Nextfriend Core™ is an AI brain and controller that lets you turn Halloween decorations, props, animatronics, pumpkins, skeletons, witches, monsters, and custom builds into AI talking characters.

Instead of relying on the basic factory control board inside a prop, Nextfriend Core can become the new brain. It gives your character a voice, personality, microphone input, speaker output, Wi-Fi connection, and the ability to respond in real time.

This product is made for builders, Halloween decorators, home haunters, prop makers, haunted attractions, event spaces, retail displays, and anyone who wants to create an interactive AI character.

What You Can Do With Nextfriend Core

• Turn an existing Halloween prop or animatronic into an AI talking character.
• Add AI speech and personality to pumpkins, skeletons, witches, monsters, displays, or custom builds.
• Create characters that can talk to guests, answer questions, entertain people, and stay in character.
• Use it for Halloween displays, home haunts, haunted attractions, events, retail displays, museums, restaurants, bars, and themed experiences.

Two Ways to Build With Nextfriend

Option 1: Install Nextfriend Core Into Your Own Prop

If you already have a decoration, animatronic, skeleton, witch, pumpkin, monster, or custom character, you can use Nextfriend Core as the AI brain for that build.

In many prop builds, this means opening the prop, identifying or bypassing the original control board, and connecting the character’s speaker, microphone, lighting, motion, trigger, or other compatible functions into the Nextfriend system where applicable.

This is the best option for DIY builders, home haunters, Halloween collectors, makers, and attraction owners who are comfortable modifying props or working with someone who can.

Option 2: Buy a Finished AI Character

If you do not want to modify or wire your own prop, we also offer finished AI characters that are already built around the Nextfriend system.

Finished characters are a better choice if you want something more complete and ready to use without opening an animatronic or replacing the existing controller yourself.

You can choose the DIY Core if you want to build your own character, or choose one of our finished AI characters if you want a more complete setup.

Core Capabilities

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  Real-Time Conversational Speech

  Give your character the ability to listen, think, and respond in real time using the Nextfriend Voice and Intelligence system.

• 

  AI Personality Control

  Create and update personalities for your character. Make it spooky, funny, sarcastic, helpful, creepy, friendly, or fully customized for your attraction, event, or display.

• 

  Custom Knowledge and FAQs

  Add information your character should know, such as event hours, ticket prices, attraction details, bathroom locations, food locations, safety rules, product details, or other custom information.

• 

  Integrated Audio

  The system includes a USB lavalier microphone and a 10W 4Ω mini speaker so your character can hear guests and speak out loud.

• 

  Prop and Animatronic Control

  Nextfriend Core is designed to become the controller for compatible prop builds. Depending on your build, it can be used with audio, trigger inputs, lights, motion, sensors, and other character effects.

• 

  Cloud Dashboard and Credits

  Manage voices, personalities, settings, and usage from the Nextfriend dashboard. Spoken AI replies use credits, and starter credits are included.

How It Works

1. Choose your prop or character. Use an existing Halloween decoration, animatronic, pumpkin, skeleton, witch, monster, custom prop, or display.
2. Install the Core. Place the module inside your prop or enclosure and connect power, audio, microphone, and any compatible controls needed for your build.
3. Replace or bypass the old controller where needed. For many animatronics, the original control board is limited. Nextfriend Core can become the new brain for the character.
4. Connect to Wi-Fi. Power on the device, connect to its setup hotspot, and choose your Wi-Fi network.
5. Create the personality. Set the character’s voice, personality, behavior, and custom knowledge in the dashboard.
6. Bring it to life. Your character can now listen, respond, and interact with guests in real time.

Important DIY Note

Nextfriend Core is a DIY AI controller. It is not a universal plug-in adapter for every decoration.

Some projects may require opening the decoration, identifying the existing control board, cutting or disconnecting wires, replacing or bypassing the factory controller, mounting the speaker and microphone, and wiring compatible lights, triggers, motion, or sensors into the new system.

If you are not comfortable modifying props, wiring electronics, or working inside an animatronic, we recommend choosing one of our finished AI characters or having someone with basic electronics experience help with the install.

Perfect For

• Home haunters building interactive Halloween displays.
• Halloween collectors who want to upgrade existing props.
• Haunted attractions that want talking characters and interactive guest experiences.
• Bars, restaurants, and event spaces that want themed AI characters.
• Retail displays that greet shoppers and explain products.
• Museums, exhibits, and entertainment venues that need an in-character guide.
• DIY makers and prop builders creating custom characters.

What’s in the Box

• Nextfriend Core™ module in vented black enclosure
• USB lavalier microphone with cord, clip, and foam windscreen
• 10W 4Ω mini cavity speaker
• Power adapter 5V 3A, USB-C
• Quick-start guide with dashboard QR code
• Starter credits for testing and setup

Technical Specs

• Compute: compact onboard computer
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi with hotspot setup
• Audio: integrated amplifier with included speaker
• Microphone: USB lavalier microphone
• Power: 5V DC / 3A power adapter included
• Enclosure: vented black enclosure, indoor use

Important Details

• Wi-Fi required: Live AI responses require an active Wi-Fi connection.
• Subscription: Nextfriend access is $7.99 per month or $80 per year.
• Credits: Each spoken AI reply uses credits. Starter credits are included, and additional credits can be added through the Nextfriend dashboard.
• Use environment: Indoor, dry environments only unless your finished build is properly protected.
• Installation: Some projects may require wiring, prop modification, and basic electronics work.

Which Option Should You Choose?

Choose Nextfriend Core if you want to build or upgrade your own prop, animatronic, display, or character.

Choose a finished AI character if you want a more complete product that is already built around the Nextfriend system.

If you are not sure which option is best, contact us before ordering and we can help point you in the right direction.