2023 has been the year of artificial intelligence.
Ever since OpenAI debuted ChatGPT-4, the term 'AI' has been used to sell everything under the sun under the 'AI-powered' moniker. Even products that have used AI in some form for years have been able to rebrand under the new mainstream understanding of what AI can do for technology.
Related: Coca-Cola Launching Bizarre New 'Mystery' Flavor
Earlier in September, Coca-Cola (KO) -) became the latest company to jump on the AI bandwagon when it introduced Coke Y3000 and Coke Y3000 Zero Sugar, which features a "new futuristic flavor" that was co-created "with human and artificial intelligence."
"We hope that Coca‑Cola will still be as relevant and refreshing in the year 3000 as it is today, so we challenged ourselves to explore the concept of what a Coke from the future might taste like—and what kind of experiences would a Coke from the future unlock?” said Oana Vlad, Coke's global strategy senior director.
The drink featured a futuristic design for the cans and bottles, which are decorated with a design that was also created with AI. The containers also feature augmented reality images that can transform their surroundings into a futuristic palate that can be seen here.
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While all of the AI generated goodies are a nice little marketing tool, the real question for consumers is how does the drink taste, and based on social media reactions the answer isn't so promising for Coca-Cola.
I tried the AI created coke y3000.
— Tet but even spookier 👻🕯🎃🕸🦇⛓🖤🕷🥀🪦 (@Umbra_Tet) September 25, 2023
I was not able to take a second sip, as it was so disgusting, I immediately put it in the trash. I did not pour it out for fear of what it would do to the septic. pic.twitter.com/3JklNPg9zN
Social media can be a great tool to get your product out there and popular... if it's good. If it's not, the online community could kill a new product before it even gets off the ground.
There were numerous people who took one sip and decided that the flavor wasn't for them.
Today I tried the Coke Y3000 so you dont have to pic.twitter.com/BaV4hMMDGW
— shredberg (@shredberg) September 20, 2023
A couple of social media users described the candy-like taste of the next-gen drink as off-putting.
Coke Y3000: 6/10
— DanTheReviewMan (@DanTheReviewMa1) September 25, 2023
I don't know how this "tastes futuristic" I would just say coke, but also vaguely candy-y. Decent, but regular coke is better. pic.twitter.com/N3DA5lZjub
One user became philosophical about what the drink means about the future use of AI.
Coke's Y3000 is another example of why just because you CAN use AI to make something, doesn't mean you SHOULD use AI. this is gross
— RemyNobucksaplenty (@aliciamaricia) September 29, 2023
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