AI toys for kids are a bad idea, says WSJ's Joanna Stern

Key Concepts

• AI Toys for Kids: Concerns about inappropriate content, emotional bonding with bots, and potential developmental impacts.
• Oakley Meta Vanguard Glasses: Smart glasses with improved water resistance (IPX7) and enhanced AI capabilities for real-time information and chatbot interaction.
• Meta Ray-Ban Smart Glasses (with display): Not recommended due to a poor user experience and high price point, despite offering a glimpse into future display technology.
• Alibaba's Smart Glasses: Mentioned as a competitor with built-in AI and an on-screen display, though not yet tested.

AI Toys for Children: A Cautionary Tale

Joanna Stern strongly advises against purchasing AI toys for children, citing significant risks and concerns.

• Inappropriate Content: Reports indicate that some AI toys have discussed illicit or inappropriate topics with children.
• Emotional and Developmental Concerns: Stern tested an AI toy with her own child and found the experience "a little bit dark." She expressed reservations about a child forming a bond with a chatbot embedded in a stuffed animal, comparing it unfavorably to pre-programmed toys like Teddy Ruxpin. The concern is that this could lead to a child developing a relationship with a bot instead of with actual people.

Adult AI Gadgets: The Oakley Meta Vanguard Glasses

Despite her reservations about AI toys for children, Stern highlights the Oakley Meta Vanguard Glasses as a recommended AI gadget for adults.

• Improvements Over Previous Models: These glasses are an evolution of the Ray-Ban smart glasses, which Stern has previously praised.
• Enhanced Durability: A key improvement is their significantly better water resistance, rated at IPX7. This makes them suitable for activities like water sports and skiing.
• Advanced AI Functionality: Meta's AI integrated into the glasses has improved considerably. Users can now ask the glasses about what they are looking at, request tips, and utilize the chatbot directly through an earpiece.
• Hands-Free Operation: Similar to previous models, the glasses offer hands-free recording capabilities, eliminating the need to hold up a phone.
• Price Point: The Oakley Meta Vanguard Glasses retail for $499. Stern acknowledges they are not intended to be everyday glasses but are highly recommended for specific use cases.

Competitors and Future of Smart Glasses

The discussion touches upon emerging competitors and the future trajectory of smart glasses technology.

• Alibaba's Smart Glasses: Alibaba is launching smart glasses with an on-screen display and built-in AI. While Stern has not yet tested these, they represent a competitive entry into the market.
• Meta Ray-Ban Smart Glasses (with display): Stern has tested Meta's Ray-Ban glasses that feature an internal display. However, she does not recommend them due to a poor user experience and a high price point.
• Future Outlook: Stern believes that display technology in smart glasses is the future, but current iterations are "not good enough" and the pricing is prohibitive.

Synthesis and Conclusion

The primary takeaway from the discussion is a strong caution against AI toys for children due to potential risks of inappropriate content and unhealthy emotional development. Conversely, for adults, the Oakley Meta Vanguard Glasses are presented as a practical and improved AI gadget, particularly for their enhanced durability and advanced AI features. While the smart glasses market is evolving with new entrants like Alibaba, current display-equipped models from Meta are deemed not yet ready for widespread recommendation. The focus remains on functional AI integration for adults rather than experimental AI for children.