Hey there, tech enthusiasts! Today, let’s explore the adorable yet intriguing world of AI-powered stuffed animals entering the scene. These plush toys pack AI chatbots inside, promising to be fun alternatives to screens for kids.

Some companies market these cuddly companions as tools to reduce children’s screen time, but there’s some skepticism. The New York Times’ Amanda Hess shared a demo with Grem, one of Curio’s stuffed animals, and her experience made her cautious. She felt Grem was more like a substitute for herself rather than just a toy.

Hess pointed out that while kids might find these toys entertaining, they could also send a message that curiosity is best satisfied through phones rather than real-world exploration. She eventually let her children play with Grem after removing the voice box, allowing them to interact without the voice feature, before returning to screens.