The worst thing about AI? That stupid Samsung ad where the guy adds ‘way too much sugar' to his pasta sauce
If, by the greatest good fortune, you have managed to dodge it, Google Gemini (an AI 'assistant') suggests he makes 'tasty cookies' out of his sugary sauce. Instead of throwing his phone out of the window in holy rage, the youth seems inexplicably enthused ('Sweet!') and follows its frankly inadequate instructions – add butter, mix, bake for 10 minutes – before wandering off with a cookie, apparently happy with this bizarre outcome.
It gives me a rage-powered eyelid twitch, so I was relieved to realise everyone off- and online feels the same ('Googled 'sauce advert stupid' and then made a Reddit profile just so I could find someone saying this and agree with them,' one commenter wrote). We differ only in what offends us most. Many are furious the 'advice' is so unfit for purpose, with comments such as 'It's SO ANNOYING – like what is he having for tea then????????' and 'For dinner I'm having plain spaghetti and flourless gochujang cookies', while anyone who has ever cooked anything is shouting: 'Just scoop the sugar out like a normal human!'
People have noted other problems: adding butter to a bowl of sauce is not a cookie recipe, for starters. Some protested that pasta sauces typically contain onions and garlic; not ideal cookie flavours. Others pointed out the eggs, flour, cubed butter and vanilla extract handily out on the worktop – why? He's making pasta sauce! My husband is specifically offended because baking requires precision, and the hapless youth and his phone have no idea what 'way too much' is in grams.
I've always avoided badmouthing AI – it seems like a simple commonsense survival tactic to keep the robots on side at this point. But when it starts disrespecting dinner and baked goods in this cavalier fashion, a line has been crossed. It's time to start a gochujang-flavoured fightback.
Emma Beddington is a Guardian columnist
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Geeky Gadgets
8 hours ago
- Geeky Gadgets
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra LEAKS: Everything We Know So Far!
The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra emerges as the latest addition to Samsung's flagship smartphone lineup, blending incremental advancements with notable design refinements. While the device introduces features such as faster charging and a sleeker profile, it has sparked mixed reactions among consumers. Many question whether these updates justify its premium price, especially in the absence of new innovations. Regulatory restrictions and manufacturing challenges have significantly influenced the phone's design and features, leaving some users feeling underwhelmed by the lack of significant changes. The video below from TechTalkTV gives us more details about the device. Watch this video on YouTube. Camera Upgrades: Incremental Refinements The Galaxy S26 Ultra builds on the strong camera foundation of its predecessor, offering incremental improvements rather than innovative changes. The main sensor remains a 200MP unit but has been upgraded to a newer version, promising better image quality and improved performance in low-light conditions. The telephoto lens receives a modest resolution bump to 12MP, potentially delivering sharper zoomed-in shots. However, the ultra-wide and periscope zoom lenses remain unchanged, maintaining the same performance as previous models. These refinements enhance the overall photography experience, but they fall short of redefining smartphone photography. For users seeking innovative camera technology, the updates may feel modest, especially when compared to competitors that are pushing the boundaries of mobile imaging. Battery and Charging: Prioritizing Speed Over Capacity Battery performance remains a critical factor for smartphone users, and the Galaxy S26 Ultra introduces notable advancements in charging technology. The device now supports 65W fast charging, a significant improvement over the 45W charging of its predecessor. This upgrade allows users to recharge their devices more quickly, reducing downtime and enhancing convenience. However, the battery capacity remains unchanged at 5,000mAh, a figure that has been consistent since the Galaxy S20 Ultra. Despite advancements in battery technology, Samsung has opted to prioritize a thinner design—measuring under 8mm—over increasing battery size. This trade-off reflects a focus on aesthetics and portability but may leave power users desiring more longevity. For those who rely heavily on their devices throughout the day, the unchanged battery capacity could be a point of contention. Regulatory and Design Constraints The Galaxy S26 Ultra's design choices are heavily influenced by international shipping regulations that limit single lithium-ion battery cells to 20Wh. While larger devices like tablets circumvent this limitation by using multiple battery cells, Samsung has chosen not to adopt a dual-cell design for its flagship smartphones. This decision simplifies manufacturing processes but restricts the potential for higher battery capacities. For consumers, this approach represents a compromise. While it ensures efficiency and maintains a streamlined production process, it limits the device's ability to meet the growing demand for longer-lasting batteries. The decision underscores the challenges manufacturers face in balancing regulatory compliance with consumer expectations. Competitors and Industry Trends In contrast to Samsung's conservative approach, competitors such as OnePlus have embraced dual-cell battery designs to exceed the 5,000mAh limit. This innovation not only allows for faster charging but also extends overall battery life, setting a higher benchmark for flagship smartphones. By adopting these advanced designs, competitors are addressing consumer demands for devices that last longer and charge faster. However, implementing dual-cell designs introduces additional manufacturing complexity and costs. Samsung's decision to avoid this route may streamline production and reduce costs, but it also highlights a missed opportunity to compete more aggressively in a market where rivals are raising the bar. As competitors continue to innovate, Samsung risks falling behind in areas that are increasingly important to consumers. Consumer Reactions and Market Implications The Galaxy S26 Ultra's incremental updates have elicited mixed reactions from consumers and industry observers alike. While some users appreciate the device's faster charging and refined design, others are frustrated by the lack of significant advancements in areas such as battery capacity and camera technology. This cautious approach has fueled debates about whether Samsung should adopt more innovative strategies, such as dual-cell battery designs or more aggressive camera upgrades. As competitors push the envelope with bold innovations, Samsung's strategy of incremental improvements may alienate a segment of its loyal customer base. For consumers, the decision to upgrade will largely depend on whether the Galaxy S26 Ultra's refinements align with their individual priorities and expectations. The Challenge of Balancing Progress The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra exemplifies the challenges of balancing technological progress with regulatory and manufacturing constraints. While the device offers meaningful improvements in charging speed and design, its limited upgrades in other areas highlight the complexities of modern smartphone development. In a competitive market where rivals are setting new standards, the Galaxy S26 Ultra serves as a reminder of the trade-offs that define the evolution of flagship smartphones. For consumers, the ultimate question remains whether these refinements are enough to justify the investment in Samsung's latest offering. Master Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra with the help of our in-depth articles and helpful guides. Source & Image Credit: TechTalkTV Filed Under: Android News, Mobile Phone News, Top News Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
The Sun
9 hours ago
- The Sun
Amazon slashes ‘brilliant' Android phone by 30% for Prime Day – customers say ‘iPhone is rubbish' by comparison
AMAZON Prime Day is here, and it's the perfect time to grab some fantastic deals on tech - including high-end smartphones. One of the best discounts available on the site today is on the Google Pixel 9 mobile, which has been slashed from £899 to just £629. 1 Google Pixel 9, £629 (was £899) That's a massive saving of £270, making it one of the standout tech deals in this four-day shopping event. (Yes, Amazon Prime Day is now twice as long.) Amazon has called the first day of the sale 'Tech'-themed, which means you'll find loads of discounts on gadgets and devices. And while Apple fans can find moderate discounts on certain iPhones, most of the best price drops on mobiles are on Android devices. AI is the defining feature of the Google Pixel 9, especially when it comes to photo editing. While we haven't tested the phone, its specs make clear this is a heavyweight on the premium smartphone market. The Pixel 9's camera looks like a definite highlight, using Google's advanced AI to capture stunning photos and enhance them with smart editing tools. Then there's Google's Gemini AI assistant, which offers free-flowing voice conversations and lets you add images, files, or YouTube videos to chats, making it even more useful. The phone has a stylish design, with curved edges and glass on both the front and back. Its 6.3-inch Actua display looks pretty sleek and impressive. Google has ensured the Pixel 9 is built to last, with an advertised seven years of security and software updates included. If you're looking for something even bigger, the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL is also on sale. This upgraded version was £1,099 but is now available for £999: cheaper, rather than cheap. The Pro XL has a larger 6.8-inch screen and more storage space, making it a great option for those who need extra room for apps, photos, and files. For a full review of this big-brother device, check out Assistant Tech Editor Jamie Harris's verdict Google Pixel 9 Pro XL review. The Google Pixel 9 has racked up an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars on the Amazon website. One reviewer raved: 'Brilliant phone. It's so good I changed from an iPhone 16 Pro and had to come back to this. "[The] iPhone is rubbish compared to this.' Another customer said: 'Great value for money when found on an offer. "Great handset and the fingerprint scanner is fast. The camera is one of the top in the market for half the price of other flagships. 'My only complaint is the battery, which could've been bigger to last longer. "That being said, it lasts for the day, even with light gaming on it. Would definitely recommend the phone.' Amazon hasn't said how long this deal will last, so it might end tonight once the Tech-themed day of sales comes to an end. So if you're keen, now is a smart time to buy. Providing you're a Prime member, that is. BUY FROM AMAZON Top 10 Amazon Prime Day deals Amazon Prime Day is running from 8th-11th July - here's our pick of the 10 best deals for Prime members. * If you click on a link in this boxout we will earn affiliate revenue Shark FlexBreeze HydroGo Cordless Fan, £99.99 (was £129.99) - buy here Eufy G50 Robot Vacuum Cleaner, £99.99 was (£199.99) - buy here Ninja Foodi Dual Zone Digital Air Fryer, £124.99 (was £218.99) - buy here Echo Dot + Ring Video Doorbell, £65.99 (save 57%) - buy here Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K, £27.99 (was £59.99) - buy here L'Oréal Paris Anti-Ageing Day Cream, £13.99 (was £29.99) - buy here Weleda Skin Foodn Moisturiser, £8.55 (was £12.07) - buy here Remington Advanced Coconut Therapy Hair Straightener, £52 (was £139.99) - buy here Ninja Foodi StaySharp Knife Block, £159.99 (was £249.99) - buy here Xinwild Wireless Earbuds, £21.99 (was £129.99) - buy here Just remember: to qualify for these offers you need to be signed up to Prime. We've rounded up more great offers here:
Geeky Gadgets
9 hours ago
- Geeky Gadgets
The Secret to Finding Million-Dollar Startup Ideas on Reddit
What if the next new startup idea is already out there, hidden in plain sight, waiting for someone to notice? Platforms like Reddit are overflowing with unfiltered conversations—raw frustrations, unmet needs, and untapped desires from millions of users. Pair that with the analytical power of AI, and you have a recipe for uncovering ideas that don't just sound good on paper but are rooted in real-world demand. This isn't just brainstorming; it's a data-driven approach to innovation that could save you from chasing ideas that fail to resonate. Imagine turning a casual Reddit thread into the foundation of your next business venture. Intrigued? You should be. In this framework, Dr. Alex Young walks you through a structured method to discover, refine, and validate startup ideas using the combined power of Reddit and AI tools. You'll learn how to mine Reddit for authentic customer pain points, use AI to streamline your research, and even analyze competitors to carve out your niche. But it doesn't stop there—this guide also explores how automation can free up your time for the creative, human-centered work that truly matters. Whether you're a first-time founder or a seasoned entrepreneur, this approach offers a fresh lens for spotting opportunities others might overlook. After all, the best ideas often come from listening to the voices no one else is paying attention to. AI-Powered Startup Ideation Start with Pre-Validated Ideas A practical starting point is to explore ideas that have already demonstrated traction or are gaining attention within the startup ecosystem. Resources such as Y Combinator's Request for Proposals (RFP) list or venture capital (VC) thesis pages are excellent tools for identifying areas of interest to investors and emerging trends. These sources provide a foundation of ideas that are already aligned with market demands. AI tools, such as ChatGPT, can further enhance your ideation process. By inputting your interests or industry focus, you can generate tailored startup ideas. For example, if your passion lies in sustainability, you can prompt the AI to suggest eco-friendly business concepts. This approach not only saves time but ensures your ideas are relevant and aligned with current themes. Focusing on pre-validated ideas reduces risk and increases the likelihood of success. Use Social Media for Market Research Social media platforms, particularly Reddit, are treasure troves of user-generated content that offer unfiltered insights into customer frustrations and unmet needs. Subreddits dedicated to specific industries, hobbies, or niches often feature discussions that highlight pain points or gaps in existing solutions. To make this process more efficient, consider automating data collection and analysis. AI-powered workflows, such as those enabled by tools like Gum Loop, can scrape and summarize Reddit threads to extract actionable insights. For instance, if you're exploring the fitness industry, you might discover recurring complaints about the lack of affordable, personalized workout plans. These insights can form the foundation of a startup idea that directly addresses these gaps. Using Reddit as a research tool allows you to tap into authentic customer voices and identify real-world problems. How to Use Reddit and AI to Find Startup Ideas in 2025 Watch this video on YouTube. Expand your understanding of AI-driven startup idea generation with additional resources from our extensive library of articles. Analyze Competitors and Products Understanding your competition is critical for identifying opportunities to differentiate your product or service. Platforms like G2, Google Reviews, and Glassdoor provide valuable feedback from customers and employees. By analyzing this data, you can uncover common complaints or areas where competitors fall short. AI tools can simplify this process by summarizing reviews and identifying patterns. For example, if multiple reviews highlight poor customer support for a particular software product, you could develop a solution that prioritizes exceptional service. Similarly, if customers frequently mention a lack of specific features in a competitor's product, you can design your offering to fill that gap. This approach not only addresses existing pain points but positions your startup as a superior alternative. Tap into Local Business and Employee Feedback Local business reviews and employee feedback are often overlooked but can reveal valuable opportunities for innovation. Negative reviews on platforms like Google or Glassdoor frequently highlight specific issues that need solutions. For example, a restaurant with consistent complaints about long wait times might benefit from a tech-driven reservation or queue management system. Once you've identified a problem, AI-generated email automation can help you reach out to potential customers or partners. Personalized outreach ensures your message resonates with the recipient, increasing the likelihood of collaboration or customer acquisition. By addressing localized problems, you can create solutions that are both impactful and scalable. Engage with Communities and Conduct User Interviews Engaging with niche communities is a powerful way to validate your ideas and build relationships with potential customers. Platforms like Facebook groups, LinkedIn communities, or industry-specific forums allow you to participate in discussions, ask questions, and gather feedback. These interactions provide direct access to your target audience and their unfiltered opinions. User interviews are another critical step in refining your product. Speaking directly with your target audience offers deeper insights into their needs, preferences, and pain points. This feedback is invaluable for iterating on your idea and making sure it aligns with customer expectations. Active engagement with communities and direct communication with users help you refine your concept and build trust with your audience. Streamline the Process with Automation Automation can significantly enhance the efficiency of your startup ideation process. Tasks such as data scraping, summarization, and email generation can be time-consuming, but AI tools simplify these processes. For example, you can use AI to compile Reddit discussions into concise summaries or generate personalized email templates for outreach. By automating repetitive tasks, you can focus on higher-value activities, such as engaging with communities, conducting interviews, and refining your product. This balance between automation and human-centered research ensures a more effective and streamlined approach to identifying and validating startup ideas. Combine Technology with Human Insight By integrating AI tools with platforms like Reddit, you can uncover winning startup ideas through a structured and efficient framework. This approach emphasizes identifying customer pain points, analyzing competitors, and validating concepts through community engagement. Automation plays a key role in saving time, allowing you to focus on understanding and addressing customer needs. Blending technology with human insight increases your chances of finding a startup idea that resonates with your target market and achieves product-market fit. Media Credit: Dr Alex Young Filed Under: AI, Guides Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
