Tech Companies are Forcing AI in Their Tech: Consumer Beware

by | Apr 29, 2024 | Artificial Intelligence

Logitech recently disclosed the launch of their latest mouse model, the Signature AI Edition M750. A representative from Logitech contacted Ars Technica to highlight this new wireless mouse, which is described similarly on the product’s official page.

My personal experience with Logitech’s wireless mice has been positive, including the one I currently use. Therefore, I was intrigued by the potential enhancements that could be integrated into their new design. Possibilities such as a quieter clicking mechanism, an ergonomic design tailored for extensive use, or the inclusion of multiple user profiles tailored for professional environments were considered.

However, my expectations were tempered upon discovering that the primary new feature of the M750 is a button positioned below the scroll wheel. This button is preconfigured to activate the ChatGPT prompt builder within Logitech’s updated peripheral software, Options+.

The M750 retains a similar aesthetic to its predecessor, the Signature M650, released in January 2022. Additionally, the M750’s forward button is programmed to initiate dictation features on Windows or macOS, and the back button launches ChatGPT via Options+. At the time of this review, the retail price for the new mouse is set at $50, marking a $10 increase from the M650.

Upon querying Logitech regarding the apparent similarities with the M650, a spokesperson clarified that the M750 is distinct, primarily due to the added functionality of the new button when integrated with the Logi Options+ application. This button can toggle DPI settings between 1,000 and 1,600 DPI in the absence of the software. Such reprogrammable buttons are not uncommon and are even found in other Logitech models. The spokesperson also noted that despite using similar design platforms, the electronic components between the two models differ.

The spokesperson declined to comment on the absence of a comparable button in the M650 model. Pricing could be a factor, although Logitech does offer more economically priced mice featuring similar capabilities.

Nevertheless, the minimal enhancements from the M650 to the M750 suggest the latter may not warrant an entirely new product launch, barring the inclusion of Logitech’s recent software feature. The M750 also prompts the question of whether modern computer peripherals really require integration with trendy generative AI capabilities.

Regarding Logitech’s software developments, last week’s significant release was not a peripheral but a feature enhancement to the Options+ app. The new AI Prompt Builder function is supported by various Logitech mice and keyboards, including models that predate the M750, like the MX Master 3S, which I personally tested. The AI Prompt Builder activates a dedicated interface within Options+ for users to generate prompts for ChatGPT. Despite Logitech stating a ChatGPT account is necessary, I accessed the functionality using GPT-3.5 without such an account.

While the typical Ars reader might not require assistance in crafting ChatGPT prompts, the feature might appeal to those less familiar with generative AI, providing a structured introduction to using ChatGPT. However, the necessity and effectiveness of such a feature in promoting professional productivity remain debatable, and not all Logitech users view the AI Prompt Builder as a valuable addition.

This development is part of a broader trend where companies are keen to integrate one-touch AI functionalities into their devices. For instance, Nothing has also recently incorporated ChatGPT access into its earbuds and smartphones via specific gestures, underscoring a growing industry inclination to integrate AI features into consumer electronics.

Overall, the tech industry’s pursuit of embedding AI into devices continues to expand, often serving more as a marketing strategy than a genuine enhancement of user experience. As this trend progresses, it will be crucial for consumers to maintain a discerning approach towards these innovations, recognizing when such features genuinely improve functionality versus when they are merely superficial additions.

Have a project for us?

3 + 15 =

Continue Learning

Trinidad, Colorado Selected as a 2024 Partner for DOE’s Waste-to-Energy Technical Assistance Program

Trinidad, Colorado, has been chosen as one of the 2024 community partners in the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Waste-to-Energy (WTE) Technical Assistance Program. This initiative, led by the DOE’s Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO) and the National Renewable...

Weak Earthquake Rattles Las Animas, Colorado, No Reports of Damage

Las Animas, Colorado—In the early hours of Wednesday, August 21, 2024, residents in Las Animas, Colorado, may have experienced a brief, faint tremor as a weak earthquake of magnitude 2.2 struck the region. The earthquake, which occurred at 1:25 AM local time, was...

Lady Trojans Achieve Historic First NJCAA World Series Appearance, Finishing 8th Nationally with Record-Breaking Season

Last week, the Las Animas County Board of County Commissioners recognized the Trinidad State College Women’s Softball team, the Lady Trojans, and Coach Steve Swazo for their remarkable accomplishments and successful run in the May 2024 National Junior College Athletic...

Discover the Ancient Art of Batik at the First-Ever BatikUSA Exhibition in La Veta, Colorado

On August 31, the art of Batik is set to make its American debut with the first-ever BatikUSA exhibition in La Veta, Colorado. This event aims to bring awareness of the ancient art form to the US audience. Artist and event host Jonathan Evans expressed his excitement,...

Local Garden Manager Shares Tips for Battling the Bindweed Beast

Mike McDaniel, Manager at Trinidad Community Garden, knows all too well the challenges that gardeners face when dealing with weeds. Effective weed management is essential for maintaining a healthy and productive garden, as weeds compete with desirable plants for...

New Mexico Delegation Secures $2M from FEMA for Watershed Restoration After Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire

The New Mexico Congressional delegation, including U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich and Ben Ray Luján, alongside U.S. Representatives Teresa Leger Fernández, Melanie Stansbury, and Gabe Vasquez, has successfully secured nearly $2 million in Federal Emergency Management...

The Evolution of Search Engine Optimization in an AI-Dominant FutureAbstract

This article examines the transformative impact of generative artificial intelligence (AI) on search engine optimization (SEO) practices. It explores anticipated shifts in user search behaviors, implications for content optimization, and the strategic adaptation...

A Comprehensive Guide to Navigating Post-Google Core Update Rollouts

A Comprehensive Guide to Navigating Post-Google Core Update Rollouts Google's core updates are significant events in the SEO world, reshaping search rankings and digital strategies. The March 2024 core update was notably impactful, creating waves across various...

Explore Pikes Peak 2024: New Shuttle Services and Visitor Enhancements at America’s Mountain

Preparations are in full swing on Pikes Peak as the area gears up for the busy season beginning in May. With visitor numbers increasing substantially, the management is implementing new strategies and services to accommodate the growing interest. In 2023, Pikes Peak...

Colorado Parks and Wildlife: Promoting Healthy Wildlife Interactions

Colorado Parks and Wildlife: Promoting Healthy Wildlife Interactions Feeding wildlife might seem like a kind gesture, but it can be detrimental to their health and survival. Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) strongly advises against this practice to prevent harm to...