AI Girlfriends, Carjackings, and Grandma Gamers: Tech Trends on The Kim Komando Show

The Rise of AI Companionship

• 🤖 A man is highlighted for having 30 AI girlfriends, costing him $48 a year, with many bots based on adult film stars.
• 💡 These AI companions offer conversation, with real women providing their likenesses in exchange for a share of in-app purchases.
• ⚠️ The real-life inspiration for one AI girlfriend, Mia Ventura, is a wanted criminal accused of burglary.
• 🤔 The trend is seen by some as a sad attempt to fill a void with something hollow, a modern form of prostitution.

Scams and Security Threats

• ⚠️ Bitcoin ATM scams are causing significant stress for Circle K employees, with Americans losing $240 million in six months.
• 🚨 Scammers impersonate banks or the FBI, instructing victims to deposit large sums into Bitcoin kiosks for supposed safety.
• 📱 A new scam involves callers claiming to be from the cable company, seeking information about cable boxes.
• 🚫 A school's AI surveillance system, Zero Eyes, mistook a student's clarinet for a rifle, triggering a lockdown.
• 💻 A warning is issued against AI assistants like ChatGPT or Gemini that instruct users to open terminal windows, as this can lead to malware.

Tech, Privacy, and Generational Differences

• 📱 A user reports suspicious activity on her phone, including an arrow indicating location access and random microphone and camera lights turning on.
• 🔒 It's suggested that a factory reset might be necessary if privacy concerns persist, emphasizing not restoring cloud backups.
• 🧑‍💻 Google Gemini's Nano Banana app allows users to virtually try on clothes using a photorealistic digital twin, though it requires some refinement.
• 📱 Some CEOs are opting for