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In today’s big story, we look at a critical tech review that caused a bit of a sensation on social media.
What’s on deck:
But first, the review is here!
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The big story
To review
Roy Rochlin/Getty Images; BI
“The worst product I have ever tested… so far”
Marques Brownlee, the YouTuber better known as MKBHD, didn’t mince words with the title of his review of Humane’s AI Pin.
In a 25 minute video, Brownlee details all the problems he encountered using the AI device. (Spoiler alert: there were a lot.)
Brownlee’s opinion aligns with other reviews of the device. But all of this didn’t come from someone with that much influence. His YouTube channel has over 18 million subscribers.
One user in X pointed it outcalling the criticism “almost unethical” because it “potentially kills someone else’s budding project” in a post reposted more than 2,000 times.
Most internet users disagreed, and a Humane executive even thanked Brownlee out of X for “fair and valid criticism”.
But it highlights the power of Brownlee’s criticism. Earlier this year, a negative video of Fisker’s Ocean SUV by Brownlee also making waves on social media.
Mario Tama/Getty Images; Chelsea Jia Feng/BI
Critical analyzes in the age of innovation raise interesting questions.
To be clear, there was nothing wrong with Brownlee’s criticism. Humane’s AI Pin costs $700. Watering down his review to soften the blow would be a disservice to the millions of fans who rely on his perspective before making such a major purchase.
Too often, companies view potential customers as an extension of their research and development. They are happy to sell a product that is still under development, with the promise of fixing it on the fly. (“Updates are coming!”)
But in a world of instant gratification, it can be difficult to understand that innovation takes time.
Even Apple may find itself faced with this conundrum. Take the Apple Vision Pro. Reviewers are impressed with the technology behind this highly anticipated gadget, but they still are. they have difficulty understanding what they can do with it. Maybe with time this will get better.
It’s also worth remembering how cool technology can be, as Business Insider’s Peter Kafka wrote after a series of trips to Waymo. Software-Driven Taxis in San Francisco. Sure, robo-taxis have their problems, Peter said, but they also elicit that “damn, can-you-believe-it” feeling.
As for Humane, America loves a comeback story. Just look at “Cyberpunk 2077.” The highly anticipated video game had a disastrous launch in 2020but redeemed himself three years later, finally win a major prize.
Still, Humane shouldn’t get a pass to release a product that doesn’t appear ready for prime time, critics say.
And its problem could be bigger than faulty technology. Humane’s broader thesis about reducing screen time might not be as applicable. As BI’s Katie Notopolous says: “I love looking at my iPhone“.
3 things about the markets
REUTERS/Danny Moloshok
1. Goldman finally strikes gold. After a difficult period, the vaunted investment bank profit expectations dashed, causing its stock to skyrocket. A big tailwind, according to CEO David Solomon, is AI spawning.”huge opportunities” for the bank.
2. Buy the dip, says Wedbush. Last week’s decline among tech stocks should not scare investors, according to Wedbush. A strong earnings report, buoyed by the current AI craze, should keep them higher, strategists said. But JPMorgan doesn’t see it that way, saying prices are already tight.
3. China’s economy has outperformed analysts’ expectations. The country’s GDP grew by 5.3% in the first quarter of 2024, according to data released by the National Bureau of Statistics on Tuesday. It’s a welcome return to form for the world’s second-largest economy, although below-average new housing and retail sales remain a problem. source of concern.
3 things in technology
Kevin Winter/Getty
1. Amazon Prime Video viewers are abandoning its shows. Leaked documents show viewers are fed up with the streamer’s error-ridden catalog system, which often has incomplete titles and missing episodes. In 2021, 60% of all content complaints related to Prime Video’s catalog.
2. Eric Newcomer organizes his Cerebral Valley AI Summit in New York. The conference, originally held in San Francisco, is famous for producing one of the largest generative AI acquisitions ever. NOW, he arrives in New York in June.
3. OpenAI prepares an expansion in New York. Two people familiar with the plans told BI that developer ChatGPT seeks to open New York office next year. This would be the company’s fifth office, alongside its current headquarters in San Francisco, a just-opened site in Tokyo and offices in London and Dublin.
3 things in business
iStock; Rebecca Zisser/BI
1. Young American men are spending their money like never before. From sports betting to the same corners, young men are more willing than ever spending money in the hope of making a fortune.
2. Investors are getting into women’s sports. With women like Caitlin Clark making March Madness headlines, investors see a big opportunity. Compiled BI a list of 13 investors and fund managers investing money in the next big thing in sports.
3. Bad news for Live Nation. The Wall Street Journal reports that Justice Department could strike concert giant with an antitrust trial starting next month. Live Nation, which owns Ticketmaster, has long been criticized for its high fees.
In other news
What’s happening today
Today’s winnings: United Airlines, Bank of America, Morgan Stanley and others report.
It’s Free Cone Day at participating Ben & Jerry’s locations.
The Insider Today team: Dan DeFrancesco, associate editor and presenter, in New York. Jordan Parker Erb, editor-in-chief, in New York. Hallam Bullock, editor, in London. George Glover, journalist, in London.
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