This is just a great example of cultural differences in that expresses itself through technology design. Just before I reported about the Japanese Repliee Q1 android that aims to be as human as possible.

Philips Research goes with their Smart Companion a total abstract way (see photo). The robot is not the woman on the right, as it would be the case in Japan.
I would actually be more comfortable with the Philips design in my home. I like minimalistic and cartoon like characters.

The Smart Companion is an electronic device that looks at users, listens and talks to them, and even nods yes. Connected to the Internet the Smart Companion can perform voice controlled searches and stuff like that. It is basically a dialog system like the Repliee Q1, but boy are they different.
More details on the Philips Research site. Via We-Make-Money-Not-Art and Engadget.