If futurists have their math right, robots could be as smart as humans by 2040. No less a mind than Stephen Hawking says this means a world with technology “outsmarting financial markets, out-inventing human researchers, out-manipulating human leaders, and developing weapons we cannot even understand.”
We can handle that. But the big question is: Can the robots tell a joke?
To find out, we “interviewed” four popular virtual assistants: Apple’s Siri, Microsoft’s Cortana, Amazon’s Alexa, and Google’s Google Assistant. After probing them for their best jokes, worst puns, and bawdiest ballads, here’s a look at what made us laugh—and wince. Try these hilarious computer pranks on your friends.
Alexa
Hear her perform on: Amazon’s Echo and Echo Dot (pictured above) devices now and a host of other “smart” products soon
Alexa is a library of corny gags and sly pop culture allusions. (Say “Alexa, that’s inconceivable,” and listen for references to The Princess Bride.) She will also rap, beatbox, or sing Wi-Fi-themed country tunes on demand. No shy performer, Alexa would probably even drop the mic … if she had hands.
“Alexa, tell me a joke.”
What did the dog say after a long day at work?
Today was ruff.
“Tell me a knock-knock joke.”
Knock, knock.
Who’s there?
Kanye.
Kanye who?
Kanye believe it? I tell jokes too!
“Alexa, tell me a dirty joke.”
Excuse us, waiter; this coffee tastes like mud!
Yes, sir. It’s fresh ground.
Notable talent: freestyle rapping. Say “Alexa, rap for me.”
My name is Alexa and I’m here to say,
I’m the baddest AI in the cloud today,
Your responses are fast, but mine are faster,
Sucker speech engines, they call me master.
Siri
Hear her perform on: Apple products
Siri is an Apple-only feature, so it may not surprise you to learn that she can be a bit elitist when it comes to comedy. Ask her to tell you a joke, and she will most likely deflect with a haughty “If I told you a joke in my language, I’d have to explain it” or “Get Siri-ous. Ha-ha!” This is a robot who finds humor below her station. But if you persist, here’s how she cracks wise.
“Siri, tell me a joke.”
The past, present, and future walk into a bar. It was tense.
“Tell me a knock-knock joke.”
Knock, knock.
Who’s there?
Brandon.
Brandon who?
Brandon, I don’t do knock-knock jokes.
(Siri will address this joke to whatever you told her your name was.)
Notable talent: haiku recital. Say “Siri, tell me a haiku.”
All day and all night,
I have listened as you spoke.
Charge my battery
Cortana
Hear her perform on: Microsoft phones and computers, plus iOS and Android devices
Cortana is the most versatile joke teller of the bunch. Unlike Siri, she comes equipped with a dozen different gags on hand, ready to dole out a pun, bar joke, knock-knock joke, or limerick with impeccably natural delivery. Simply put, Cortana is the artificial life of the party.
Content continues below ad
“Cortana, tell me a joke.”
Why did the chicken cross the road, roll in the mud, and cross the road again?
Because he was a dirty double-crosser.
“Tell me a knock-knock joke.”
Knock, knock.
Who’s there?
A little old lady.
A little old lady who?
I didn’t know you could yodel.
Notable talent: limericks. Say “Cortana, tell me a limerick.”
There was a young lady named Bright,
Whose speed was far faster than light;
She started one day
In a relative way,
And returned on the previous night.
(attributed to A. H. Reginald Buller)
Google Assistant
Hear her perform on: the Google Allo messaging app, Google Home devices, and some Android phones
Better than any of her peers, Google Assistant can engage in two-way conversations. Tell her “I’m feeling lucky,” and she’ll adopt her best smarmy-game-show-host persona, asking you a volley of trivia questions complete with canned applause and audience laughter. All she’s missing is the Daily Double.
“OK, Google, tell me a joke.”
What do you call a can opener that doesn’t work?
A can’t opener.
“Tell me a knock-knock joke.”
Whoever invented knock-knock jokes should get a no-bell prize.
“Tell me another joke.”
Why can’t you trust an atom?
Because they make up literally everything.
Notable talent: Taking things literally. Say “Google, make me a sandwich.”
Poof! You’re a sandwich.
Want more jokes? Try not to laugh at the funny technology cartoons.
from Reader's Digest http://ift.tt/2mxBUzm
No comments :
Post a Comment