In the ever-evolving world of technology, the promise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become a ubiquitous tagline, with every conceivable gadget attempting to incorporate this buzzworthy feature. A recent trip to the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas underscored this trend, where even the most absurd devices were quick to tout their AI capabilities.
The relentless pursuit of the next big thing is nothing new. From the glow of digital to the advent of online connectivity, and the era of items prefixed with "e" (until Steve Jobs swapped it for an "i"), the trend continues with labels like "connected," "smart," "voice-activated," and "virtual." Each year, the latest prefix becomes the centerpiece of otherwise unremarkable products, capturing the attention of consumers, myself included.
Reflecting on past purchases, like my purportedly smart TV still stubbornly showcasing Mrs. Brown's Boys, I can't help but question the true intelligence of these supposedly advanced devices. Yet, in the age of the AI revolution, any event or conference is incomplete without dedicated sessions on AI, turning the Consumer Electronics Show into a mecca for sales reps on the hunt for unsuspecting buyers.
This year's showcase included a fascinating yet expensive AI-powered anti-snoring pillow. It claims to analyze nocturnal noises, adjusting its inflation to subtly shift your head position. While the concept is intriguing, the hefty price tag of nearly $1,000 raises eyebrows, especially when more affordable options are available. A wife's nudge in the ribs, a function apparently standard in all models, seems a more cost-effective solution.
Other offerings at the show ranged from an AI-powered mirror, assessing your skin and recommending beauty products, to a vacuum cleaner claiming advanced floor surface identification. An AI cat flap, baby monitor, dog collar, and bowl each purportedly cater to specific needs. However, as I perused the dazzlingly expensive binoculars capable of bird identification, a few realizations dawned.
Firstly, much of what is touted as AI may not align with our current understanding of the term; it's a necessary label of the moment. The Federal Trade Commission warns against "baseless" claims due to the rampant overuse of the term. Secondly, many of these technologies duplicate tasks we can manage ourselves. Their potential failure arises from either unnecessary complexity or costs outweighing benefits. Lastly, beneath the façade of technological advancement lies good old-fashioned hucksterism—a way of parting individuals from their surplus wealth.
In the realm of AI, the intelligence may be artificial, but the genuine factor lies in the susceptibility of consumers to these alluring claims.
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malcolm x
hugh hefner
isla fisher
heather locklear
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