The article discusses the development and impact of AI-based educational avatars, which are advanced avatars that can interact with users through speech and synthetic voices. These avatars, driven by large language models (LLMs), can provide individualized and contextualized instruction, fostering learning, assistance, and mentoring. Key benefits include personalized learning experiences, contextualized instruction, immersive learning, scaffolding, and the promotion of self-regulation, interest, and affect. However, challenges such as incorrect information, inadequate human relationships, inappropriate values, and insufficient data protection are also highlighted. The authors discuss the potential future advancements in educational content and technology, emphasizing the need for clear regulations and ethical considerations in the use of AI-based avatars. They conclude by identifying three open questions for research and practice: how to effectively utilize AI-based avatars, what should and should not be done with them, and what legal and ethical guidelines are necessary for their responsible use.The article discusses the development and impact of AI-based educational avatars, which are advanced avatars that can interact with users through speech and synthetic voices. These avatars, driven by large language models (LLMs), can provide individualized and contextualized instruction, fostering learning, assistance, and mentoring. Key benefits include personalized learning experiences, contextualized instruction, immersive learning, scaffolding, and the promotion of self-regulation, interest, and affect. However, challenges such as incorrect information, inadequate human relationships, inappropriate values, and insufficient data protection are also highlighted. The authors discuss the potential future advancements in educational content and technology, emphasizing the need for clear regulations and ethical considerations in the use of AI-based avatars. They conclude by identifying three open questions for research and practice: how to effectively utilize AI-based avatars, what should and should not be done with them, and what legal and ethical guidelines are necessary for their responsible use.