistencies in a document or react to events occurring in the room.
This contextual awareness brings the assistant closer to a physical presence. Razer is also emphasizing personalization, offering different avatar personalities, from calm and structured profiles to more energetic ones designed for competitive or creative environments.
An open architecture for long-term evolution
To power this new generation of companion, Project Ava currently relies on Grok, developed by xAI. However, Razer stresses that the platform is built on an open architecture. In the future, Ava will be able to integrate different AI engines, including a proprietary solution developed by Razer itself.
This approach is meant to ensure long-term flexibility, both technologically and in terms of user needs. Preorders are already open in the United States, with availability announced for the second half of 2026.
A vision that inspires both excitement and debate
With Project Ava, Razer is no longer just enhancing the gaming experience. The company is attempting to define a new product category, halfway between personal assistant, digital coach and desk companion. A vision that fascinates some, while raising concerns for others, particularly around privacy, emotional attachment and the role of AI in intimate spaces.
By placing a holographic avatar at the heart of the personal workspace, Razer is sketching out a future where artificial intelligence becomes more than a tool, turning into a presence. Whether users are ready to embrace such a companion in their daily lives remains to be seen.
