From Klara And The Sun :
There was a silence, then the mother said quietly, ‘This one isn’t a B3, I take it.’
‘Klara is a B2’ Manager said. ‘From the fourth series which some say has never been surpassed.’
But not a B3.’
‘The B3 innovations are truly marvelous. But some customers feel for a certain child a top range B2 can still be the most happy match.’
‘I see.’
‘Mom. Klara’s the one I want. I don’t want any other.’
‘One moment, Josie.’ Then she asked Manager : ‘Every Artificial Friend is unique, right ?’
‘That’s correct, ma’am. And particularly so at this level.’
‘So what makes this one unique ? This … Klara?’
‘Klara has so many unique qualities we could be here all morning. But if I had to emphasise just one, well, it would have to be her appetite for observing and learning. Her ability to absorb and blend everything she sees around her is quite amazing. As a result, she now has the most sophisticated understanding of any AF in this store, B3s not excepted.’
Growing up a few decades ago, I wanted a ‘Hero 1’ robot. Never got one. 😞
Yeah, it’s no Robbie the Robot, but it’s wasn’t gonna take over the world either. LoL
The price difference is interesting. I think the robot was from 1984 and cost $1500- then. And Tobie is £30-. Slightly tempted to buy one myself. Reading Klara and the Sun has put me off. Awesome book. Highly recommended.
There is an underlying theme with addictions and artificial friends and separation from God. And if God is all there is does God experience loneliness.
Those Hero 1 robots are very expensive now (being collector items), and they really couldn’t do a whole lot.
The Tobie is interesting, although the name… is a bit put offish. All at only £30. Seems to me at that price they are trying to put one in every household. *kinda like they did with the echo dot, some years ago*
AI is being pushed. I call it Creepy Crawly. These things are introduced bit by bit until it’s there. I’m not keen on AI. Believe it causes the natural body and mind mechanisms to shut down because they are not needed anymore similar to the appendix and eating raw meat.
And more questions. What is behind it. Is it natural mind evolution or deliberate tampering with human mind. And if so who does the tampering.