LINE FRIENDS characters can now live on your device with Kindred.
SINGAPORE, March 5, 2026–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Kindred Labs today announced strategic partnerships with IPX (formerly LINE FRIENDS), globally recognized character brands LINE FRIENDS, BT21, ZO&FRIENDS, and more.
Through this partnership, Kindred Labs and IPX will create AI-powered companion experiences that bring expressive character personalities to everyday digital life through responsive and emotionally resonant interactions.
Companion is designed with a new form factor. This means that the presence of characters that reside on-screen will emerge in the flow of everyday moments, from desktop and mobile to new surfaces like smart glasses over time. Beyond personality and expression, these companions are built to act as powerful personal assistants and are designed to be the primary way people use AI throughout the day, expressed through a friendly, approachable presence.
Scheduled to launch worldwide in April 2026, excluding China, the partnership coincides with the 15th anniversary of LINE FRIENDS’ iconic character, Brown, and introduces new ways for fans to connect with Brown in their daily lives.
The partnership was negotiated by Beanstalk, a division of CAA Brand Management, which represents IPX as its interactive licensing agent.
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“The primary way people experience their personal AI is through the things they really love to see every day. I can already imagine the joy fans will have when Brown starts showing up in their daily lives. I think this familiar presence will be a joy to see. We’ll take these characters into a whole new paradigm, bringing them closer to why we love them in the first place.”
Max Giamario, CEO of Kindred Labs
About Kindred Labs
Kindred Labs is a character-powered AI network built on SEI, bringing iconic, officially licensed IP to life as an emotionally intelligent presence always by your side. Kindred is one of the fastest growing AI companion startups in the world, with over 8 million users on its waiting list.
For more information about Kindred labs, visit www.kindredlabs.ai and follow @kindred_AI on X.
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