cover of episode Some Personal News

Some Personal News

2024/10/17
logo of podcast Uncanny Valley | WIRED

Uncanny Valley | WIRED
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Boone Ashworth
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Lauren Goode
技术记者和播客主持人，专注于硅谷的健康优化和生命延长趋势。
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Michael Calore
一名专注于技术和健康优化的记者和播客主持人。
Topics
Lauren Goode: 讨论了人们对科技产品的看法转变，从关注 gadgets 到关注软件。她认为现在是时候改变 Gadget Lab 播客的形式了，并暗示了改版计划。 Michael Calore: 同意 Lauren 的观点，认为 "gadget" 一词已不再适用，并表达了对播客改版的支持。他回顾了播客的历史，并对未来充满期待。 Boone Ashworth: 详细介绍了 Personify AI 公司推出的宠物项圈 Shazam，分析了其工作原理、市场定位以及潜在的伦理问题。他认为该产品更多地满足了人类的情感需求，而非真正有效的宠物沟通方式。他还讨论了其他 AI 驱动的可穿戴设备，并分析了这些设备背后的共同趋势和潜在问题，例如隐私、功能冗余等。他最后表达了对科技创新的支持，并对未来科技发展趋势进行了展望。 Lauren Goode: 在讨论 AI 驱动的可穿戴设备时，她指出这些设备更多地关注人与技术之间的互动，而非人与宠物或人与人之间的真实互动。她还表达了对邮箱和日历管理软件的期待，认为这将是驱动她升级设备的因素。 Michael Calore: 他认为智能手机的摄像头和电池续航能力是驱动用户升级换代的主要因素，并指出这些因素很大程度上取决于软件的优化。他认为目前还没有足以驱动他升级手机的 AI 功能。 Boone Ashworth: 他认为许多 AI 功能可以通过手机 App 实现，无需额外硬件。他表达了对科技创新的支持，并认为应该继续尝试新的技术，即使结果不尽如人意。

Deep Dive

Key Insights

Why are AI-powered pet collars gaining popularity?

AI-powered pet collars are designed to bridge the communication gap between pets and their owners, using technology to interpret a pet's needs and relay them to the owner. However, the pet itself is not part of the conversation, as the collar relies on pre-programmed responses and environmental factors to simulate communication.

What is the Shazam collar, and how does it work?

The Shazam collar is an AI-powered device made by Personify AI for dogs and cats. It features a microphone and speaker, allowing owners to have spoken conversations with their pets. The collar uses pre-recorded voice lines and environmental sensors to simulate the pet's responses, aiming to create the illusion of communication.

Why is the Shazam collar priced differently for dogs and cats?

The Shazam collar is priced differently for dogs and cats due to the smaller form factor required for cats. However, some argue that the cat version should be more expensive due to the complexity of feline behavior, which makes interpreting their needs more challenging.

What are the ethical concerns surrounding AI-powered pet collars?

Ethical concerns include the potential for miscommunication, as the collar may inaccurately represent a pet's feelings or personality. Additionally, forcing a pet to 'speak' in human terms could create a barrier between the owner and the pet, rather than enhancing their bond.

What is the future of the Gadget Lab podcast?

The Gadget Lab podcast is undergoing a reboot. Lauren and Michael will continue as hosts, joined by a third co-host. The show will have a new title, a fresh angle on coverage, and will launch on October 31.

What are some notable AI-powered gadgets discussed in the episode?

Notable AI-powered gadgets include the Shazam collar, smart glasses that read emotions, and the Friend smart necklace, which sends texts based on environmental cues. These devices aim to address feelings of loneliness or disconnection by providing a sense of companionship or improved communication.

Why do some people prefer not to talk to their gadgets?

Some people prefer not to talk to their gadgets because they find it more efficient to type commands or use existing software features. Additionally, the constant interaction with voice assistants can feel intrusive or unnecessary for everyday tasks.

What software upgrades would compel people to upgrade their personal devices?

Software upgrades that improve battery life, camera functionality, or provide better email and calendar management could compel people to upgrade their devices. These are areas where software enhancements can significantly improve user experience.

What is Boone Ashworth's recommendation for the last episode?

Boone recommends enjoying the rain, especially in small doses. He believes rain can be a pleasant experience and suggests using it as an opportunity to slow down and appreciate the moment.

What is Michael Calore's recommendation for discovering new music?

Michael recommends the KEXP YouTube channel, which features live performances from various musical artists. It's a great way to discover new indie rock, hip hop, and world music acts.

Chapters
The hosts discuss the obsolescence of the term 'gadget' in the context of today's technology landscape and announce a significant change to their podcast.
  • The hosts question the relevance of the term 'gadget' in the modern tech world.
  • The podcast, Gadget Lab, is ending its current run.
  • The hosts announce the show's reboot with a new title, co-host, and focus.

Shownotes Transcript

Everybody wants to talk to their pet. Or to try to get them to listen, anyway. So it’s no wonder that some startups think the way to break through the communication barrier between you and your pooch is with a nice big helping of technology. Welcome to a world with AI-enabled dog and cat collars that try to interpret a pet’s needs and then share those wishes with their human. The only problem with these devices is that the pet won’t actually be a part of the conversation, as the collar is just guessing at what the pet is thinking—but still doing all the talking anyway. It’s less like the audio collar worn by the dog from the movie Up, and more like shouting at a chatbot strapped to your dog’s neck. Meanwhile, your dog or cat might just be trying to figure out where that new voice is coming from.

Later in the show, we talk about all the weird new ways AI gadgets are bouncing around in our lives, and whether any of them are helping us have better conversations.

Also, this week marks the final episode of the Gadget Lab podcast—at least in its current form. We’ll be back soon with a fresh reboot of the show. Lauren and Michael will return as hosts, but we’ll have a third cohost at the table, a new podcast title, and a new angle on our coverage. 

**Show Notes:**Stay tuned to this feed for the updated version of this show, out October 31! Read Boone’s stories about the talking pet collars) and the AI-powered Friend necklace). Read Lauren’s story about the challenges of AI hardware). Keep an eye on all the ways AI is weaving) into our lives. For all your gadget needs, follow WIRED’s onslaught of gear coverage).

**Recommendations:**Boone recommends the rain. Lauren recommends taking walks. Mike recommends KEXP’s YouTube channel, where the Seattle radio station posts videos of musical acts playing in its studio.

Boone Ashworth can be found on social media but honestly, since he’s going to remain as a full-time reporter at WIRED, just email him story tips: [email protected]). 

Lauren Goode is @LaurenGoode). Michael Calore is @[email protected]). Bling the main hotline at @GadgetLab). The show was produced by Boone Ashworth (@booneashworth)). Our theme music was by Solar Keys).