h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Do you remember this, from 'The Twilight Zone'?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wb8PxjhwsDE

The 'Twilight Zone' people were probably inspired by Chatty Cathy, the obnoxious talking doll from the 1960s. Fortunately, Cathy had a *script*. She could only say prerecorded, happy things.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f-sYQ8_2v_Q

Serling and crew imagined what would happen if Cathy was off the leash. What if she became sentient? They were thinking paranormal, not cyberhorror. But our worst fears are no long science fiction. Talking Tina may be in your neighbour's kid's playroom at this very moment. She may also be saying things like this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EvMb_TusPPs

Just what genius thought this was a good idea? Obviously, one who's never heard of Rod Serling. And who thinks anything is better if attached to the internet. 'What? Your coffee machine can't order exotic blends from Amazon? What century are you living in, dude?'

The Germans aren't happy about this mechanical chatterbox. Because Cayla doesn't just say naughty things. She *listens*. What might she be asking the kids? 'Do your parents pay their TV tax?'

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-39002142

What do we say to this spy doll? How about 'shut up'? We have ways of making this doll stop talking. Turn off its Bluetooth. Or take it back for a refund. Or even better: repurpose it as a cat toy.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z3U0udLH974

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-39002142

"they" say some fridges/certain cars and other stuff that can access the net, can be hacked - who wants a talking fridge anyway

Yeah. I used to be married to one

Nah, not really

But seriously I heard today that even pacemakers can be hacked. If that is indeed the case I fear we'll soon see a new way of blackmailing people

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-4068988/U-S-posts-rules-addressing-cyber-bugs-medical-devices.html


yep!

Bummer