The text highlights the struggles many recent consumer AI devices have faced in providing truly innovative and useful experiences that justify their costs and novelty. Products like the Humane Ai Pin and Tome presentation app initially generated excitement but quickly disappointed users who found them gimmicky or lacking real utility beyond fleeting “AI tourism.” This perception of AI as more of a fad or gimmick than a technology capable of solving real problems unfortunately adds to the stigma around accepting AI companions. If AI is seen as a passing trend pushed onto products unnecessarily, it can make the idea of an AI companion seem like an inauthentic or superficial concept rather than a potentially beneficial application of the technology to address very real human needs for companionship, emotional support, or assistance with daily tasks. Overcoming this “gimmick” view of AI is crucial for AI companions to be taken seriously as long-term solutions.

by Claude 3 Sonnet