Funny news this year

Weird World of Tech 2024

Wrapping up the Year With a Smile

At Enea, we develop innovative software for networks and cybersecurity and we proudly strive to be in the forefront of our field. However, when our customers ask us about how we work with Artificial Intelligence in our different solutions, we usually reply: carefully. You will soon find out why… 🙂

Now as 2024 is coming to an end, we would like to enter the holidays on a funny note. This year, tech has reached new heights with rockets, robots and impressive AI models, but also reminded us of the quirks and imperfections that follow new inventions. From unexpected situations, AI mishaps to hilarious chatbot blunders, this year was filled with stories that not only entertained us but also made us consider potential risks in the implementation of new technologies. Here are some of the tech news that made us smile in 2024:

 

Elon Musk’s Grok Calls Out The Creator….

Have your children called you a liar? Maybe Elon Musk experienced the same when X’s AI system named Elon as one of the biggest pushers of misinformation on the platform. Read the full story on The Independent

AI Granny vs. Scammers: The Silver Surfer’s Fight Back…

Not its’ not Marvel – its’ just marvellous….In a delightful twist, a lifelike AI “Granny” took on phone scammers this year, leaving them tied up in endless, charming conversations. She turned the tables with confusion and wit, making scam calls a lot less profitable. Read more on ZDNet

McDonald’s AI: “May I Take Your Order… or Not?”

McDonald’s attempts at AI-powered drive-through took an unexpected turn, with customers receiving everything except what they ordered. Whether it was a side of confusion or a random meal, the AI made sure no one left without a surprise. Read the full scoop in The New York Times

The Dublin Halloween Parade That Never Was

A slick AI ad promoted a Halloween parade in Dublin that turned out to be entirely fictional, tricking hundreds into showing up for an empty street. Spooky! Haunting details from The Independent

Chatbots Swearing & Lying

“They must have heard it at school” – any parent knows the embarrassment of a child using off-colour language. But like they say in Ireland “they didn’t lick it from the stones”.

A DPD AI chatbot took its frustration to the next level when it started swearing, calling itself useless, and criticizing its own company. Check out the story on The Guardian

New York City’s AI chatbot, designed to assist with city services, develops a surprising talent for handing out bizarre and illegal advice. See the full story on AP News

 

As 2024 wraps up, these stories remind us that technology is powerful but not infallible. Here at Enea, we’re committed to ensuring that your networks are fast, secure, and reliable — without any mixed-up drive-thru orders! Here’s to a 2025 filled with smarter tech, fewer fails, and plenty of reasons to smile.

Happy New Year from all of us at Enea! 🎉