San francisco: Kindred Labs, an artificial intelligence (AI) companion startup, has announced a strategic partnership with IPX (formerly known as LINE FRIENDS) to develop AI-powered companion experiences that bring beloved character personalities into everyday digital life.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the primary way people will experience their personal AI will be through something they genuinely love seeing every day. Max Giammario, chief executive officer of Kindred Labs, expressed enthusiasm about the project, imagining the delight fans will feel when characters like BROWN start appearing in daily life as a familiar presence.

The companions are designed to be a constant presence on users' screens, appearing seamlessly in daily moments from desktops and mobiles to emerging platforms like smart glasses. These companions will not only display personality and expression but will also function as personal assistants, becoming a central way people interact with AI throughout their day.

The partnership is set to launch globally in April 2026, excluding China, and coincides with the 15th anniversary of LINE FRIENDS' character BROWN. This collaboration offers fans a new way to connect with the character. The deal was facilitated by Beanstalk, a division of CAA Brand Management, representing IPX as its interactive licensing agent.