Sunday, April 30, 2023

Is AI the realization of science fiction

  • Is AI the realization of science fiction?
  • While it holds potential for future generations, there are also risks involved?
The emergence of AI technology, previously confined to the realm of science fiction, has now become a tangible reality with immense transformative potential across various industries such as healthcare, finance, and transportation. However, as AI continues to evolve and permeate different aspects of society, apprehensions regarding its implications have concurrently risen. While proponents of AI envision it as a catalyst for progress, critics and skeptics alike highlight the need for cautious evaluation of its potential risks. While AI holds the promise of delivering numerous benefits for future generations, it is imperative that we also prioritize the examination and resolution of ethical and social concerns associated with its deployment. By ensuring the responsible and judicious use of AI, we can harness its power while mitigating any adverse effects it may pose to individuals and communities.

“I’m sorry, Dave, I’m afraid I can’t do that.”

With this line, the renegade computer HAL 9000 directly contradicted a direct order given to it by Dave Bowman, mission scientist aboard the Discovery One spacecraft bound for Jupiter, in Stanley Kubrick’s 1968 film "2001: A Space Odyssey." In 1984, James Cameron’s "The Terminator" introduced us all to Skynet, a defense computer network that initiated a global nuclear war to exterminate humanity.

Cinematic portrayals like these have made us all familiar with the risks of artificial intelligence, where computers capable of thinking like humans pose a danger to us all. But that’s simply science fiction, right?

Hey Siri, who's Alexa?

Artificial intelligence (AI) is omnipresent in our daily lives. From the auto correct feature in text messaging to Apple’s Siri and Amazon’s Alexa, we interact with it frequently. In my office, we use an endoscopy unit equipped with AI technology to help us detect colon polyps. Even when you make a purchase on Amazon and see similar products on social media, AI is at work. Additionally, the facial-recognition technology in your phone is another example of AI in action.

In 2017, Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that the country that masters AI "will become the ruler of the world." While Putin's reputation as a result of Russia's invasion of Ukraine has suffered, he was not incorrect regarding AI.

The advancement of AI was fairly sluggish until the year 2012 when the concept of a neural network transformed the entire industry. Essentially, a neural network is a mathematical system that discovers statistical patterns in massive amounts of data.

The development of large language models based on neural networks has marked a significant advancement in AI. In 2018, tech giants such as Google, Microsoft, and OpenAI embarked on building vast neural networks that were trained on massive volumes of internet text. These models led to the emergence of generative AI, enabling machines to write prose, poetry, and even hold human-like conversations. It has opened the door for the next step in AI evolution, with the potential to revolutionize various industries.

The AI chatbot, ChatGPT, has garnered attention since its launch in collaboration with Microsoft by developer OpenAI in November 2021 due to its remarkable conversation and writing skills that mimic human language. It can perform various tasks such as generating business pitches, music, and poetry, simulating chat rooms, composing essays, grocery lists, travel ideas, and describing art in detail. Additionally, it can summarize extensive articles akin to computerized SparkNotes. These AI chatbot programs are revolutionizing the field by advancing the capabilities of automated language processing and transforming the way people interact with technology.

Hey Siri and Alexa, what's GPT-4?

Open AI's latest chatbot platform, GPT-4, has made waves after scoring in the 88th percentile on the Law School Admission Test. However, with the advanced capabilities of such a system comes concerns regarding privacy and security. Italy has already banned the use of Open AI's ChatGPT, citing similar concerns.

OpenAI's AI chatbot ChatGPT can be accessed for free on their website, where users can make use of its capabilities to compose a range of written content. As an AI language model, ChatGPT is capable of generating poetry, prose, essays, and even music. To test its capabilities, the author created a few prompts for ChatGPT to respond to, including a poem about Savannah, a haiku about enduring love, and a paragraph about pirates in the style of Ernest Hemingway. Despite being passable rather than spectacular, the output was created almost instantly, demonstrating the efficiency and versatility of AI language models like ChatGPT.

Apple iOS 17 Overview

Apple iOS 17
iOS 17 is expected to be the next major operating system update for Apple's mobile devices, including the iPhone and iPad. While there is currently no official release date for iOS 17, rumors and leaks have provided some insight into what users can expect from the update. Here are some of the anticipated features and changes:
  • Redesigned Home Screen: iOS 17 is rumored to introduce a redesigned Home Screen with new app icons, widgets, and a refreshed look.
  • Enhanced Multitasking: The update is expected to bring improvements to multitasking on the iPad, including the ability to run multiple instances of the same app and improved window management.
  • Improved Notifications: iOS 17 may introduce new notification features, such as the ability to schedule notifications for later and an updated Notification Center design.
  • New Control Center: The update may bring a new Control Center design with expanded customization options.
  • Health App Enhancements: The Health app may receive updates to allow for more detailed tracking of health data, including menstrual cycle tracking for all users and improved heart rate monitoring.
  • New Wallet Features: iOS 17 is expected to bring new features to the Wallet app, including support for additional types of identification and the ability to unlock cars and homes with an iPhone.
  • Face ID Improvements: The update may include enhancements to Face ID, such as the ability to unlock an iPhone while wearing a mask and improved accuracy in low-light conditions.
  • Improved Siri: iOS 17 may introduce improvements to Siri, including a new design and the ability to perform tasks offline.
  • New Emojis: As with previous updates, iOS 17 is expected to introduce new emojis for users to add to their messages and social media posts.
Tech analyst Mark Gurman from Bloomberg reports that iOS 17 will contain highly demanded features that users have been requesting for some time, which could make it a more substantial update than originally anticipated. Additional sources that spoke with MacRumors also suggest other possible features such as updates to the Control Center, the inclusion of active widgets, a refreshed Dynamic Island, and other enhancements.

What to Expect from iOS 17 Changes to Wallet and Health Apps on Your iPhone

According to recent reports, Apple is poised to unveil notable enhancements to its Wallet and Health apps in the highly anticipated iOS 17 update. These updates are expected to prioritize user convenience and offer enhanced control over health data, empowering individuals to manage their well-being more effectively. Additionally, the improvements aim to streamline the utilization of mobile wallets, making transactions and digital payments more seamless for Apple users. Apple's commitment to enhancing user experience and fostering a healthier lifestyle is evident in these forthcoming updates.

New features coming to Wallet and Health apps in iOS 17
  • Health app improvements: Apple is expected to introduce new features to its Health app, allowing users to access and share their health data more easily. The app will reportedly offer more detailed information on heart rate and blood glucose levels, as well as new options for tracking and monitoring sleep patterns.
  • Wallet app changes: The Wallet app is set to receive several new features that will make it easier for users to manage their payment cards and other digital assets. These changes will reportedly include the ability to store and access digital IDs and driver's licenses, as well as enhanced support for QR codes and contactless payments.
  • Improved privacy features: Apple has always been known for its focus on user privacy, and the company is expected to continue this trend with iOS 17. The new update is expected to include more robust privacy features for both the Wallet and Health apps, giving users greater control over their personal data.
  • Enhanced user interface: As with every major iOS update, Apple is expected to make significant improvements to the overall user interface of the operating system. These improvements will likely include updated icons, new animations, and other visual tweaks to improve the overall user experience.
While Apple has not yet announced a release date for iOS 17, the company typically releases new updates in the fall. As we get closer to the release date, we can expect to learn more about the specific features and improvements that will be included in the update. In the meantime, Apple users can look forward to a more streamlined and user-friendly experience when managing their digital wallets and health data.