Welcome to the metaverse TREND WATCH:
BY JAKE POINIER
W HEN YOU HEAR the phrase “artificial intelligence,” you might be concerned that computers are on an inevitable course to outwitting humans. The reality is that artificial intelligence (AI) and augmented reality (AR) technologies are already transforming how we work, entertain ourselves, and socialize. AI is turning up in everyday applications we already know and use, making them smarter and more powerful. What does this trend mean for you and your family? A way of life AI uses computer science and extensive datasets to simulate human intelligence and enable problem-solving. These capabilities make it ideal for streamlining tasks to make everyday life easier. A few examples include:
Smart homes – Smart devices such as Alexa, Siri, and Google Assistant have become household names for performing dozens of
voice-controlled tasks. As AI gets more sophisticated, it’s also expanding the tasks that can be automated. For example, sensors—or a technology known as geofencing—can detect when no one is at home, turning on security, adjusting the temperature and shutting off lights until you’ve returned.
Financial services – Online banking uses a wide range of AI components to improve the user experience, such as advanced
chatbots that use natural language to answer customer questions. AI can also play a key role in automating loan and credit decisions, and detecting fraud and other suspicious activities. Facial recognition – From unlocking your phone and social media accounts to speeding your way through the airport, this AI-intensive technology is becoming increasingly common for consumers. Self-driving cars – Autonomous vehicles are still in the early stages, but they offer the eventual promise of reduced traffic jams and accidents when cars are equipped with a combination of sensors, cameras and artificial intelligence.
Navigation – AI calculates the fastest route to your destination by incorporating a variety of factors—traffic, accidents,
construction and road conditions—and can even predict your customary patterns. AI has also been instrumental in the rise of rideshare services such as Uber and Lyft, improving safety and the accuracy of estimated arrival times.
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IN YOUR CORNER ISSUE 13 | 2023
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