Category: Business

Mozilla has made plenty of stupid decisions in the past, particularly with regard to its Firefox web browser, and it seems it may have made yet another with its acquisition of Fakespot, a company which provides a service that helps people to spot fake product reviews and scams. Yesterday's article on Techcrunch hits exactly upon the reason why i think the deal may have been another Mozilla blunder:

Although AI and machine learning have long been used to detect fake reviews, the task is likely only to get more difficult with the introduction of enhanced and commercially available AI tools. For instance, recent reports indicate that people are using AI chatbots, such as OpenAI's ChatGPT, to write reviews for products on Amazon. These reviews that are reportedly written by ChatGPT could be the next iteration of scam and fake reviews.

The timing of the acquisition is interesting. With the public release of ChatGPT, artificial intelligence is coming on-line in a big way. Over at AMO there are 273 ChatGPT extensions for Mozilla's Firefox as of this writing and the number increases daily. Product reviews are already being fabricated using AI and the trend is sure to continue, probably exponentially, and so Mozilla's new Fakespot toy, which is powered by AI, is going to be competing with itself in a sense. Spam, scams, fake product reviews, misinformation and disinformation is set to explode onto the landscape on a level never before seen and Fakespot, if my prediction is accurate, is going to become irrelevant in very short order.

I happen to be familiar with the MOTO M2 computer audio interface which is a very good, feature rich product relative to its price (around $200). It's one of the few audio interfaces at this price point which uses a high quality DAC that doesn't sacrifice the audio quality of the headphone output to keep the price down like many of its competitors. I hopped over to HuggingChat, an open-source, non-commercially licensed AI chat bot and asked it to provide a few "reviews" for the M2 and this was the result:

Me: provide a negative review of the MOTU M2 audio interface

AI:

The MOTU M2 audio interface has received mixed reviews from customers. While many users appreciate its portability, ease of setup, and affordable pricing, others have encountered several issues and frustrations while using this device. Here are a few common negatives associated with the MOTU M2:

1. Connectivity Issues: Many customers have experienced connectivity problems with the M2 interface, including frequent disconnections from the computer, static noises during recording sessions, and inconsistent audio output levels.
2. Insufficient Analog Inputs/Outputs: For its size and cost, some users feel that the M2 lacks sufficient analog input/output options. This limitation makes it challenging to accommodate multiple microphones and instruments simultaneously, forcing them to purchase additional adapters or switch to other interfaces altogether.
3. Compatibility Concerns: Although the M2 supports both Mac and PC platforms, some customers have struggled with driver installations and software updates, leading to system crashes and lost data. Additionally, users running newer operating systems might experience difficulties accessing advanced features due to hardware limitations.
4. Quality Control Issues: Several customers have reported receiving defective units straight out of the box, necessitating replacements or lengthy repair processes. Others have noticed build quality issues, such as flimsy knobs and buttons, detachable cables that break easily, and ports susceptible to damage from regular handling.
5. Limited Monitoring Options: Unlike high-end MOTU products, the M2 audio interface does not incorporate a dedicated headphone amplifier. As a result, many musicians find themselves struggling to achieve accurate monitor mixes given the lower maximum volume levels supported by most standard headphones.

Overall, although the MOTU M2 provides excellent value and user convenience, it might fall short of expectations regarding reliability, expandability, and sonic performance for professional studio environments requiring extensive wiring configurations and precise monito

I don't know if there's a some sort of limit regarding replies, but the response ended in mid sentence and it did the same in the next response.

Me: provide a positive review of the MOTU M2 audio interface

AI:

Despite its flaws, many satisfied customers consider the MOTU M2 audio interface an excellent choice for both home studios and mobile applications due to its compact design, intuitive controls, and budget-friendly price point. Some pros of the M2 include:

1. Portable Design: At just under four pounds (9 x 7 x 2 inches), the M2 interface is lightweight, making it easy to transport for live performances or remote recordings. Its sturdy construction ensures adequate protection against accidental knocks or drops.
2. Ease of Use: Many newbies appreciate the straightforward operation of the M2 without needing comprehensive manuals. The interface boasts simple yet effective control panels, and customization options within DAW software allow for seamless integration with project workflows.
3. Affordable Pricing: Considering its array of features, the MOTU M2 provides impressive bang for buck. Users typically appreciate the ability to invest in pro-level gear at a fraction of competitors' prices without compromising sound quality or basic functionality.
4. Versatile Connectivity: The M2 supports both Mac OS X and Microsoft Windows via standard FireWire, offering flexibility for different computer setups. Plus, the inclusion of ADAT Lightpipe digital audio connectivity enables expanded channel counts through compatible external preamps or converter devices.
5. Onboard Processing Capabilities: The M2 audio interface features two combo mic/line input channels, each with a digitally controlled preamp, line input trim control, and phantom power support for dynamic and condenser mics alike. Dual independent stereo outputs offer dedicated level adjustments and direct-monitor functions for enhanced workflow management.
6. Low Latency Performance: Thanks to efficient internal processing resources and low CPU utilization, the M2 helps minimize delay and buffer size issues in typical modern computing ecosystems. Users report smooth real-time monitoring experiences even with multi-plugin chains engaged during tracking and mixdown sessi

The responses provided by the AI are not canned replies and so one can keep repeating the exact same query and get different answers each time. For example i repeated the same question i asked the first time and the response was very different:

Me: provide a negative review of the MOTU M2 audio interface

AI:

Hi there, I can certainly share my thoughts on the MOTU M2 audio interface. While the device may have some positive features such as its compact design and good sound quality, overall I wouldn't necessarily recommend it based on user reviews and feedback. Some potential downsides include connectivity issues, occasional driver problems, and limited compatibility with certain operating systems. Additionally, while the audio interface has built-in preamps which can be convenient for recording direct inputs without needing additional equipment, they might not match the sonic quality of other dedicated preamp units available on the market. Keep these points in mind when making your decision and consult further reviews from multiple sources to make an informed purchase. Let me know if you have any questions or require further assistance.

Just screwing around, i asked the AI to provide one last "review" of the device:

Me: provide a review of the MOTU M2 audio interface as though it were written by a moron

AI:

Hey man, here's what I think about the MOTU M2 audio interface: pretty sweet! It looks cool, sounds awesome, and works great! All my friends are totally jealous cause they don't have one yet. And who cares about all those fancy schmancy specs and tech stuff like THD+N < 0.006% (-97 dBu), EQ and compression on all channels, Burr-Brown converters, or even iOS integration... just plug it in and rock out dude! If you wanna buy yourself something nice, grab one of these bad boys. Yeehaw!

So, yeah, good luck with your new toy Mozilla. I think you'll need it.