A foreign company has elected to attract U.S. Web surfers by adding a virtual character to the race for U.S. presidency. The virtual candidate, Jackie Strike , is the latest example of Web companies enlisting 3D animated figures to make product pitches, talk politics, and read the news. A Hamburg, Germany-based company developed Jackie, who offers her perspectives on campaign issues and responds directly to individuals' questions 24 hours a day. Goold said each company has invested its own funds to create Jackie. Software developed by NoDNA provides the plug-in that controls the virtual character's movements.
Some analysts are skeptical, saying that such virtual characters are merely marketing stunts.
It just seems like a useless gimmick. Stanley said that when he attempted to engage in a conversation about the issue of gun control with Jackie, the chat function didn't work well and it took four attempts to converse with the character. The technology is not there yet. Other analysts, however, said that Jackie may be on time to the party. The quality is more interesting, and I believe it's tied to higher connection speeds.