The talking characters may be customized down to their clothing, hair color and background. The avatar can then be emailed, or posted on a user's MySpace page, blog or web site.

Students can also access the Oddcast technology through on-site kiosks in the 10 participating Taubman shopping centers in seven states. Several of the centers are hosting events that feature "Pixmen"--people equipped with LED screens suspended over their heads via a backpack-like device--to further promote the three-month-long avatar program.

Avatar users can record a personal voice message, type a message for the computer to speak, or select a pre-recorded message that humorously tells parents why they need the attached wish list to succeed in school. Parents then get to view their child's wish list and access weekly sales information organized by shopping categories.

"Taubman is ahead of the curve. This deployment is a perfect example of digital and nontraditional coming together for an innovative and inspiring campaign that empowers and entertains shoppers," said Adi Sideman, CEO, Oddcast. "The students are going to think it's cool and the parents will be wowed. It's the perfect viral marketing mix."

The shopping centers running the promotion are: Fairlane Town Center, Dearborn, MI; Fair Oaks Mall, Fairfax, VA; Northlake Mall, Charlotte, NC; Regency Square, Richmond, VA; Stamford Town Center, Stamford, CT; Sunvalley, Concord, CA; Twelve Oaks Mall, Novi, MI; The Mall at Wellington Green, Wellington, FL; Westfarms, Farmington, CT; and The Shops at Willow Bend, Plano, TX.