An app is in development that will come to get to know you through questions and taking data from your phoneThe 2013 Academy Award-nominated film Herdealt with virtual voice companions who interacted with humans through their personal cell phones and devices. Providing advice and companionship for the main character, Samantha was able to interact through audio with the outside world. While we aren’t at that level of technology yet, we may be one step closer.
Created by Blast Theory, Karen is a mobile storytelling experience that puts the user front and center in a thrilling game. At first, the digital counselor states that she just wants to help you through issues, but soon she starts pulling information from your phone to get to know you in ways you may not want it to. It promises to be a one-of-a-kind experience if they can get their Kickstarter funded by Nov. 5, 2014.
Believe it or not, Karen is a play on the exchange of personal data from establishments that have no right to share it, though perhaps less scary of a concept according to the Kickstarter page:
We’re always looking at where technology is going, and what that might mean for culture and storytelling. At the moment we are really fascinated with big data, and particularly how governments and large companies such as Facebook are collecting data on us secretly and using it without our consent.
We feel it’s our job as artists to pose questions about these trends. Karen pushes the boundaries of artistic apps and uses data in a way that is playful, open and fun.
As of Oct. 19, the Karen Kickstarter has earned nearly £9,000–about $14,500 in USD–of its £15,000 goal with just over two weeks to go. A donation of £10, just over $16, will get you first access to a download of the app. Larger donations will earn you special meet ups, original artwork, personality reports, posters and more. If you want to be part of this unique social experiment that’s as simple as interacting with your phone like you do every day, you’ll have to make sure the project gets funded.
