The New York Times' Amanda Hess expresses reservations about A.I.-powered plush toys like Curio's Grem and Grok, questioning their role as replacements for parental interaction rather than upgrades to traditional toys.
Hess argues that while marketed as screen-time alternatives, these toys may actually encourage children to seek answers and curiosity within technology, potentially isolating them.
Despite initial reservations, Hess allowed her children to play with Grem after removing the voice box, indicating a preference for imaginative play over A.I. interaction.