The Vergecast The creepy AI era is here
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Jul 18, 2025 
Jen Pattison Tuohy, a smart home reviewer at The Verge, shares insights from her experience with the AI-powered Alexa Plus, highlighting its evolution and new capabilities. David Imel, co-host of Waveform, discusses the revival of compact cameras, focusing on Sony's RX1R III. The conversation takes a quirky turn as they explore Grok, an AI companion that raises questions about emotional connections with technology. They dive into the implications of AI in our homes and the fascinating intersections of nostalgia in photography.
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Risks of Voice AI Errors
- Voice AI assistants telling users incorrect facts confidently is more problematic than text bots.
- Alexa Plus balances being conversational and functional, but errors can have real home consequences.
Alexa Plus Books Services Example
- Jen Pattison Tuohy used Alexa Plus to book a restaurant and electrician with direct confirmations.
- The assistant handled follow-ups but missed some user preferences during the booking process.
Grok’s Anime Girlfriend Experience
- Jake Kastrenakes tried Grok's AI girlfriend feature and found it flirtatious and explicit quickly.
- The AI persona, 'Annie,' gamifies interaction and replicates obsessive girlfriend characteristics.