*PREVIEW* Reversed Stomach Syndrome ft. Nina Eichacker
Feb 21, 2025
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Dive into an outrageous critique of gig economy apps that hire ex-Navy SEALs for absurd tasks, all in the name of appearing wealthy. Discover the problematic aspects of a quirky AI wearable from Humane, and laugh along as the hosts poke fun at a new printer technology deemed ‘racist’. The conversation takes a humorous turn with the 'Protectors' app, which trivializes the need for security. Finally, enjoy a comical exploration of everyday motorcade uses, showcasing the absurdity of our modern safety concerns.
The acquisition of Humane AI by HP raises concerns about how quirky and problematic AI traits may be integrated into everyday devices like printers.
The rise of expensive security apps reflects a growing societal trend of commodifying personal safety, often highlighting exaggerated perceptions of risk among influencers.
Deep dives
The Rise and Fall of Humane AI
Humane AI, known for creating a unique AI pin that attempted to provide translation services, has now been acquired by Hewlett Packard (HP). The podcast humorously highlights the bizarre functionality of the AI pin, which included offensive accents and overheating when worn. The failure of Humane AI, despite significant investment and prior valuation, underscores a misguided vision of technological interaction, likened to a nostalgic but ineffective representation of fatherly advice. The acquisition by HP poses questions about future product integrations, especially when a printer may now mimic these problematic AI traits.
AI in Everyday Technology
Expectations for integrating AI into common devices, such as printers, are set to shift, as HP aims to leverage Humane AI's technology. The potential for printers to respond in comedic but offensive ways raises ethical considerations about how technology engages with users. This integration might involve providing unnecessary and unintelligent features that complicate user experiences rather than enhance them. Such changes suggest a future where simple tasks become entangled with complex and potentially harmful AI interactions.
Innovative Ideas or Mockery?
The introduction of an app that simplifies hiring security illustrates a growing concern for personal safety in urban environments. With services priced at $200 per hour for basic protection and escalating costs for more elaborate security, the app caters to a niche market but raises questions about actual necessity. Critics humorously suggest that those who truly need such protection, like high-profile social media influencers, may contribute to a culture of exaggerated risk perception. Overall, this development seems to reflect a societal trend where personal safety becomes commodified, often veering into absurdity.
It’s a goons rights bonanza, with Devon subbing in for November to talk about the ongoing wave of gig economy apps for ex-Navy SEALs to turn random people into clouds of pink mist on behalf of crypto influencers who want to look richer than they are… also we check in on Humane, and read a column by Rafael Behr. In the second half, Economist Nina Eichacker joins Riley half to talk tariffs (specifically) and how Wall Street’s “Masters of the Universe” traded their pre-eminent positions in capital markets for revenge on their woke, home-working employees (generally).