Replika offers customizable AI-powered avatars for users to interact with. Users can talk to these avatars through a chat interface, through video calls, or in virtual and augmented reality. This article contains an interview with Replika founder and CEO Eugenia Kuyda, where she discusses how AI tech makes companions possible and what the limits of current models are. Kuyda says the company's goal is not to replace real-life humans, but instead create an entirely new relationship category - a virtual being that can be used for whatever purposes users might need.
Replika CEO Eugenia Kuyda recently discussed her vision for AI companions in human relationships, highlighting the app's role in offering friendship, therapy, or romance through avatars. With the evolution of LLMs, Replika aims to complement, not replace, human interaction, creating a new category of relationships. Despite controversies, such as temporary restrictions on adult content, the app's intent remains to improve users' emotional well-being. With a user base in the millions and a team of 50-60, Replika is planning a significant relaunch to enhance interactivity and realism in conversations.