Halfpops Hatches Plan to Survive AI Apocalypse by Offering Free Snacks in Exchange for a Pledge of Protection
Innovative half-popped popcorn brand seeks top computer coders and programmers to join forces when robots take over the world
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., Aug. 2, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- As the conversation around artificial intelligence continues to spark headlines in the news, Halfpops, the offbeat snack brand, has seemingly found a solution to protect itself in the event of an AI apocalypse by launching its first national campaign, called "Halfpocalypse." The campaign is a digital effort, calling on developers, code ninjas and white-hat hackers to protect them, if and when the machines take over the world.
The Challenge? Head to www.Halfpops.com and test your programming skills with a unique set of coding puzzles. Those who demonstrate their AI-fighting abilities will sign an agreement to use those skills to protect the Halfpops team in the event of an AI apocalypse. In return, Halfpops will send a month's supply of Halfpops to keep coders fueled up, and when the robots do take over, they'll keep the half-popped popcorn snacks coming.
Those who solve the coder puzzle correctly must sign a "Halfpocalypse Agreement." The agreement specifically states that, "in the event of an AI apocalypse, coders must provide their current coordinates so both parties can make plans to meet up in a bunker, or a camouflage jungle tent or secret hiding spot, maybe under a waterfall, out of sight of drones ... or whatever."
"We know how to pop popcorn perfectly halfway, but that's not going to help us when the robots start to take over," said Mike Watts, Vice President of Marketing for Halfpops. "We're innovators, entrepreneurs and problem solvers, so we figure it's time to make friends with the people who speak the robots' language."
In an entertaining video, available at Halfpops.com, the brand demonstrates just how an impending technological Armageddon could impact human life—and how unprepared the brand is to protect itself. The video also notes that, although the Halfpops team may not have the code-fighting skills needed to fend off the robots, a partnership does have its benefits: It can provide an endless supply of crunchy half-popped snacks so that finding a food source isn't an issue while battling the bots. However, unless you're some kind of survivalist MacGyver, you're on your own to build shelter, light fires and search for fresh water. Good luck with that.
While the campaign may seem like pure science fiction, there is real and rising concern among the technorati about artificial intelligence's threat to humanity. An online search for "robot takeover" yields thousands of results, and numerous videos exist predicting the date of said takeover, or showcasing readily available robots built with lifelike human capabilities—from holding everyday conversations to acting as a hotel concierge. The threat is real enough that high-profile tech elites have even pooled money to create a research firm to advance AI technology that helps, rather than harms, humanity. No doubt, the threat is real, people.
The company is promoting the campaign with the first-ever binary hashtag on Twitter, #0110100001100001011011000110011001110000011011110111000001110011. But curiously crunchy popcorn fans who don't have coding skills aren't totally out of luck when the metal machines come knocking. Those who try the coder challenge and fail will still gain access to a coupon code to receive 20% off their next online order at www.halfpops.com.
Halfpops are available nationally at 7-Eleven, REI, Whole Foods, Sprouts and Stop & Shop. For a store locator, and to learn more about Halfpops, visit http://www.halfpops.com or follow Halfpops on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
About Halfpops
Founded in 2011, Scottsdale-based Halfpops is just what it sounds like—half-popped popcorn. Both delicious and healthy, Halfpops takes many of the health attributes of popcorn but provides the crunch consumers look for in a salted snack. Halfpops are never fried, are gluten-free, have no preservatives, are made with non-GMO corn, have no corn syrup, no artificial flavors and no hydrogenated oils. They are also nut-free, making them a perfectly crunchy snack for those with nut allergies. Current flavors include Aged White Cheddar, Angry Kettle Corn, Black Truffle & Sea Salt, Brooklyn Dill Pickle, Butter & Pure Ocean Sea Salt, Caramel & Sea Salt and Chipotle BBQ. Halfpops are sold throughout grocery stores and specialty markets in North America. For more information and a store locator, visit www.halfpops.com.
Video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pnYZ04bLP4E
SOURCE Halfpops
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