''Virtual Human' NEONS

WHY IN NEWS?

The first project of Samsung’s Star Labs, NEONs are being called the world’s first artificial humans. They look and behave like real humans, and could one day develop memories and emotions — though from behind a 4K display.

WHAT ARE NEONS?

• The company says NEONs are computationally created virtual humans — the word derives from NEO (new) + humaN.
• For now the virtual humans can show emotions when manually controlled by their creators. But the idea is for NEONs to become intelligent enough to be fully autonomous, showing emotions, learning skills, creating memories, and being intelligent on their own.
• NEONs can be the interface for technologies and services. They will answer your queries at a bank, welcome you at a restaurant, or read out the breaking news on television at an unearthly hour.
• Virtual Assistants now learn from all the data they are plugged into. NEONs will be limited to what they know and learn. Their leaning could potentially be limited to the person they are catering to, and maybe her friends — but not the entire Internet. They will not be an interface for you to request a song, rather they will be a friend to speak to and share experiences with.

Prelims Question

Q. NEONs virtual human which was recently in news is associated with which among the following?
a)Facebook
b)Amazon
c)Samsung
d)Microsoft

Answer to the Prelims Question