TechStuff Week in Tech: Are You There God? It’s Me, AI
Feb 7, 2025
Joseph Cox, a reporter for 404 Media, dives into the thrilling world of encrypted technology and its implications for law enforcement. He reveals how the FBI collaborates with an encrypted phone company to crack down on criminal networks, highlighting the cat-and-mouse game of security and privacy. The discussion also touches on ethical concerns surrounding AI, including a papal warning about misinformation, and the innovative use of AI in everyday applications like Gmail, demonstrating the blurred lines between assistance and intrusion.
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Walgreens Smart Fridge Fiasco
- Walgreens replaced fridge doors with smart screens, hoping to boost sales with ads and dynamic pricing.
- The screens malfunctioned, displayed wrong items, caught fire, and ultimately failed to increase sales, leading to a $200 million fiasco.
The Return of Supersonic Flight
- Supersonic passenger flight could become more accessible with Boom Supersonic's Overture, aiming for commercial flights in five years.
- Overture aims to address cost and environmental concerns of the Concorde by leveraging modern technology and sustainable fuel.
Vatican's AI Warning
- Pope Francis, in a Vatican document, warns about the ethical implications of AI, highlighting potential misuse and risks to humanity.
- The document encourages thoughtful AI use, considering human values and avoiding the "shadow of evil" that technology can bring.
