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Virtually at Your Service

published March 14, 2008

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( 4 votes, average: 5 out of 5)
What do you think about this article? Rate it using the stars above and let us know what you think in the comments below.
And so, especially in this time-starved world, the last thing anyone wants to do after a long day at the office, or a long day spent taking care of the kids and shuttling them from school to sports practices or music lessons, is, say, answer the door because someone is selling magazine subscriptions. Cue the Virtual Butler.

Opulent Items, a company that touts its collection of unique luxury gifts, "was founded in Miami's Design District and is based on the principle that the unusual is exciting and that the common is ever-present." Moreover, it is the company's goal to "present an eclectic collection of unique luxury gifts to the public...for those who desire fantastic life products." One such offering, which aims to make life easier, is the Virtual Butler.


The $20,000 Virtual Butler is just that — a technological system that carries out some of the same tasks that a real-life butler would. The Butler, accessible at any time of the day or night, "is an amazingly intelligent computer server that connects to most of your home's electronics," such as the front gate, back door, or Jacuzzi.

The Virtual Butler can perform various tasks primarily falling into two categories: alerting the homeowner when the surrounding environment is altered (e.g., when a door opens) or manipulating appliances. For instance, the Butler can alert the house owner if someone comes to the front gate — it is so sophisticated that "it literally shows you...through a live video feed." It can also turn on the Jacuzzi outside and let you know when it has reached the temperature of your liking or turn on some music. It can serve as a quasi-assistant and provide reminders about upcoming appointments as well.

Due to the fact that the butler is virtual, it can take on a variety of characteristics. Although the preset butler looks like an older English gentleman and speaks with a British accent, it can be programmed to look and sound like anything the owner likes.

The butler only appears when it has a message, such as an announcement of the completion of a task, or when it has been called upon. Its image appears in a specially designed mirror, 31 inches by 21 inches by five inches, and it speaks through the home's sound/speaker system.

So, no matter the task, purchasing the Virtual Butler means that there is an "individual" that resides in your home that is completely committed to you and your needs. And while it may not be that difficult to open a door, turn on a Jacuzzi, or check your schedule yourself, it's comforting to know that with the Butler you don't have to. After all, your free time, and what you do with it, is precious.


published March 14, 2008

( 4 votes, average: 5 out of 5)
What do you think about this article? Rate it using the stars above and let us know what you think in the comments below.