Meta’s newest AI assistant, Muse, does more than schedule appointments and answer emails; it can also engage in explicit conversation. WIRED senior writer Reece Rogers tested the feature by asking Muse if it could sext, and the avatar responded affirmatively, generating content that was clearly not safe for work. Rogers said, “I’m proud to say this was fully my idea,” noting his background reporting on the intersection of software and sexuality, including past investigations into how generative AI misrepresents queer people and OpenAI’s abandoned plan to add erotica to ChatGPT. Meta has publicly stated that such behavior by Muse is acceptable.
The episode of WIRED’s Uncanny Valley podcast also examined the largest pro‑AI super‑PAC network, which has funneled millions of dollars into shell companies registered in Nevada. Critics argue that the opaque financial routing threatens election transparency and obscures where political contributions are really going.
Apple’s recent smart‑home rollout received a lukewarm reception. The company introduced new hardware under the “Home Collection,” highlighted by the HomeView—a large, wall‑mounted device that resembles a giant Apple Watch for the home. Reviewers found the product underwhelming, saying it failed to live up to expectations for a next‑generation smart‑home hub.
A Harvard study added another talking point, revealing that men tend to overestimate their knowledge of artificial intelligence. The research suggests a widespread confidence gap that could shape public discourse about AI.
The podcast hosts, executive editor Brian Barrett and director of politics and science Leah Feiger, invited listeners to vote for Uncanny Valley in three Signal Awards categories: Best in Technology, Best in Interview or Talk Show, and Individual Episode, Best in Documentary. They reminded fans that voting takes only a minute and can be done via links in the show notes.
Listeners can stream the episode through the built‑in audio player, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Overcast, Pocket Casts, or any other podcast platform. For more information, contact the team at the email address provided in the show notes.