From Mattresses That Track Your Sleep to Fridges That Suggest Recipes, How Much is Too Much When It Comes to AI in Daily Life?

If the AI features seem like a minor add-on, the price increase might not be justified. (Getty)

AI is a powerful tool, but it's not a magic ingredient for every product. If the benefit is not clear or seems like something you could do yourself easily, it might just be buzzword marketing

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is one keyword that sticks out like a neon light in the misty sky of technological wonders. The AI mania has reached a new high, with businesses of all kinds rushing to develop ‘smarter’ products powered by the technology.

A few years ago, Microsoft founder Bill Gates stated that AI can be humans’ friend. Similarly, financial wizards like Warren Buffett once said that AI will change the world. Recently, Intel CEO Pat Gelsinger, at the Intel Vision 2024 conference, stated that every company will embrace AI as he unveiled AI chip Gaudi 3.

But none of these statements implies that certain consumer electronics or technology businesses would lose their wits and begin plastering AI labels on products only to attract people, without any value addition.

For example, AI smart mattresses claim to be using a variety of sensors to monitor users’ sleep habits and general health, dynamically responding to their specific demands in real time. Developers of these smart mattresses claim that they may considerably enhance sleep quality, allowing for a faster start of sleep and promoting deeper, more restorative sleep.

But since it has an ‘AI’ and ‘smart’ tag, the high prices raise eyebrows, making them out of reach for many potential consumers. Furthermore, there is rising concern about the possible risks of excessive sleep surveillance. Critics warn that overreliance on such technologies may unintentionally increase sleep-related worries such as misjudging the presence of a sleep problem, which may cause unnecessary anxiety.

Examples of products that might be overhyping their AI features also include AI-powered toothbrushes. In the vast landscape of oral hygiene, the act of brushing teeth has evolved from ancient practices to modern ones. While rural communities often rely on traditional neem twigs for dental care, urbanites have embraced the convenience of toothbrushes and toothpaste. But in recent years, the market has witnessed the rise of electric toothbrushes, promising superior oral cleanliness with each oscillation.

Amidst this dental revolution, companies are introducing the next frontier: AI-enabled toothbrushes. These futuristic gadgets boast advanced technology and massive price tags. Oral health experts speculate that these AI toothbrushes may feature sensors to monitor brushing habits and offer real-time feedback via accompanying apps. But they also argue that while the feedback can be beneficial, it is not pushing the boundaries of what AI is capable of.

Questions also linger regarding the substantiation of these claims. Are these AI toothbrushes backed by comprehensive studies involving hundreds of participants? Where is the empirical data validating their efficacy? Scepticism arises as consumers grapple with the notion of blindly accepting AI-labeled products solely based on marketing hype.

Similarly, another overhyped product would be AI refrigerators. As AI extends its reach into our homes, even our humble refrigerators are getting a futuristic makeover. But the question arises: do we really need our refrigerators transformed into AI-powered assistants? While AI fridges boast of features like generating shopping lists and recommending recipes based on inventory, critics argue that these functionalities merely replicate tasks already performed manually or through existing digital platforms. What is the problem it will be solving?

Moreover, the integration of Wi-Fi connectivity in AI fridges raises privacy concerns. Imagine a scenario where your fridge’s camera monitors your groceries, potentially collecting data on your eating habits. This information could be exploited by companies to bombard you with hyper-personalised ads or influence your dietary choices, potentially leading to unhealthy habits. Additionally, AI-generated recipe recommendations may not always prioritise health or cater to individual needs, promoting fad diets or unhealthy substitutes based on limited data.

In the realm of culinary tech, there are AI cooking devices which promise to revolutionise meal prep by cooking with Artificial Intelligence. However, they fall short in capturing the essence of cooking, as taste, smell, and texture remain vital aspects that AI struggles to replicate. Beyond this limitation, the complex technology driving these machines renders them costly to purchase and maintain. Additionally, their widespread adoption will face challenges as they fail to address any significant consumer needs.

To spot genuine AI applications, there are a few things consumers need to look at. Does the AI address a real need and improve the product’s functionality in a meaningful way? Can the AI adapt and learn over time? Does it offer helpful insights or automate complex tasks? Also, if the AI features seem like a minor add-on, the price increase might not be justified.

AI is a powerful tool, but it’s not a magic ingredient for every product. If the benefit is not clear or seems like something you could do yourself easily, it might just be buzzword marketing.