Napster returns with AI companions and $99 holographic display

Napster has returned with Napster 26, an AI collaboration platform for Mac users, alongside Napster View, a $99 glasses-free holographic display that projects 3D AI companions above your desktop. This marks a dramatic pivot for the company that once revolutionized music sharing, now positioning itself in the emerging market of embodied AI interactions and creative collaboration tools.

What you should know: Napster 26 offers access to over 15,000 specialized AI companions designed for real-time collaboration across various professional domains.

• These AI agents function as coding instructors, wellness coaches, designers, business advisors, and more—essentially “custom GPTs but with faces,” according to the company.
• Unlike traditional chatbots, these companions are context-aware, understanding what’s on your screen and adapting to your workflow while maintaining memory of past conversations.
• The platform launches today via web browser, with iOS and Android mobile versions coming soon and PC support expected in 2026.

The big picture: Napster View represents a novel approach to AI interaction by creating a dedicated holographic space separate from your main workspace.

• The device projects 3D AI companions without requiring VR headsets or special glasses, enabling what the company describes as “natural, face-to-face conversation.”
• Users can engage in live 3D video calls with AI avatars or other users’ digital twins—AI-powered representations that can attend meetings when the actual person is unavailable.
• Push-to-talk privacy controls ensure users maintain control over when the AI is listening or active.

Why this matters: This launch signals a shift toward embodied AI experiences that could redefine how people interact with artificial intelligence in professional settings.

• Rather than replacing traditional interfaces entirely, Napster’s approach keeps AI visually separate while making interactions more natural and persistent.
• The integration of digital twins for remote collaboration could address growing demand for hybrid work solutions that maintain personal connection.

The creative economy angle: Napster is building what it calls a new ecosystem for AI-driven collaboration and content creation.

• Users can work not only with AI companions but also collaborate with other users and their digital twins on projects.
• Completed work can be published directly to the Napster platform, potentially creating a community-driven creative marketplace.

What they’re saying: Napster CEO John Acunto positions this as infrastructure rather than just another app.

• “This isn’t an app,” Acunto says in the press release. “It’s the infrastructure for a new era of human creativity.”
• He emphasizes that this approach “removes traditional barriers to expertise such as geography and cost, and positions AI as a full-time creative partner.”

How to get it: Napster View is available starting today for $99, including one free month of Napster 26 access.

• Subscription plans will be offered after the initial month, though pricing hasn’t been disclosed.
• Users need a Mac to run the platform and can order or download the app at napster.ai/apps.