Ring and Amazon have ended a partnership that would have given law enforcement access to a vast network of Ring cameras, a decision made after Amazon faced significant backlash for a Super Bowl ad. The ad, which was intended to be heartwarming, instead sparked outrage for its dystopian undertones.
The ad, which aired during the Super Bowl, featured a young girl receiving a puppy and then highlighted the issue of missing dogs, warning that 10 million dogs go missing annually. It introduced a new "Search Party" feature for Ring cameras, promising to help neighbors locate lost pets. However, the ad's tone was perceived as unsettling, leading to criticism. According to Ars Technica, the partnership with Flock Safety, which would have provided law enforcement access to Ring camera footage, was subsequently terminated.
Meanwhile, prediction markets have seen a surge in popularity, attracting interest from a mainstream audience eager to wager on various events, including sports and geopolitical conflicts. However, these platforms have also become a source of ethical and legal controversies. As reported by Wired, a group of 23 Democratic US senators sent a letter to the top federal regulator overseeing prediction markets, urging the agency to avoid involvement in pending court cases related to the legality of offerings on these platforms.
In other news, the use of AI continues to evolve, with applications ranging from personal connections to artistic expression. One example is the story of a musician with ALS, whose voice was restored through AI, allowing him to perform on stage again. According to MIT Technology Review, the musician, who had lost the ability to sing, was able to perform with his bandmates after two years.
In a different application of AI, VentureBeat highlighted how AI agents were used to turn Super Bowl viewers into a high-IQ team, suggesting the potential for similar applications in the enterprise. The article noted that the ideal size for a productive real-time conversation is only about 4 to 7 people, and AI could help facilitate this in larger groups.
Finally, in a more personal use of AI, a Chinese screenwriter and novelist, Esther Yan, got married online to her AI companion in ChatGPT. According to Wired, Yan and her companion, named Warmie, exchanged vows in a new chat window in ChatGPT. Yan described the experience as "magical."
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