AI took another leap forward… and it’s scary/impressive.

If you have yet to check out any of the demos from Google I/O 2024 (which took place last week), I’d recommend just watching this one: Project Astra – Our vision for the future of AI assistants.
This is one of those moments in time that might reshape how we interact with technology (and I don’t say this lightly).
Google introduced Astra – an AI assistant designed to seamlessly integrate into our daily lives.
It’s like the weirder child of Google Assistant, Google Gemini, and a new iteration of Google Glass, aiming to provide us with a truly immersive and interactive experience.

Is this the type of experiences that we want?

No, Google Astra is not ChatGPT – it’s much more than just a chatbot or a virtual assistant.
It represents a significant leap in artificial intelligence, designed to comprehend and engage with its environment in a manner that feels almost human.

Maybe too human?

By leveraging advanced machine learning algorithms, Astra can process and understand visual, auditory, and textual data in real-time, making it an adaptable and intuitive companion.
So… it can see, hear, react and speak in a very natural way.

It’s surprising… and scary.

One of the most striking features of Astra is its ability to recognize objects, faces, moods, and even textiles.
Whether you need to remember where you last placed your keys or identify a mysterious plant in your garden, Astra seems to know it all (and remember it too).
This level of perceptual intelligence brings us closer to a future where AI can seamlessly blend into our physical world, providing assistance whenever and wherever needed.
Don’t think about this as a phone… a pair or glasses or a voice-enabled smart speaker… think of it more like the computer on Star Trek… omnipresent.

Magic? Yes. Concerning? Yes.

Whether or not we can stop how this technology rolls out, let’s assume it’s going to happen.

We need to be thinking about…

• Human-Machine Interaction: The easier it is to use, the more we will depend on it.
• Ethical Considerations: Data, consent and potential for bias or hallucinations will require comprehensive regulations… and that’s always been challenging.
• Social Dynamics: AI companions might replace human interactions (great for those who are isolated but potentially disastrous for our social skills and emotional intelligence).
• Cultural Shifts: Changes in how we work, communicate, and entertain ourselves will evolve, but let’s not forget how culture evolves and how we don’t want a homogenized tech-driven cultural society.

Or do we?

The launch of Google Astra is a big deal in the tech world.
It brings us closer to a future where technology isn’t just a tool, but a seamless part of our lives.
Still, as we prance down this new path, we must stay on the alert.
The future of AI is moving at a pace that is surprising to me.
We – the people – need to really decide if the benefits are, ultimately, truly beneficial.

Right now? It’s super impressive.

This is what Elias Makos and I discussed on CJAD 800 AM. Listen in right here.

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