Akash Nigam, founder of Genies, has long championed a bold vision: avatars will become the primary user interface for the internet. In a recent interview on The AI XR Podcast, Nigam explained why his 2017 bet on avatars is now proving prescient in an AI-first world.
According to Nigam, the convergence of AI and avatar technology means that every application, game, and corporation will eventually adopt an AI persona to interact with users. "Avatars are the UI of the internet," he said, emphasizing that as AI agents become more prevalent, they need a visual representation to build trust and engagement.
Nigam discussed how Genies has evolved from a focus on XR and gaming to enabling any brand or individual to create a customizable AI avatar in minutes, down from eight weeks. He also touched on the company's partnerships with major IP holders like NBA, MLB, and Sanrio, and why he dislikes the term "metaverse."
The conversation also covered broader trends, including Tim Cook's departure at Apple and the implications for wearable AI, humanoid robotics advancements in China, and the underestimated risks of open-source AI data infiltration.