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AI agents are science fiction not yet ready for primetime
It all started with J.A.R.V.I.S. Yes, that J.A.R.V.I.S. The one from the Marvel movies.
Well, maybe it didn’t start with Iron Man’s AI assistant, but the fictional system definitely helped the concept of an AI agent along. Whenever I’ve interviewed AI industry folks about agentic AI, they often point to J.A.R.V.I.S. as an example of the ideal AI tool in many ways — one that knows what you need done before you even ask, can analyze and find insights in large swaths of data, and can offer strategic advice or run point on certain aspects of your business. People sometimes disagree on the exact definition of an AI agent, but at its core, it’s a step beyond chatbots in that it’s a system that can perform multistep, complex tasks on your behalf without constantly needing back-and-forth communication with you. It essentially makes its own to-do list of subtasks it needs to complete in order to get to your preferred end goal. That fantasy is closer to being a reality in many ways, but when it comes to actual usefulness for the everyday user, there are a lot of things that don’t work — and maybe will never work.
The term “AI agent” has been around for a long time, but it especially started trending in the tech industry in 2023. That was the year of the concept of AI agents; the term was on everyone’s lips as people tried to suss out the idea and how to make it a reality, but you didn’t see many successful use cases. The next year, 2024, was the year of deployment — people were really putting the code out into the field and seeing what it could do. (The answer, at the time, was… not much. And filled with a bunch of error messages.)
I can pinpoint the hype around AI agents becoming widespread to one specific announcement: In February 2024, Klarna, a fintech company, said that after one month, its AI assistant (powered by OpenAI’s tech) had successfully done the work of 700 full-time customer service agents and automated two-thirds of the company’s customer service chats. For months, those statistics came up in almost every AI industry conversation I had.
The hype never died down, and in the following months, every Big Tech CEO seemed to harp on the term in every earnings call. Executives at Amazon, Meta, Google, Microsoft, and a whole host of other companies began to talk about their commitment to building useful and successful AI agents — and tried to put their money where their mouths are to make it happen.
The vision was that one day, an AI agent could do everything from book your travel to generate visuals for your business presentations. The ideal tool could even, say, find a good time and place to hang out with a bunch of your friends that works with all of your calendars, food preferences, and dietary restrictions — and then book the dinner reservation and create a calendar event for everyone.
Now let’s talk about the “AI coding” of it all: For years, AI coding has been carrying the agentic AI industry. If you asked anyone about real-life, successful, not-annoying use cases for AI agents happening right now and not conceptually in a not-too-distant future, they’d point to AI coding — and that was pretty much the only concrete thing they could point to. Many engineers use AI agents for coding, and they’re seen as objectively pretty good. Good enough, in fact, that at Microsoft and Google, up to 30 percent of the code is now being written by AI agents. And for startups like OpenAI and Anthropic, which burn through cash at high rates, one of their biggest revenue generators is AI coding tools for enterprise clients.
So until recently, AI coding has been the main real-life use case of AI agents, but obviously, that’s not pandering to the everyday consumer. The vision, remember, was always a jack-of-all-trades sort of AI agent for the “everyman.” And we’re not quite there yet — but in 2025, we’ve gotten closer than we’ve ever been before.
Last October, Anthropic kicked things off by introducing “Computer Use,” a tool that allowed Claude to use a computer like a human might — browsing, searching, accessing different platforms, and completing complex tasks on a user’s behalf. The general consensus was that the tool was a step forward for technology, but reviews said that in practice, it left a lot to be desired. Fast-forward to January 2025, and OpenAI released Operator, its version of the same thing, and billed it as a tool for filling out forms, ordering groceries, booking travel, and creating memes. Once again, in practice, many users agreed that the tool was buggy, slow, and not always efficient. But again, it was a significant step. The next month, OpenAI released Deep Research, an agentic AI tool that could compile long research reports on any topic for a user, and that spun things forward, too. Some people said the research reports were more impressive in length than content, but others were seriously impressed. And then in July, OpenAI combined Deep Research and Operator into one AI agent product: ChatGPT Agent. Was it better than most consumer-facing agentic AI tools that came before? Absolutely. Was it still tough to make work successfully in practice? Absolutely.
So there’s a long way to go to reach that vision of an ideal AI agent, but at the same time, we’re technically closer than we’ve ever been before. That’s why tech companies are putting more and more money into agentic AI, by way of investing in additional compute, research and development, or talent. Google recently hired Windsurf’s CEO, cofounder, and some R&D team members, specifically to help Google push its AI agent projects forward. And companies like Anthropic and OpenAI are racing each other up the ladder, rung by rung, to introduce incremental features to put these agents in the hands of consumers. (Anthropic, for instance, just announced a Chrome extension for Claude that allows it to work in your browser.)
So really, what happens next is that we’ll see AI coding continue to improve (and, unfortunately, potentially replace the jobs of many entry-level software engineers). We’ll also see the consumer-facing agent products improve, likely slowly but surely. And we’ll see agents used increasingly for enterprise and government applications, especially since Anthropic, OpenAI, and xAI have all debuted government-specific AI platforms in recent months.
Overall, expect to see more false starts, starts and stops, and mergers and acquisitions as the AI agent competition picks up (and the hype bubble continues to balloon). One question we’ll all have to ask ourselves as the months go on: What do we actually want a conceptual “AI agent” to be able to do for us? Do we want them to replace just the logistics or also the more personal, human aspects of life (i.e., helping write a wedding toast or a note for a flower delivery)? And how good are they at helping with the logistics vs. the personal stuff? (Answer for that last one: not very good at the moment.)
- Besides the astronomical environmental cost of AI — especially for large models, which are the ones powering AI agent efforts — there’s an elephant in the room. And that’s the idea that “smarter AI that can do anything for you” isn’t always good, especially when people want to use it to do… bad things. Things like creating chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) weapons. Top AI companies say they’re increasingly worried about the risks of that. (Of course, they’re not worried enough to stop building.)
- Let’s talk about the regulation of it all. A lot of people have fears about the implications of AI, but many aren’t fully aware of the potential dangers posed by uber-helpful, aiming-to-please AI agents in the hands of bad actors, both stateside and abroad (think: “vibe-hacking,” romance scams, and more). AI companies say they’re ahead of the risk with the voluntary safeguards they’ve implemented. But many others say this may be a case for an external gut-check.
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If you’re tired of running your vacuum multiple times just to get the dirt and debris out of the carpets in your living room, Dyson’s 360 Vis Nav is worth a look. It’s one of the more powerful robot vacuums currently available, and now through May 11th (or while supplies last), it’s on sale at Woot for an all-time low of $279.99 ($919 off) with a full two-year warranty.
The last-gen 360 Vis Nav offers a whopping 65 air watts of suction, allowing it to pull dirt, dust, and pet hair from carpets impressively well. In her brief time testing the robovac, my colleague Jennifer Pattison Tuohy said the Dyson “demolished a pile of dry oatmeal in seconds,” adding that she briefly worried it might even suck up the tassels on her large rug (it didn’t). By comparison, many robot vacuums — including Dyson’s new $1,200 Spot + Scrub AI — require multiple passes to fully eradicate the same kind of mess on your floor.
What’s more, the robovac’s small, D-shaped design and the location of its ultra-fluffy brush allow it to dig into edges and corners more effectively than many of the more roundish robot vacuums, while its lower profile lets it easily get under most beds and sofas. The roomy 500ml dustbin also means you likely won’t need to empty it too often, while Dyson’s built-in handle and terrific quick-release button make removing said bin a relatively simple task when it’s time to do so.
While it is undeniably powerful, it’s worth noting that the 360 Vis Nav lacks a few features found on some of its more modern rivals. Although its navigation worked well enough during our testing, it lacks AI-powered obstacle avoidance and doesn’t come with a self-emptying dock. Battery life is also relatively short at around 65 minutes per charge. Nonetheless, if your top priority is quickly removing dust, dirt, and pet hair from carpets without multiple passes, the Dyson remains an option worth considering, especially at this discounted price.
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We’ve often warned you about romance scams and crypto “investment” opportunities that feel too good to pass up. Now, there’s a major update that shows just how organized these operations have become.
The Department of Justice and Federal Bureau of Investigation announced a sweeping international operation that led to at least 276 arrests and the shutdown of multiple scam centers tied to cryptocurrency fraud. These networks targeted Americans and drained millions of dollars from victims.
The operation spanned continents and involved coordinated efforts by law enforcement and tech companies.
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TOP 5 SCAMS SPREADING RIGHT NOW
The Department of Justice and FBI say international scam networks used romance and fake crypto investment schemes to steal millions from victims. (Helena Dolderer/Picture Alliance)
How the cryptocurrency scam crackdown unfolded
Authorities worked with partners around the world, including the Dubai Police and law enforcement agencies in Thailand and beyond. Together, they dismantled at least nine scam centers linked to large-scale crypto fraud.
Several suspects now face federal charges in the United States, including wire fraud and money laundering. Investigators say these operations functioned like businesses, with recruitment, management layers and structured systems designed to deceive victims.
Officials made it clear that this effort sends a message. Fraud crosses borders, and enforcement is now doing the same.
How crypto investment scams target victims
These schemes often follow a pattern known as “pig-butchering.” It is a slow, calculated tactic that builds trust before any money is involved.
A scammer may reach out through social media or a messaging app and start a casual conversation. Over time, that interaction turns more personal. In some cases, it feels like a real relationship. Once trust is established, the topic shifts toward investing, often framed as a unique crypto opportunity.
Victims are guided through setting up accounts and transferring funds to platforms that appear legitimate. The dashboards may even show fake gains to build confidence. At that point, control of the money is already gone. Funds are quickly moved through multiple accounts and eventually end up with the scammers.
Many victims are encouraged to keep going, sometimes borrowing money or taking out loans to invest more. By the time the truth becomes clear, the losses can be devastating.
How Meta Platforms, Inc. helped track scam networks
Meta Platforms, Inc. played a key role in the investigation by providing data that helped law enforcement identify and track these networks.
The company says it has taken aggressive action across its platforms. In 2025 alone, Meta removed more than 159 million scam ads and shut down 10.9 million accounts linked to scam centers. More recently, it disabled over 150,000 accounts connected to these networks as part of a coordinated enforcement effort.
“Meta is committed to combatting online fraud and scams, and we are proud to partner with law enforcement in these efforts,” Chris Sonderby, Meta’s vice president and deputy general counsel, said. “We applaud the DOJ and FBI for their leadership in holding criminal scammers accountable and protecting American consumers.”
FROM FRIENDLY TEXT TO FINANCIAL TRAP: THE NEW SCAM TREND
Federal authorities announced a sweeping international crackdown that led to at least 276 arrests tied to cryptocurrency scam centers targeting Americans. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
New tools to stop cryptocurrency scams in real time
Meta is also rolling out new protections across its apps to help users spot scams before they get pulled in.
On Facebook, users may see alerts tied to suspicious friend requests, especially when an account shows unusual behavior such as limited connections or inconsistent location details.
On WhatsApp, new warnings are designed to prevent scammers from linking their own devices to someone else’s account, giving users a chance to pause before approving a risky request.
Messenger is also expanding its scam detection tools. When a conversation shows patterns linked to common fraud tactics, users may receive prompts that explain the risk and suggest actions like blocking or reporting the account.
Why this cryptocurrency scam crackdown matters to you
This operation highlights how organized these scam networks have become. These are not random messages from a single person. They are coordinated groups running structured operations designed to build trust, create urgency and move money quickly.
Even with hundreds of arrests, the threat remains. New networks continue to emerge, often using the same playbook with slight changes. That means staying informed is still one of the most effective ways to protect yourself.
Ways to stay safe from cryptocurrency scams
Scammers follow familiar patterns, which means there are clear warning signs you can watch for and simple steps you can take to protect yourself.
1) Slow down unexpected connections
If someone you do not know reaches out and quickly builds a personal connection, slow things down and question the situation. Scammers rely on momentum, so taking a pause can help you spot inconsistencies.
2) Verify investment platforms before sending money
Before sending money to any investment platform, take time to verify that it is legitimate. A professional-looking website or app does not guarantee it is real. Look for independent reviews and official registration details.
3) Avoid sending crypto to unknown sources
Avoid sending cryptocurrency to individuals or platforms you cannot confirm. Once those transactions go through, they are extremely difficult to recover.
4) Watch for pressure and urgency
Be aware of pressure. If someone pushes you to act quickly or invest more, that urgency is often a warning sign.
5) Use strong antivirus protection
Strong antivirus software can help block malicious links, fake investment sites and other threats before they reach you, adding another layer of defense against scam attempts. Get my picks for the best 2026 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices at Cyberguy.com.
THE ONE THING SCAMMERS CHECK BEFORE TARGETING YOU ONLINE
Meta said it removed more than 159 million scam ads in 2025 and helped investigators track networks tied to cryptocurrency fraud. (Halfpoint/Getty Images)
6) Limit your personal data exposure
Scammers often rely on publicly available information to build trust. Reducing how much of your personal data appears online by using a data removal service can make it harder for them to target you in the first place. Check out my top picks for data removal services and get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web by visiting CyberGuy.com.
7) Strengthen your account security
It also helps to strengthen your digital security. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on your accounts and use trusted security tools to reduce exposure to malicious links and messages.
8) Report scams as soon as possible
If you believe you have been targeted or defrauded, report it to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3.gov as soon as possible.
Kurt’s key takeaways
This global crackdown is a meaningful step forward. It shows what can happen when law enforcement, tech companies and international partners work together. At the same time, these scams are not going away. The tactics will continue to evolve, and new networks will take the place of those that were shut down. Awareness and caution remain your strongest defenses.
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We report a lot about scams but not so much about scammers getting caught. Does this make you feel like real progress is being made in stopping them? Let us know by writing to us at CyberGuy.com.
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Asus’s latest gaming monitor is a little smaller than usual. The ROG Strix XG129C, announced on Friday, is a 12.3-inch touchscreen IPS display that’s intended to be a sidekick for a larger main monitor, similar to the 14.1-inch secondary display in the 2020 Asus ROG Zephyrus Duo 15. It’s a slightly smaller competitor to Corsair’s Xeneon Edge, which has a 14.5-inch display, but the same 720p resolution.
Asus says the XG129C covers 125 percent of the sRGB color gamut and 90 percent of the DCI-P3 color gamut. It also comes with a one-year subscription for the hardware monitoring tool AIDA64 Extreme, which would usually cost $65. Besides acting as a performance monitor for your PC, sidekick displays like this can also be handy as an extension for streaming or editing setups, much like Elgato’s Stream Deck.
Along with the little XG129C, Asus also announced the ROG Strix OLED XG34WCDMS, a 34-inch RGB Tandem QD-OLED gaming monitor. It features a 280Hz refresh rate and a 3440 x 1440p resolution, and, according to Asus, covers 99 percent of the DCI-P3 color gamut. Asus has not yet officially announced pricing for either display.
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