When the phone call arrived, Tarini Padmanabhuni’s grandfather thought he was conversing with his sibling. The voice on the other end claimed he had been abducted and that the only way to rescue him was to pay a ransom. Her grandfather complied, only to discover later that his brother was completely elsewhere, unaware of any such events occurring. The voice was revealed to be a deepfake, an imitation generated by AI.

“What left a lasting impression on me wasn’t the financial loss,” Padmanabhuni reflects on the experience. “It was that he had no means to verify.”

That incident happened about two years ago. Currently, she states, DetectifAI, the company she established in San Francisco, seeks to prevent others from being deceived in a similar manner.

This issue is significant and expanding, accompanied by a corresponding market. According to the FBI, last year, Americans were defrauded of nearly $900 million due to AI-fueled scams, an increase of 24% from 2024. Individuals aged 60 and above suffered losses double that of those between 50 to 59 years old.

The field of deepfake voice detection is crowded with competitors, including companies like Reality Defender, Pindrop, Resemble AI, Microsoft Azure AI Content Safety, and Nuance (owned by Microsoft too). However, existing detection solutions operate in the cloud on remote servers, which, as Padmanabhuni notes, prevents phone manufacturers from integrating them directly into their devices, leaving those targeted with limited protective measures.

Instead of downsizing large cloud models for mobile suitability, as some firms do, DetectifAI claims to develop compact AI models designed from the outset to operate within a smartphone’s operating system. The goal is to provide immediate assessment regarding whether a voice is AI-generated during calls, voice messages, and other audio, without the data ever leaving the device.

DetectifAI is currently marketing its offerings first to smartphone manufacturers, licensing its software tools so detection capabilities can be included as an integral feature of the phone’s operating system. Padmanabhuni likens this approach to AT&T’s involvement in the initial iPhone launch, where the carrier’s exclusive arrangement distinguished it from competitors: The first phone manufacturer to implement DetectifAI will have a competitive advantage, she suggests.

At the core of the product is DetectifAI’s software development kit (SDK), a collection of code that other companies can integrate into their offerings, which can be licensed through pre-existing channels. Padmanabhuni notes that an additional revenue stream will arise from licensing the technology to enterprises and fraud-detection firms.

Meanwhile, the startup already generates early revenue, according to Padmanabhuni, processing over 100,000 calls monthly for financial institutions in India. These calls are made by AI voice agents managing debt recovery and loan document follow-ups, with deepfake detection and speaker verification (confirming the identity of the callers) integrated into every call. Padmanabhuni chose not to disclose customers due to confidentiality agreements.

Padmanabhuni began her foray into machine learning at the age of 12 and pursued studies in cyber-physical systems (technology linking software with physical machinery) at Manipal Institute of Technology in India, where she claims to have become the youngest team leader in what she describes as India’s inaugural driverless race car division in Formula Student, an international student engineering challenge.

DetectifAI has, thus far, secured a modest seed investment from backers Josh Constine (formerly an editor at TechCrunch) and Manohar Kamath, a principal at the consulting services firm KM Growth. The company is among the startups carefully reviewed by TechCrunch’s editorial team to participate in the esteemed Startup Battlefield competition, occurring at TechCrunch Disrupt from October 13 to 15 in downtown San Francisco.

To explore DetectifAI and the other startups featured in this year’s contest, as well as to connect with the individuals funding them, join us next month.

For many years, the prospect of commercial fusion energy has appeared consistently unattainable. However, two firms are now moving towards a more tangible goal: integrating electricity generated by fusion into the power grid.

Commonwealth Fusion Systems (CFS) is constructing SPARC, a fusion demonstration device aimed at laying the groundwork for its inaugural commercial energy facility, ARC. Helion is in the process of developing Orion, a fusion power plant with a capacity of 50 megawatts, which is set to provide energy to Microsoft starting in 2028.

At TechCrunch Disrupt 2026, Brandon Sorbom, co-founder and chief science officer of CFS, along with David Kirtley, founder and CEO of Helion, will take to the Smart Systems Stage for a session titled “Bringing Fusion to the Grid.” They will explore the advancements propelling fusion technology forward, the obstacles that remain, and the requirements for scaling up fusion energy for grid integration.

Curious about the factors separating current fusion advancements from commercial viability? Secure your pass and invite your co-founder, partner, or colleague for 50% off their entry. Uncover the insights shaping the future of fusion collaboratively.

Transitioning fusion from theory to commercial energy

Brandon Sorbom co-established CFS in 2018 with aspirations to commercialize fusion energy in time to mitigate climate change. As the chief science officer, he directs the scientific trajectory and R&D initiatives of the company, aiding in the progress of the ARC design. The concept originates from his experiences at MIT, where Sorbom was the principal author of the study proposing the initial ARC design during his pursuit of a PhD in nuclear science and engineering.

Currently, CFS is progressing towards ARC via SPARC, the organization’s fusion demonstration apparatus. In April, CFS became the pioneer fusion entity to petition PJM Interconnection, the largest wholesale electricity market in the U.S.—an essential phase towards ultimately linking ARC to the grid. In July, the company secured an additional $1 billion, elevating its total funding to $4 billion.

For entrepreneurs and tech executives, Sorbom provides insights that encompass the journey from academic inquiry to the creation of a commercial fusion power facility, including the scientific and engineering hurdles that must be addressed along the way.

What steps are necessary to convert years of fusion research into commercial energy? Ensure your Disrupt pass and take a second at a 50% discount to gain insights from one of the scientists committed to facilitating that transition.

Testing fusion power

David Kirtley launched Helion to advance fusion technology capable of delivering energy on a commercial scale. A fellow of the NSF and NASA Advanced Concepts program, he possesses expertise in high-beta plasmas for energy generation and space propulsion applications, currently heading Helion as it progresses towards commercial fusion power.

In February, Helion revealed that its Polaris prototype succeeded in heating plasma to 150 million degrees Celsius. The firm is now focused on developing Orion, a fusion plant designed to provide electricity to Microsoft as soon as 2028. In June, Helion achieved a critical regulatory accomplishment on its path to constructing and operating the plant. Its Series G funding announcement, initially at $465 million in June, concluded at $500 million in September.

This timeline sharply raises the questions central to the Disrupt session. While scientific milestones are crucial, the commercialization of fusion also requires transitioning to a functional power plant that can consistently supply electricity to consumers.

What will be necessary to transform fusion achievements into electricity on the grid? Register for Disrupt and bring a companion at 50% off to gain Kirtley’s insights on the work that lies ahead.

Discover what hinders fusion and grid integration at Disrupt 2026

CFS and Helion are taking varied approaches to fusion, yet both are tackling the challenge at the heart of this discussion: evolving from scientific and engineering advancements to commercial power.

At Disrupt, Sorbom and Kirtley will share firsthand experiences governing their journey through that transition. For entrepreneurs, investors, and tech leaders, their discussion presents an opportunity to learn what is bringing fusion closer to commercialization, the challenges that persist, and what it will take for fusion energy to become widely available on the grid.

Their session is part of over 200 events across six industry stages, roundtables, and breakout sessions at Disrupt, which will occur from October 13-15 at Moscone West in San Francisco. More than 10,000 founders, investors, operators, and tech leaders are anticipated, along with more than 250 speakers and 300 exhibiting startups. In addition to the agenda, matchmaking, dealmaking, and networking will offer chances to connect with founders, investors, and innovators who are defining the future.

For decades, fusion has been viewed as the energy technology of tomorrow. Join two industry leaders as they strive to bring it closer to grid integration. These are the final moments to secure your pass and obtain a second of the same type at half price.

At first sight, the latest gadget from PNOĒ resembles something a supervillain from a comic book might don. The mask, which encloses the nose and mouth and secures at the back of the head, uncannily resembles Bane’s mask, Batman’s formidable adversary. However, its mission is much more innocent; it tracks your oxygen intake and carbon dioxide output, then interprets that information into recommendations on diet, exercise, and what the company aspires to be, longer life.

Based in Malden, Massachusetts, and also operating in Athens, Greece, PNOĒ is set to release the PNOĒ 2.0 on October 1. The significant upgrade from its existing model is that individuals can conduct the test independently. Co-founder and CEO Apostolos Atsalakis stated that one could walk into a gym, “simply wear the mask, press the button, sit down,” and breathe for eight minutes. “That’s all. It’s that straightforward,” he recently shared during a Zoom discussion from the company’s Athens branch.

This improvement matters because PNOĒ’s current device necessitates a trained technician, which limits its usage locations. An independent version could potentially provide access to fitness facilities without full-time staff and even pharmacies, Atsalakis explained.

The science underlying PNOĒ isn’t novel. Metabolic assessments, which evaluate the gases in a person’s inhalation to determine how the body generates energy, have existed for over a century. For many years, it’s been regarded as the benchmark for assessing VO₂ max, the peak quantity of oxygen the body can utilize during physical activity, a widely recognized index of cardiorespiratory fitness. However, these tests have typically required cumbersome, costly apparatus found primarily in sports laboratories and healthcare establishments, thus being predominantly accessed by elite athletes and corporate wellness programs.

What the decade-old PNOĒ promises is identical precision in a portable form, combined with software that interprets the findings into actionable advice. “We made it accessible to everyone,” Atsalakis emphasized.

The firm asserts that its test captures 23 biomarkers, encompassing (in addition to measuring VO₂ max) resting metabolic rate (the amount of calories the body expends at rest) and metabolic flexibility (the efficiency with which the body transitions between burning fat and carbohydrates). Atsalakis contends that these metrics address queries that blood tests fail to resolve, like how many calories an individual requires or how they should exercise.

The timing is advantageous for PNOĒ. VO₂ max has gained traction among longevity advocates, partly due to studies correlating enhanced cardiorespiratory fitness with decreased mortality. Atsalakis identifies VO₂ max as the most significant predictor of human longevity and views his company’s data as a type of scorecard for the thriving wellness sector.

The new gadget is more compact and simpler than its predecessor, with fewer components, which Atsalakis noted enhances its reliability. It was developed in collaboration with Milan-based Design Group Italia during what Atsalakis characterized as “a considerable number of iterations,” since a self-administered metabolic testing device had not been previously created.

It also resolves a concern that users, especially post-pandemic, are likely to have: who used it last? The response: it’s irrelevant, as the electronics can be detached from the silicone mask and straps, allowing multiple users to share the expensive hardware while retaining their own mask.

Despite its clinical aspirations, PNOĒ is cautious about its assertions. The device has not received clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and Atsalakis stated that “we do not provide medical advice.” Rather, PNOĒ regards itself as a wellness tool. “It’s similar to a body composition device, like a scale,” he explained. “A physician cannot prescribe medication based on our outcomes.”

That may evolve in the future. Researchers have continuously examined whether elements in human breath could indicate illnesses such as cancer, and Atsalakis believes the company’s expanding data collection could eventually aid in identifying health concerns. Nonetheless, he acknowledged that comprehensive diagnoses are “definitely a few years away,” with regulatory barriers likely extending that timeline. “We’re not at that stage yet,” he admitted.

PNOĒ finds its origins in Atsalakis’s PhD research in sensing technologies at the University of Cambridge, a period when wearables were gaining momentum and he became intrigued by what breath could reveal about the human body. He co-founded the company with Panos Papadiamantis, a longtime friend who currently serves as the chief product officer.

The startup participated in Y Combinator’s Winter 2019 cohort, at a time when “longevity” was not yet the widespread industry it has become. Since then, it has secured approximately $22 million in funding, inclusive of a recently closed $11 million round, from investors such as 50 Years and Google Maps co-founder Lars Rasmussen, who is now based in Athens himself.

PNOĒ exclusively sells to businesses, which in turn provide the test to their clientele. Its customers comprise Equinox, where the test is available at nearly all locations, according to Atsalakis, along with Four Seasons hotels, Red Bull, the NBA, the Mount Sinai Health System, and the med spa chain Restore Hyper Wellness.

Approximately 85% of its revenue is derived from the U.S., which Atsalakis characterized as “by far the most advanced market globally” in terms of longevity. The firm is currently expanding into Europe and, via partners, into Latin America and Asia.

Businesses pay a monthly subscription fee ranging from $400 to over $1,000, which encompasses the hardware, software, training, and marketing resources, a package Atsalakis refers to as a “business in a box.” PNOĒ also links its findings to the services offered by a business, allowing a gym or spa to recommend specific products based on a customer’s test results. Many clients utilize the test during onboarding, Atsalakis noted, placing it between a comprehensive clinical evaluation and the approximations provided by personal fitness trackers.

This intermediate space is becoming increasingly competitive. Apple, Garmin, and Whoop estimate VO₂ max using heart rate data, while consumer products like Lumen evaluate breath to assess fat and carbohydrate utilization. At the high end, traditional metabolic carts continue to be the standard in clinical and laboratory settings.

PNOĒ, which employs 110 staff members, reports that it has recently become profitable while experiencing annual growth exceeding 100%. Atsalakis stated that the company intends to initiate a Series B funding round in the next six to twelve months as it aims to place its mask — Bane associations and all — in front of a wider audience.

Google has initiated trials for shoppers in India to purchase items from Walmart-owned Flipkart directly via Gemini and AI Mode, as the tech giant aims to extend its AI services from product exploration to transactions.

Participants in the trial are seeing a “Buy” button on select Flipkart product displays within Gemini and Google’s AI Mode, which directs them immediately to a Flipkart checkout process without leaving the AI interface, according to sources familiar with the situation and an encounter observed by TechCrunch.

The initial trial is restricted to a limited number of users and a small array of products, including smartphones, electronics, and mobile accessories, the sources informed TechCrunch. Other users continue to notice standard product listings from Flipkart in Gemini and AI Mode without the direct purchase option from the AI interface.

Google is expected to broaden the experience later in October, prior to India’s festive shopping period, as noted by one of the individuals.

This test emerges as Google and competitors such as OpenAI are integrating commerce functionalities into their AI platforms, working to evolve from merely answering shopping inquiries and suggesting products to taking a more immediate part in online transactions.

In response to questions regarding the Flipkart trial, a Google representative told TechCrunch that the company is “constantly evaluating new functionalities and experiences to assist users in discovering and interacting with businesses more seamlessly.” The company regularly conducts trials and lacks additional details to provide, the representative added.

Google has also been developing technology aimed at facilitating purchases through its AI offerings. Earlier this year, it unveiled the Universal Commerce Protocol (UCP) as an open standard intended to enable AI agents to engage with retailers throughout the shopping process, including checkout. Google mentioned that this technology would permit shoppers to acquire qualifying products via Gemini and AI Mode utilizing a Google-managed checkout experience. The company has since enhanced UCP with more features, including enabling shoppers to transfer items to a retailer’s website to finalize a purchase.

The Flipkart trial observed by TechCrunch seems distinct from the Google-hosted checkout experience previously showcased by Gemini’s developer. It presents a Flipkart-branded checkout process when a user selects the Buy button. The technology underpinning the trial remains unclear.

Earlier this month, Google announced that Flipkart was among the vendors collaborating with it to deliver what it refers to as “agentic” shopping experiences to consumers in India, but it did not reveal specifics about the trial or its implementation schedule.

Importantly, Google has a financial connection with Flipkart — in addition to its technological alliance with the e-commerce entity. It invested approximately $350 million in the e-commerce firm in 2024 as part of a funding round led by the U.S. retailer, acquiring a minority ownership.

India, as the second-largest internet market globally with over a billion internet users, witnesses fierce competition between Flipkart and Amazon for online shoppers. This rivalry escalates during the country’s festive period, when e-commerce companies launch some of their most significant sales and promotions of the year.

Currently, the Buy option does not appear across all retailers showcased by Google’s AI services. In the experience noted by TechCrunch, listings from competitors, including Amazon, appeared alongside Flipkart products but did not provide the option for direct purchase through the AI interface.

Flipkart did not promptly reply to an email seeking comments.

Two firms have announced they will permit advertising for director Alex Gibney’s forthcoming documentary on Elon Musk, after prior reports indicated that several social media platforms had denied the ads.

The Hollywood Reporter ran a story on Friday stating that TikTok, Meta, YouTube, and X had all declined to display paid advertisements promoting the trailer for “Musk.”

However, when TechCrunch contacted Meta on Saturday, a representative stated, “This was a mistake and the ads are being reinstated.” We’ve sought additional information from Meta and will update this article if we receive a response.

YouTube also provided an update on Saturday, mentioning that “the trailer has always been accessible on YouTube.” (Indeed, that’s how we were able embed it at the conclusion of this article.) The company further stated, “When submitted as an ad, it was briefly restricted by our system. After review, the ad has been approved for airing.”

X’s refusal comes as no surprise — Musk, who owns the social media site, recently tweeted that “Dogshit deserves more respect than Gibney.” 

However, Meta, TikTok, and YouTube reportedly turned down the ad for its “political content,” which these platforms have various limitations regarding. (Meta announced last year that it would cease accepting political ads in the European Union, while TikTok states it doesn’t run political advertisements at all.) It remains unclear how a documentary trailer qualifies as campaign advertising, and the film’s U.S. distributor Bleecker Street informed the Hollywood Reporter that it has contested the denials.

Gibney has directed celebrated documentaries such as “Going Clear” (about the Church of Scientology) and “The Inventor” (focused on Elizabeth Holmes and Theranos), in addition to a film about Steve Jobs. “Musk,” his most recent work, debuted at the Venice International Film Festival earlier this month and has garnered nearly universally positive feedback. The film currently holds a 100% “fresh” rating on Rotten Tomatoes and is scheduled for a theatrical release in the United States on October 9.

Vulture’s Bilge Ebiri described the nearly four-hour documentary as an insightful exploration of Musk’s technological journey, his connection with President Donald Trump, and his private life, featuring interviewees including ex-wife Justine Musk and former right-wing influencer Ashley St. Clair (who recently had a child with Musk but now refers to him as “a nuke”).

Ebiri remarked that while the film is a “captivating” character study, he added, “As a narrative of contemporary business, it’s illuminating. And as a cautionary tale about our future, it’s chilling.”

In spite of the initial surge of critical praise, The Hollywood Reporter also mentioned that Universal Pictures was hesitating in its commitment to distribute the film globally, reportedly out of concern of provoking the Trump administration. (Universal later confirmed that it will release the documentary in theaters but is still determining its release strategy).

TechCrunch has also reached out to TikTok, X, and Bleecker Street for comments.

This post has been updated to include YouTube’s announcement that it has approved the ad.

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Recently, I was told something every pet owner dreads: my apartment had the unmistakable odor of a wet dog. Terrifying. 

Given the endless fur and dander that seem to infiltrate every corner despite my best efforts, the conversation was likely warranted. So, when Levoit introduced its Vital Pet Pro Air Purifier, I was intrigued to see if it could truly make a substantial difference. 

Specifically designed for homes with pets, the $189.99 unit adopts a more focused strategy than traditional air purifiers, integrating a three-stage filtration system with features aimed at combating one of the major challenges pet owners encounter: fur everywhere. (And the occasional “wet dog” aroma.) 

The three-stage filtration system includes a washable pre-filter, a primary filter, and an activated carbon filter. The pre-filter traps larger particles like pet hair, while the primary filter addresses smaller particles and dander. The carbon filter is engineered to neutralize odors, containing 140 grams of activated carbon.

One of the purifier’s standout design features is its U-shaped air inlet, which Levoit claims is meant to catch airborne pet hair and particles while enhancing airflow and preventing filter clogging.

After using the purifier for just over a week, I found it notably effective at gathering fur and trapping the kind of debris that usually ends up swirling around or settling on furniture.

Regarding pet odors, Levoit states that the Vital Pet Pro can eliminate up to 70% of smells in an hour. While I can’t conduct an exact test to confirm this, the improvement was evident. After running the purifier, the room had a much fresher scent.

I also liked the automatic cleaning feature, which eliminates accumulated hair and debris from the pre-filter and collects it in a detachable tray. This practical function is especially beneficial when compared to having to disassemble the purifier regularly to remove fur.

Moreover, the accompanying app provides various modes that enhance the purifier’s hands-free operation. Auto Plus Mode observes variations in air quality and adjusts the purifier’s settings in real time.

Pet Mode is tailored to address how pet-related particles can accumulate throughout the day. It alternates between operating the fan at maximum speed for 15 minutes to capture particulates in the pre-filter and then switching to a lower speed for 60 minutes to sustain air quality while minimizing noise and energy consumption.

Additionally, instead of showcasing a numerical air-quality reading, the Vital Pet Pro employs a straightforward color coding system. Red signifies poor air quality, orange indicates moderate, green represents good, and cyan denotes very good. I actually prefer this method since one can quickly glance at the purifier to gauge air quality improvement without needing to interpret a numerical value.

I should also mention that the Vital Pet Pro is slightly larger than I anticipated, so ensure there’s sufficient floor space before bringing one home.

Noise is another factor to consider. At its maximum setting, the fan is definitely noticeable. However, when the purifier operates at a lower setting, it’s quiet enough to leave on throughout the night without interrupting my sleep. For those sensitive to noise, Sleep Mode allows the purifier to operate even more silently.

The air purifier can be purchased from Levoit’s website, Amazon, Chewy, and various other retailers.

This summer, I was taken aback when Alexandru Voica, the head of corporate affairs at Synthesia, a video-generation startup, shared a link to the latest member of their PR team. It was an interactive virtual avatar of himself, designed to respond to typical press inquiries about Synthesia, such as its operations and functionalities. Just the day prior, I participated in a panel where PR professionals asked whether I was comfortable with AI-generated text pitches. However, Alexandru’s avatar transcended that — it struck me as the ultimate application of AI in PR. 

In September, I received an invitation from Synthesia to explore their new office in New York. Formerly headquartered in the U.K., Synthesia has emerged as a leading digital avatar startup, joining the ranks of competitors like D-ID, HeyGen, and Colossyan. Earlier this year, it achieved a remarkable $4 billion valuation and disclosed that it surpassed $100 million in annual recurring revenue the previous year.

Synthesia enables businesses to create engaging training videos featuring AI avatars and has recently introduced a feature called Roleplay Sessions, allowing employees to practice sales pitches with an AI avatar that interacts with them and assesses their performance.

When I attended the grand opening of their new office and they offered me a chance to have my own AI avatar, I immediately agreed. Naturally, I wanted my own digital counterpart. My outfit that day was stylish, and my hair was perfectly styled.

Before encountering my digital twin, I had felt indifferent towards avatars; however, I recognized their future role in our online interactions. I had heard about individuals on Instagram crafting avatars resembling themselves to create social media content. I find the concept quite captivating, which perhaps explains my eagerness to showcase my digital twin to you. This marks the first time Synthesia has created a digital avatar for a journalist (or anyone else, apart from Voica). It is specifically programmed to respond to inquiries related to my article about the propensity for venture-backed startups to engage in higher fraud rates than those without VC backing.

To begin, simply click “start in a new window.”

You can inquire about:

• What prompted me to write this article?
• What is the topic of the research paper?
• What conclusions did the researchers draw?

In order to create this avatar, I stepped into a small film studio within Synthesia’s office, where they took countless photos of me and recorded a two-minute audio sample of my voice. I had to grant permission for these avatars to be created, and thus, digital Dom came into existence. They designed a personal avatar for me (which simply reads any script I provide) — available both with and without glasses — along with two interactive avatars (capable of responding and processing my input), also in both styles. 

We selected an article to inform the training of the interactive avatar, after which one of the teams developed my interactive avatar, utilizing a mix of voice-to-text, video, language, and text-to-voice technologies. My avatar’s technological foundation utilizes Synthesia’s proprietary voice and video models, though the company permits clients to opt for alternatives from other providers like Cartesia, ElevenLabs, Google, or OpenAI. Organizations can also select their preferred cloud for hosting their avatars or choose to have Synthesia manage hosting services.

The voice-to-text system converts spoken words into text, the agentic language model interprets text and can take corresponding actions, the text-to-voice model converts responses to audio, and lastly, a video model (developed by Synthesia) animates the avatar while it speaks. 

In total, Synthesia develops three categories of products: a video-creation and distribution platform featuring traditional avatars, where a script is typed and repeated by the avatar; an agentic platform called Sessions where users can engage with avatars in surveys or role-play; and an API platform enabling users to integrate Synthesia’s video and voice technologies with other services to create interactive avatars or diverse products.

Creating my avatars took the Synthesia team a few days. I began with the personal avatars and wrote a simple script to assess how my AI voice sounded. I had it discuss the arrival of fall in New York, which is my favorite season. The voice was fairly accurate, and I was pleased it didn’t capture the hoarseness I experienced while recording my voice sample. 

I presented it to some non-tech-savvy friends, who found it both intriguing and unsettling.

Afterward, I revealed my interactive version, which operates deterministically, meaning it can only respond with the information it was trained with. In this instance, that was my venture fraud article. I tried asking where I was prior to joining TechCrunch and what part of New York I resided in, but each inquiry reverted me back to the story.

My friends felt the voice didn’t closely resemble mine, and they thought the likeness was not nearly as strong as the personal avatar, yet it was still sufficiently close to evoke some discomfort. My mother deemed it “amazing,” which is quite a compliment from her. She and my father attempted to ask it questions that only they would know about me — but the model repeatedly redirected them to the venture fraud article.

“I don’t recall giving birth to two of you,” she joked after testing the model.

This experience prompted me to ponder the future of journalism. Would people accept news presentations delivered by an avatar? One investor immediately responded no. There’s considerable backlash today against AI-generated content saturating social media and other news platforms. However, others I spoke with were uncertain. Could avatars supplement — or even substitute — journalists? Would CEOs prefer to interact with an AI avatar representing a journalist instead of a human? 

What I value about my profession is the connection with individuals, crafting stories, and diving into new topics. Yet, trust remains the cornerstone of journalism. That aspect seems unlikely to be outsourced to AI.

Beyond journalism, I believe the concept of cloning oneself could be enticing. No more scrambling to catch up on work after a holiday or vacation, as a version of you could always be present, responding to inquiries.

We will have to observe the evolution of avatar usage in corporate America. However, now that I have my own, I carry a mix of emotions. Once I overcame the initial novelty, I scrutinized my avatar closely after it ceased speaking and waited — for what, I cannot specify. Perhaps I anticipated it to blink. Or to utter something new, or smile, or simply to indicate it knows. 

Since my digital twins are deterministic, they will never do that. But it’s easy to see how someone might spiral into a sense of AI psychosis with one that operated nondeterministically, driven by a chatbot that could freely elaborate.

I mentioned to one investor that regardless of what lies ahead for digital twins, my generation, Gen Z, likely won’t acclimate to them. They feel like something out of science fiction: Everything we’ve envisioned in movies is now a reality. Nevertheless, I find digital avatars less unsettling than humanoid robots. At least with an avatar, if things get odd, I can simply log off. 

Until then, here is my personal avatar delivering the highlights of the top stories on our website this week!