(CNN Spanish) – Four years after his death and thanks to technology and the development of artificial intelligence, the figure of the Puerto Rican astrologer Walter Mercado is the protagonist of a project on social networks in which he can be seen and heard in a video that provides the latest information horoscope.
According to a press release from Walter Mercado Holdings, horoscopes by zodiac signs are published on social networks once a week: Mondays. At the same time, Cameo charges $99 for personalized videos with Walter Mercado’s avatar and references to birthdays, advice, encouragement or criticism.
The first video featuring Walter Mercado’s avatar was unveiled on November 2nd and is now available on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and X, formerly Twitter.
Walter Mercado Holdings holds the legal rights to commercialize Mercado’s image with the consent of his nephews Miguel Suárez Benet and Dannette Benet, who helped develop this technological concept.
The statement said the project will also sell horoscopes, greetings and congratulations, among other personalized messages. No subscriptions or advertising are sold. Through the use of artificial intelligence, the model “feeds on material previously produced by Walter Mercado to compose new material in the same style as him.” “In the future there will be the possibility of creating personalized horoscopes, but not yet “, he said.
It was also explained that “this avatar will be fully bilingual in English and Spanish so that everyone can enjoy the knowledge and wisdom of Walter Mercado.” The Cameo company confirmed to CNN that “it is working with the Walter Mercado team to activate its presence.” “.
“We are pleased to welcome the avatar of Walter Mercado, a legacy of love, light and wisdom that continues to live and thrive,” the statement read in part.
Mercado died on November 3, 2019. He was an icon of Spanish-language television for three decades, where he offered daily horoscopes and his message of “lots and lots of love.” According to his relatives, the 87-year-old Mercado died of kidney failure.
His career began when one day he had to fill a gap in a program in Puerto Rico due to the absence of Spanish singer Camilo Sesto and improvised a description of the signs of the zodiac. It went so well that he eventually had his own show.
The astrologer’s broadcasts reached an audience of 120 million people in the United States and Latin America, according to the statement. Before pursuing astrology, Mercado was a theater and soap opera actor, as well as a ballet and Spanish dance dancer.