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1. What’s Fun, a little bit frightening and very CUTE ? That would be Colin
   Cute by Bob Palmer is both an entertaining, mildly science fiction, slightly comedic satire and a warning on the nefarious uses of artificial intelligence in the hands of those with a hidden agenda.With AI leading to a leap in redundancies, the government issue a challenge to the top tech companies. How can we make AI a feel good technology that the population will embrace?Enter Colin, an AI driven, souped up, smart speaker that will organise your life, make you more productive and ultimately much much happier. Best of all everyone will be issued one for free.Palmer knows how to write great characters and even has the reader empathising with those that are seeking to use Colin for their own ends.This is not a story of futuristic tech that is unlikely to ever be available. It’s disturbingly close to current AI capabilities and, in a world already finding it difficult to spot high end AI narration and deep fake photographs and videos, it is a probable warning of the very near future. But hey! we can trust the politicians not to misuse the technology right?As for Colin, as the title of the book states, he’s cute, really cute, and so very useful. No wonder everyone is desperate to get theirs. Even I, with the dangers of AI ringing in my ears after reading this book, want one. I think the developers missed a trick though as he only comes in one colour. As Henry Ford famously never said “You can have whatever colour you want, as long as it’s yellow”The book follows the team through the development process whilst giving the reader an ear on the politicians at the heart of the scheme. Relationships are tested to their limit in the rush to create the perfect AI showcase and just how far will some people go in their quest for power.A fast moving absorbing plot coupled with believable characters made this a fun read that once you start you’ll not want to put down.If you’ve read and enjoyed Palmer’s previous book Hacking George then you’ll love Cute

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2. Colin the bot is like ChatGPT on steroids. The author explores the scary nature of addiction to our phones and takes it a worrying step further. A great story, we’re kept guessing as to where it will all lead. No spoiler as to the answer. Really well written and VERY funny.

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3. The author’s wit and easy writing style combined with an insightful look into an AI future using characters that are so relatable in today’s world, is nothing short of brilliant! Thoroughly recommend Cute — and hope it’s made into a movie. A real winner – cover to cover!

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4. Great idea and a really fantastic read. Hugely entertaining characters and a premise that’s so plausible it’s seriously scary. Subtle government control turns into overt not-so-subtle control and people welcome it! Sound familiar …? Read on …

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5. Bob Palmer has used his direct experience from the powers of advertising to create a fascinating and gripping adventure into the potential for mass population influences through a lovable AI pet.A very credible, thought provoking and entertaining bookEnjoy it as I did!!Thanks Bob, when’s your next one?Gingyp

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6. Intriguing plot with great relevance to todays use of tech.Thoroughly enjoyed the book

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