AI-Powered Collectibles Are Coming - And They're Not Just For Kids Anymore
Imagine a world where your Funko Pop can have a conversation with you, or a baseball card becomes more than just a piece of cardboard. AI-powered collectibles are no longer the stuff of science fiction, and two startups, Olli and Buddyo, are leading the charge.
HeyMates is the brainchild of Olli, which aims to bring AI-driven chatbots into the world of collectible toys. These figurines come with RFID chips in their bases, allowing them to interact with each other when placed on a special stand. The company plans to launch its first batch of three figures - Einstein, Zara, and Chandler - later this year.
But Olli's focus is different from Buddyo's. While the latter wants to build a platform that complements existing collectibles, not replace them, Olli sees itself as the next step in creating AI-powered toys. The company aims to establish its own IP (intellectual property) and bring licensed characters into the mix.
On the other hand, Buddyo is taking a more collaborative approach. The startup uses an app that recognizes existing IP and pulls up a backstory and personality for each figurine. This allows users to give their character a name and explore their traits in greater depth. Buddyo's hybrid ChatGPT/Gemini AI stack also provides the option for full AI assistance, with plans to expand its capabilities further.
Both companies emphasize fun, lighthearted conversations with their AI avatars. However, Buddyo's system is designed to be more versatile, allowing users to create characters tailored to specific interests or hobbies.
The question on everyone's mind - will AI-powered collectibles disrupt the toy industry? Only time will tell. However, it's clear that both Olli and Buddyo are onto something exciting. Whether Funko, which has struggled of late, will take notice remains to be seen. One thing is certain, though: chatty collectibles are coming, and they're not just for kids anymore.
Imagine a world where your Funko Pop can have a conversation with you, or a baseball card becomes more than just a piece of cardboard. AI-powered collectibles are no longer the stuff of science fiction, and two startups, Olli and Buddyo, are leading the charge.
HeyMates is the brainchild of Olli, which aims to bring AI-driven chatbots into the world of collectible toys. These figurines come with RFID chips in their bases, allowing them to interact with each other when placed on a special stand. The company plans to launch its first batch of three figures - Einstein, Zara, and Chandler - later this year.
But Olli's focus is different from Buddyo's. While the latter wants to build a platform that complements existing collectibles, not replace them, Olli sees itself as the next step in creating AI-powered toys. The company aims to establish its own IP (intellectual property) and bring licensed characters into the mix.
On the other hand, Buddyo is taking a more collaborative approach. The startup uses an app that recognizes existing IP and pulls up a backstory and personality for each figurine. This allows users to give their character a name and explore their traits in greater depth. Buddyo's hybrid ChatGPT/Gemini AI stack also provides the option for full AI assistance, with plans to expand its capabilities further.
Both companies emphasize fun, lighthearted conversations with their AI avatars. However, Buddyo's system is designed to be more versatile, allowing users to create characters tailored to specific interests or hobbies.
The question on everyone's mind - will AI-powered collectibles disrupt the toy industry? Only time will tell. However, it's clear that both Olli and Buddyo are onto something exciting. Whether Funko, which has struggled of late, will take notice remains to be seen. One thing is certain, though: chatty collectibles are coming, and they're not just for kids anymore.