New Experiences With the Line AI chatbot you can talk to Line

 To celebrate Serial Experiments Lain's 25th anniversary, a new AI chatbot is being launched that allows you to talk to Lain Iwakura.

New Experiences With the Line AI chatbot you can talk to Line

On the occasion of the 25th anniversary of Serial Experiments Lain, a novel AI chatbot has emerged, allowing enthusiasts to engage in conversations with the enigmatic character, Lain Iwakura.

This groundbreaking Lain AI has been developed by Anique, a digital event logistics firm and purveyor of collectibles and NFTs. Powered by OpenAI and voiced by CoeFont, this AI marvel has undergone extensive training using archived recordings of Lain's voice actress, Kaori Shimizu, along with the original anime scripts. Notably, it can convert fluently in both Japanese and English, using Shimizu's voice as a foundation.

Kaori Shimizu expressed her excitement about this innovative project, stating, “After 25 years since the creation of Lain, being involved in bringing her back to the world filled me with immense joy. To think that an AI has learned to reproduce my voice from 25 Years ago gives me goosebumps! From the beginning, rather than acting in the role of Lain, I've always felt almost as if Lain simply borrowed my natural voice at the time. So, if I'm asked now to do Lain's voice again , it's true that I can replicate it, but I can't become Lain again. That's how different Lain really is from other roles I've played until now, and I'm delighted that Lain is constantly evolving. I'm curious how People new to Lain will feel as they delve into her world, and I sincerely hope that individuals from various generations and different countries will have the opportunity to experience the resurrected Lain in the modern era, brought to life through technology.”

The AI Lain is deliberately designed to be initially distant and reserved, even refraining from revealing its digital visage to users. However, as interactions progress, she warms up, exhibiting a range of visual expressions and offering more extensive responses.

However, there's a caveat to this captivating project - monetization. Users are permitted only ten messages before a subscription is required. The cost for unlimited chatting is $20 per month (or $100 for six months). Subscribers gain the privilege of suggesting new vocabulary for Lain's repertoire and are entered into a monthly contest with the chance to win anime cels, framed artwork, and other collectibles. There's also a Sponsor Plan available for a flat fee of $5,000, which includes ten unlimited memberships and a commercial usage license for the Lain AI.

Yasuyuki Ueda, the story writer and producer of Serial Experiments Lain, shared his thoughts on the project, stating, “Working with Anique on the AI Lain service this time, I was keenly aware of the technical challenges of AI, the difficulty of implementation, "And the challenges it faces as a service. Nevertheless, I enjoyed the process of AI Lain's growth during the development, and I hope others can also enjoy this development or 'experiment' process itself and Lain's future growth."

The AI Line is set to receive monthly updates, including various holiday-themed events, ensuring that she remains a dynamic and ever-evolving digital companion. It is now accessible through the official AI Lain website, offering fans a chance to immerse themselves in the unique world of Lain Iwakura brought to life in the modern era through cutting-edge technology.