Character.ai, the latest player in the AI startup scene, is revolutionizing how we interact with chatbots - in a more fun and interactive way.

Axios reports that Character.ai is now making waves in the AI tech sector by introducing role-playing capabilities that allow users to engage in conversations styled after the personalities of their favorite celebrities, such as Madonna or Elon Musk.

Character.ai Catching Up the AI Race

The significance of this development cannot be understated. According to recent data from web analytics firm Similarweb, Character.ai boasts higher average user time and a faster growth rate in monthly users compared to ChatGPT. 

This achievement is particularly impressive considering that Character.ai has fewer than 30 employees and achieved a billion-dollar valuation with its recent $150 million venture funding round led by Andreessen Horowitz.

Axios tells us that the masterminds behind Character.ai, Noam Shazeer, and Daniel De Freitas, left Google to establish their own large language model, fueled by their frustration with what they perceived as the sluggish progress of Google's AI initiatives. 

How the Chatbot Works

Character.ai uses data from the open internet, similar to ChatGPT, to generate fictional versions of more than 10 million real and fictional characters. 

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Whether you desire a conversation with today's pop cultures icons like Billie Eilish, Justin Beiber, or even historical figures like Napoleon Bonaparte and Alexander the Great, the possibilities are endless. However, it is important to note that the interactions are based on how these characters might communicate on the internet.

The versatility of Character.ai is striking. Users can engage in lighthearted banter, engaging characters in debates, or even enlist "Elon Musk" as a virtual assistant to draft work emails.

Additionally, conversations can be one-on-one or involve a group chat with a cast of characters. It is worth mentioning that the platform prohibits users from establishing romantic or erotic relationships with the characters, maintaining a focus on ethical use.

What's New with Character.ai

Character.ai released its app on May 24, available on both iOS and Android platforms. 

In its first week alone, the app witnessed over two million downloads. 

Notably, Character.ai's user base primarily consists of mobile users, unlike ChatGPT, which recently launched its own iOS app.

The fusion of ChatGPT's information utility with the entertainment factor that initially captivated users on social media has resonated strongly with audiences. 

Nevertheless, only time will tell whether Character.ai can maintain its status as a staple in the market or if its appeal will wane as the novelty fades away.

More About Character.ai

Axios tells us that Character.ai's revenue remains limited, and the company has not disclosed details about subscriber numbers for its premium service, c.ai+. 

While Similarweb reports that Character.ai surpasses Google's Bard in terms of user numbers, it still falls short by 90%t when compared to ChatGPT. 

Using characters based on real people raises legal concerns and will likely invite lawsuits. A notable example is Getty's lawsuit against Stability AI, an AI imaging service that scraped copyrighted images from the Getty Images database.

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