Virtual Intelligence
From Mass Effect Wiki
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A virtual intelligence (VI) is a sophisticated program designed to make modern computer systems easier to use. They are not to be confused with artificial intelligences like the geth, as VIs are only there to assist the user and process data (although, like AIs, they can still get out of hand). Though they appear to be intelligent, they aren't actually self aware: it's just clever programming.
Some VIs have 'personality imprints', with their behaviour parameters, speech pattern and appearance based on specific individuals. The quarians were even attempting to make their 'ancestor VIs' (virtual intelligences preserving the wisdom and personality of their ancestors) truly intelligent, to create a kind of virtual immortality, when the geth rebellion put an end to most of their research into synthetic intelligence.
VIs vary greatly depending on how they are deployed. They can handle search queries on the extranet, act as tour guides - as in the case of the Citadel VI, Avina - or manage sophisticated lab and database work, like Mira on Noveria. Both the humans and the elcor make extensive use of VIs in their military endeavours to process status reports, react faster than organics can or - in the case of the elcor - choose instantly between millions of gambits designed for any combat situation.
A lot of armor upgrades use VI enhancements, so the onboard computer can optimise the armor's combat performance or dispense medi-gel to heal the user. The newest biotic implants, the L4 iteration, use VI technology to constantly monitor the biotic's brain waves and adapt the implant's performance to maximise biotic potential.
If accessed at terminals, VIs appear as humanoid holograms made up of lights and numbers.
