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Beyond the grave: AI and the virtual afterlife

September 20, 2024

Artificial intelligence is offering the possibility of a digital afterlife — where the deceased can live on as avatars or chatbots. These AI developments could bring profound changes to the grieving process.

https://p.dw.com/p/4ktJb
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DW Sendung Shift | Somnium Space

Living on as an avatar in the metaverse

Living on as an avatar in the metaverse

A Czech metaverse platform is developing a way for users to live on as avatars after death. User data collected during virtual reality sessions will help to create the basis for the avatar.
Digital WorldSeptember 21, 202401:38 min
A portrait of Michael Bommer smiling

Eternal life – thanks to audio AI?

Eternal life – thanks to audio AI?

Before Michael Bommer died, he worked with a US start-up to train an audio AI in his own voice. Now the AI can speak in his place, telling stories from his life and holding conversations.
Digital WorldSeptember 21, 202402:53 min
DW Sendung Shift | Eternal You

The end of mortality

The end of mortality

AI tools are being tested around the world to help people maintain connections with the dead. The documentary "Eternal You" meets people who have already tried out the new technologies for digital immortality.
Digital WorldSeptember 21, 202402:37 min
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Skip next section Similar stories from Germany

Similar stories from Germany

A view of two sex dolls in a brothel, in dim light

How well can an AI sex doll hold a conversation?

At the Berlin Cybrothel, customers can talk with AI sex dolls. How good are the dolls at keeping a conversation going?
Digital WorldOctober 4, 202403:36 min
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Taiwan's TSMC starts building new German computer chip plant

The world's largest chipmaker, Taiwan's TSMC, has broken ground on its new semiconductor plant in Dresden.
BusinessAugust 21, 202403:00 min
DW Sendung Made in Germany | Avatare

3D avatars for the metaverse

Naureen Mehmood’s AI platform simplifies the process of creating 3D avatars.
SocietySeptember 20, 202203:46 min
Skip next section More on Digital World from Europe

More on Digital World from Europe

EU flag on smartphone screen

How the EU wants to regulate AI

The EU wants new laws enacted to regulate artificial intelligence. What impact might this have on innovation?
Digital WorldJuly 31, 202301:47 min
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New regulations for AI systems

How should AI be regulated? The European Commission has proposed an initial set of rules.
Digital WorldApril 21, 202301:08 min
Eco Africa | 10.09.2021

Europe's push for smart cities

Across Europe, new ideas are popping up for how to make cities more efficient for the 21st century.
Digital WorldSeptember 10, 202106:04 min
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Skip next section More on Digital World from around the world

More on Digital World from around the world

Two scientist in front of a futuristic touchscreen

Where is Europe in the global AI race?

Can Europe catch up the US and China on the artificial intelligence front?
Digital WorldDecember 24, 202404:03 min
external

Fact check: The most bizarre fakes of 2024

From diapers in the election campaign, migrants allegedly eating pets and crickets in chocolate - none of this happened this year. Here are DW's picks of the strangest fakes from this year. 
Digital WorldDecember 23, 202407:53 min
SHIFT Ai-Da Robo-Artist Millionaire

Bans, scams and demands: The future of tech — Shift

Social media bans, online shopping scams, and robo-artists. What’s next for the tech world?
Digital WorldDecember 20, 202412:34 min
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More from this show

The screen of a device showing an AI generated video.

Sora AI video generator: What you need to know

OpenAI's new video platform Sora lets you create clips using short text prompts. How does it work?
TechnologyDecember 12, 202404:02 min
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Why our brain loves immersive art

One thing is clear: art is as important for our well-being as a good night's sleep and exercise.
Digital WorldDecember 6, 202401:22 min
Shift AI Art

Hypnotic digital data sculptures

Refik Anadol turns data into immersive and ever-changing works of art.
Digital WorldDecember 6, 202401:45 min
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Skip next section About the show

About the show

Shift
Image: DWImage: DW

Shift — Living in the Digital Age

Can I use blockchain technology? Will artificial intelligence take over my career? What exactly is "Machine Learning"? These are some of the questions „SHIFT – Living in the Digital Age“ tries to answer.

Go to show Shift