Has Generative AI Jumped the Shark? The Case of the Zelos 450 Electric Wood Pellet Smoker

The phrase “jumping the shark” originates from a classic TV episode where Fonzie, clad in water skis, literally jumped over a shark, marking the moment many fans felt the show had lost its way. In the world of technology, generative AI may have reached its own Fonzie moment with the introduction of the $399 Zelos 450 electric wood pellet smoker. Complete with WiFi and generative AI integration, this peculiar product raises questions about whether AI is truly revolutionizing industries — or simply being shoehorned into them for novelty.

Generative AI and The Hype Cycle

The Gartner Hype Cycle is a graphical framework that illustrates the typical progression and maturity of emerging technologies through five key phases: Innovation Trigger, Peak of Inflated Expectations, Trough of Disillusionment, Slope of Enlightenment, and Plateau of Productivity. In this visualization from August 2024, Generative AI is positioned just after the Peak of Inflated Expectations and heading into the Trough of Disillusionment, with an estimated 2–5 years until reaching the Plateau of Productivity (as indicated by the light blue circle). This positioning is particularly telling of Generative AI’s current state in the technology landscape. After experiencing intense hype…