hmmm.  looking again at the mimic promos and comparing it to this new demonstration... well, mimic stuff has a lot more exaggeration and stuff, but imho, doesn't look as real if we're just talking about lip movement.  that was my first impression looking at the promo, and was confirmed when i looked at the mimic promos again.  but then i'm on a cable modem and a pc (flash doesn't perform as well on macs in as 2.0 rendering).  mimic stuff always seems slightly off in timing to me, and way over exaggerated.  this "felt" more natural to me.  if  we're looking at the whole package (expressions, body movements, etc.), then maybe i'd like it less,  but it's not clear yet from that promo.  that said, i just picked up mimic lite for $3.50. 

i will say this- i liked her face a lot more than sydney's.  miki g2?

personally, i'm a lot more pleased and interested in reason #2.  it definitely shows that they did some major work.