Tokyo-based Internet of Things company Vinclu Inc has created a virtual personal assistant called Gatebox AI that features a female anime-like character projected inside a glass tube.

Azuma Hikari, the holographic character who lives inside the Gatebox, was created by the Japanese company and it "seemingly" beats the other alternatives like Siri, Cortana, and Alexa.

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Gatebox consists of a screen and a projector, which brings Hikari (meaning "light" in Japanese ) to life inside the gadget. The device can be connected to the user's home network to automate household appliances. Further, voice controls let the users talk to Hikari, with the option of engaging in text messaging when not at home. On the outside of the device are microphones, cameras, and sensors to detect temperature and motion, so she can interact with the user on a more personal level, rather than just being a voice on one's phone.

Basically, the result is a fully interactive virtual girl who can control users' smart home equipment. She can, for instance, wake the user up in the morning, fill in on the day's activities, remind one of things to remember, and even welcome one back home from work. The Gatebox can connect to other devices via Bluetooth, WiFi, and to devices like TV with an HDMI connection.

Since Hikari is artificially intelligent, she takes the time to learn and gets better with experience to handle verbal conversations more expertly. Conversing in Japanese only, she can communicate initially via messages in the controlling app throughout the day. The app is compatible with both Android and iOS.

Azuma Hikari, designed by Taro Minoboshi who is known for working on Konami's Love Plus dating sim game series, has a back story. According to her dedicated website, she enjoys watching anime and eating donuts and does not like insects. Her dream is to become a heroine and currently keeps people company for a living. According to a recent report, 32 percent of the population in Japan comprises of single-person households. Thus, launching such a product in the country makes complete sense.

The Gatebox can be pre-ordered at the moment and will work in the US. The first production run is limited to 300 units, which will cost around $2,600 each.