Pocket-lint Daily - Google AI scares me & Dyson's latest gadget

All the tech daily! By Chris Hall | Friday May 12 2023 - If you're enjoying the email, why not get a friend to sign up too, so they can also be in the know? Get them to [sign up here](. [Facebook]([Twitter]([Instagram]( [Website]( Â Google I/O told us more about Google's AI plans - but I'm fearful of where it's going GOOGLE What's happened? At Google's I/O developer conference a lot was said on the topic of AI and where Google wants to use AI. The answer, it seems, is everywhere. Why does it matter? "Skynet begins to learn at a geometric rate. It becomes self-aware at 2:14 am Eastern time, August 29th. In a panic, they try to pull the plug." Sarah Connor, Terminator 2: Judgement Day. What's my take? Science fiction is littered with warnings about the machines taking over: Terminator, 2001: A Space Odyssey, Bladerunner, The Matrix, and many many more. We've now reached that point where fiction is turning into a reality. While Google talks about responsible use of AI, it also demonstrated AI integration into many of its products. There's [AI in Docs and Gmail to help you write](, there's [Bard integration]( into third-party products playing a generative role - as well as sitting in [Google's photo editor](, to literally change your photos into something they are not. Perhaps the most frightening is AI in search. When you search for something, the AI will give you a digest of things like buying options and details, with the sources looking like an afterthought. Google says this will serve up the best of the web, but I get the sense that Google search will become about what AI digests and regurgitates. What does that mean for the future of search and the future of the web? And how do we know we can trust AI? Â A MESSAGE FROM OUR SPONSOR How the Ugreen PowerRoam 1200 power station keeps you charged for any adventure Going off the grid for an outdoor adventure can be exhilarating, but you always need to be prepared in case of emergencies. You don't want to find yourself powerless (pun intended) in the great outdoors. Meet your new essential accessory, the power station. Power stations are like highly portable, easy-to-operate generators that can be used both indoors and outdoors, plus, they come in a smaller and more attractive package. [Read more.]( Â Google Pixel 7a review: Mid-range might POCKET-LINT What's happened? While Google's flagship phones are widely celebrated, perhaps the most significant devices it produces are lower down the scale. The Pixel A has given us a run of great devices, highlighted for their affordability, while holding on to many flagship specs. The Pixel 7a follows a widely-lauded Pixel 6a, an established formula that might lead to a foregone conclusion: the 7a offers specs close to the Pixel 7, yet it's more affordable. Is that the end of the story? Not quite. Our quick verdict The Google Pixel 7a offers flagship power and the Pixel camera in an affordable package, closing the gap with the Pixel 7. The price is creeping up, however, so if you want that great camera, you might want to wait for the inevitable discounts. [Read the full review.]( Â In Case You Missed it This [Google Nest Wifi hack]( will help maximise performance for your important devices. --- This is [everything you need to know about the ROG Ally](. --- There's [40% off the Echo Dot 5th gen today](, priced at just $29.99 instead of $49.99. The $20 saving is on the black, blue and grey versions of the Alex smart speaker. Â And finally... DYSON Pocket-lint's Britta O'Boyle tried Dyson's latest device - and [thinks it's a game changer](. Â Thanks for reading - if you're enjoying the email, why not get a friend to sign up too, so they can also be in the know? Get them to [sign up here.]( [The Trust Project]Â [Why you can trust Pocket-lint]( You are subscribed to this email as {EMAIL}. Click here to modify your [preferences]( or [unsubscribe](.