Large language models are being hailed as the universal solution to myriad challenges, thanks to their remarkable adaptability and wide-ranging potential applications. However, the reality of their performance often falls short of expectations, leaving many to question the true impact these technologies are having.

In a recent episode of The Vergecast, host Nilay Patel returned with a fresh perspective on the current landscape of AI, sparked by his experiences over the summer trying to optimize his smart home. But before diving into AI discussions, the episode highlights the launch of a new ad-free podcast option, available to subscribers through their account settings. The show also delves into Apple’s latest tech offerings, including the M5-powered MacBook Pro, iPad Pro, and Vision Pro, pondering the significance of these hardware upgrades.

The conversation then shifts focus back to AI, specifically the state of AI assistants, which are emerging as a key consumer application for large language models (LLMs). Despite their entertainment value, tools like ChatGPT fall short of delivering the seamless, all-knowing utility users crave. The perfect AI product appears both within reach and frustratingly elusive, unless you’re particularly enthused about conversing with your computer.

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And in the lightning round: