Whether Android users want it or not, AI is replacing the classic Google voice assistant. Google announced that the Google Assistant will be completely replaced by Gemini on mobile devices over the coming months.
Amazon’s Alexa is also forcing changes on Echo users, killing off a core privacy feature and requiring all voice recordings be sent to Amazon for analysis (instead of letting users keep that data on the device). The change comes as Amazon prepares to launch the Alexa Plus conversational AI upgrade as a $20 up-charge to customers.
iPhone and Siri users also deal with pushy corporate interests, as Apple Intelligence was automatically turned on in the most recent iOS software update.
In this episode of Tech Therapy (video embedded above) co-hosts Bridget Carey and Scott Stein tackle their feelings of all the ways AI is pushing its way into our world.
Are we even using AI tools all that much in our gadgets? Not really. Scott discusses how Meta’s Ray-Bans are a classic example of how AI often feels like an random extra instead of an essential help.
But alas, there’s no escape even on social media, as Scott tells us AI slop videos have taken over his feeds on Facebook and Instagram.
So we hopefully can find some escape to a different kind of weird in the real world. The interactive art experience of Meow Wolf is making its way to New York City, which is blending various tech into the storytelling. Bridget and Scott talk about their experiences with tech in immersive spaces and the upcoming Epic Universe theme park opening.
Ready for another session? Catch up on past Tech Therapy podcast episodes and subscribe on our YouTube channel.
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