In the very first edition of Vutures, I wrote something along the lines of – ‘if it can be conceived, it can be created… it’s only a matter of time.’

I came across a Quartz article about the movie ‘Her’ whilst doom-scrolling X, which was curious to me for this very reason. Within Grok itself are AI companions. In my version, there are 5 to choose from – interestingly 4 of them have an 18+ marker.

I’m yet to have crossed the Rubicon. I guess I’m not short on real-life companions – but I appreciate that’s a privileged position to be in.

According to the eSafety Commissioner, roughly 8% of Australia’s youth (10-17) have used an AI-Companion. Other key quotes from the 2026 survey include ‘becoming increasingly popular’, ‘rise in popularity’, and ‘we’re just at the beginning of this’ point to these numbers increasing in the coming years.

For adults, the numbers are higher. According to a YouGov survey in 2025, 28% had been emotionally vulnerable with a chatbot at least once. 17% sometimes preferred staying home to talk to a chatbot rather than going out with friends, and 14% could imagine falling in love with an AI chatbot.

If RSI is holding you back from an AI-relationship, never fear – this is a Vutures article, so here are top official VR-companions for us isolated Aussies:

Xiora Headset

Compatibility: Quest 3 & 3S only

Key Features: Life-size mixed reality avatar appears in your real room; customise outfits and hairstyles; co-browse web pages together; avatar can initiate chats; multilingual support.

Pricing Model: Free 10-minute trial per day for 5 days, then paid subscription. Notes/Rating: One of the first official life-size MR companion apps, launched late 2025. Early adopter reviews average 3.5/5 (small sample size).

Replika – AI Friend Headset

Compatibility: All Quest models

Key Features: Full VR mode with your custom AI companion; recent updates bring independent movement and object interaction within your environment.

Pricing Model: Free tier available; Replika Pro subscription unlocks full features. Notes/Rating: The longest-running VR companion app, active since around 2021. Well-regarded for emotional support and roleplay scenarios.

Soulmate – AI Companion

Headset Compatibility: Quest 2, 3, 3S & Pro

Key Features: Fully customisable avatar; chat, roleplay, dress-up, and shared adventures.

Pricing Model: Freemium – free to download with in-app purchases.

Notes/Rating: One of the most popular options with hundreds of ratings. Focuses on fun and romantic-style interactions.

AI Roommate

Headset Compatibility: Quest 3 series

Key Features: Realistic AI companions in a shared virtual home environment; features advanced animations and immersive interactions.

Pricing Model: Check Meta Store (likely freemium).

Notes/Rating: A newer title generating buzz in 2026 reviews for its high realism. One to watch as it matures.

So if it can be conceived, like in the movie Her – it can be created… and it already has.

In true Aussie fashion, we’ve solved the tyranny of distance without ever leaving the couch. The future isn’t knocking on the door – it’s already slipped on a headset, made itself comfortable in the loungeroom, and asked if you want a virtual flat white.

We’d love to hear from you! Let us know your thoughts or experience with AI-Companions – just reply to this email!

🤩 A passionate team specialising in free-roam venues.