Download a Virtual Pal

Whoever said “You can’t buy friends” didn’t know about the Vperson.com Web site (https://www.vperson.com).

The site features three “verbots”--verbal software robots--all of which can be bought for a mere $14.95. The artificial personalities can speak and understand English through Natural Language technology.

You may have already seen verbots used in corporate training sessions, theme park kiosks, trade shows or computer games. Vperson.com lets you buy one for personal use.

Choose Sylvie, a plain-Jane type; Ka, an alien-like figure; Tokemi, a Swedish blond bombshell; or Virtual Personalities Inc. will create a verbot just for you. Each session with your virtual personality begins with a getting-to-know you period. Imagine having intelligent conversations with a computer screen! The best part is, when you do want your virtual buddy to shut up, it’s as easy as flipping a switch.