2y ago

Google quietly ditched plans for an AI-powered chatbot app for Gen Z

www.cnbc.com

Called “Bubble Characters,” the app featured cartoon-like characters engaging in conversations with young users and even offering advice

14 comments

They're optimising their idea to grave pipeline.
I don't know if Google canceling a project is news. Seems like Google releasing a project would be much more of a "man bites dog" story than the other way around, but okay.
- Google releases plenty of projects. It just cancels them after a couple years.
  
  I’m glad it’s not only me that feels this. Google has lost a lot of my trust. I am not inclined to try something new that launches as it’s likely to be short lived. Why invest in something they will shut off in a year or two or change the name (what’s it now, Google Talk, Hangouts, Duo, or some other shit?).
I didn't even know this was a thing, and they've already cancelled it.
Ribbit
Nothing quite like trying to market AI to the most aggressively anti-ai generation so far
“Man I’m really sad lately. I’ve lost 2 friends due to fighting. Rewlly frustrated!”
“aww jeez that sucks, I hate when that happens! Have you tried new Trending Friendfinder™️ ? For only $3.99/mo ($48 paid yearly installments) you can find new friends!” - Bubble Character advice after launching
Yeah kinda glad it didn’t go through..
- tbh I would be more concerned how easily AI can be manipulated into giving inappropriate responses like it was when it was used to interact with callers to an eating disorder hotline etc. ie instead of helping, it ended up giving them tips and tricks on how to eating disorder more efficiently.
Yeah, that was a horrible idea. Glad they cancelled it.
Also Google: We just watched our first science fiction movie ever last night.

14 comments