Imagine a machine that can not only understand what you say, but
can act on it; one that actually learns through experience, and
knows you well enough to anticipate your needs.
Now further imagine that this voice-interactive machine will
appear as an avatar – an on-screen image resembling your favorite
movie character or loved one. On command, it will materialize on any TV screen and computer
monitor in your home, or on display screens in your car radio and
cell phone, addressing you by name and asking, “How can I help
you.”
Poised at the cutting edge of this fast growing industry, Fair
Isaac’s Robert Hecht-Nielsen believes his company will soon market
a machine called Chancellor that could bring the vision of true
conversational machines closer to reality.
“We see Chancellor as a small, cylindrical device, several of
which can be placed around the home,” says Hecht-Nielsen. It is
wireless and gets its power from the Internet. In addition to
handling daily family tasks, such as answering phones, making
appointments, and maintaining schedules, this futuristic device
also becomes a portal to the world of automated commerce.”
Unlike most artificial intelligence systems, the Fair Isaac
machine does not use algorithms or software, or adhere to standard
grammar rules. Instead, it utilizes computer simulations of brain
tissues which enable it to process information and acquire
knowledge similar to the way that we do; and it communicates using
perfect human speech. (cont.)
IBM held its Third Annual "Five in Five" which looks at emerging trends as well as what IBM itself is developing in their own labs around the world. Here's the vid.
While previous predictions given by these "Five in Five" releases can be somewhat fanciful (like mind-reading cellphones for instance), this latest list has the refreshing feel of being very near and very possible.
Solar technology will be built into everything
IBM states that within five years we could be seeing thin-film solar technology built into everything around us. This includes sidewalks, driveways, paint, windows and even clothing. Their belief is that thin-film solar will get so cheap that it can be applied everywhere in our lives. It's ability to be flexible also makes it easy to wrap around our daily devices which could benefit from a little extra power boost. It's interesting to think that while some people are clamoring for white asphalt and roofing tiles to reflect the Suns energy and save on lighting, another faction will emerge that will want solar film instead. Of course the question remains: are you going to want to hook a battery up to your clothing?
Your health can be pre-determined
Mapping DNA keeps getting faster and cheaper as the years go along. It only makes sense that very soon people will begin to use that genetic information to look for hereditary traits that could impact your health. In finding out you have a high chance of becoming diabetic, you may try and change your diet to avoid or delay its effects. Basically, it's the movie GATTACA without being able to actually alter the DNA before birth. I wonder how you'll take the news when they tell you that the junk food you so love is literally killing your body and taking years off your life.
Although Google finally got approval for its voice recognition upgrade released earlier this week for the iPhone, it has run into some snags overseas. Not downloading problems, but more of a language barrier.
Although there has been some amazing feedback to the voice recognition feature here in the US, people in the United Kingdom have some serious issues with the update. Mainly, the fact that it can’t understand their thick accents. “The free application, which allows iPhone owners to use the Google search engine with their voice, mistook the word “iPhone” variously for “sex,” “Einstein” and “kitchen sink,” said the Daily Telegraph.” It seems that the accents of those in the UK are responsible for limiting voice recognition technology. It makes one wonder if people will have to develop a North American accent until voice recognition is able to deal with the varied British accents.
Will there be a Universal Voice Recognition Voice?
On command, it will materialize on any TV screen and computer
monitor in your home, or on display screens in your car radio and
cell phone, addressing you by name and asking, “How can I help
you.”
