"We know from human history that developments in technologies over the centuries, ranging from the Industrial Revolution through to the invention of the automobile, then airplanes and so forth, the landscape of progress is littered with human casualties. People die because of these things being tested."
A provocative statement, the first thing you hear in episode 1 in the third season of the Digital Download podcast that I did with host Paul Sutton last month in which we discussed emerging … [Read more...] about Emerging tech:
Your bookmark for 2019
Science
Emerging tech:
Artificial intelligence risks GM-style public backlash, experts warn
Researchers say social, ethical and political concerns in the UK about artificial intelligence (AI) are mounting and greater oversight is urgently needed, according to the Guardian. Otherwise, we could expect to see the kind of social disruption that greeted the advent of genetically-modified (GM) foods during the past decades. The Guardian's report notes that there are no testing standards or requirement for AI to explain their decisions. There is also no organisation equipped to monitor and … [Read more...] about Artificial intelligence risks GM-style public backlash, experts warn
Genevieve Bell: ‘Humanity’s greatest fear is about being irrelevant’
Does being scared about AI have more to do with our fear of each other than with killer robots? Perhaps what we're seeing now isn’t an anxiety about artificial intelligence per se, it’s about what it says about us. A compelling view from Intel's head of sensing and insights that may change how you see the evolving role of AI in contemporary society. Indeed, of our role. This article titled "Genevieve Bell: ‘Humanity’s greatest fear is about being irrelevant’" was written by Ian … [Read more...] about Genevieve Bell: ‘Humanity’s greatest fear is about being irrelevant’
Understanding the four types of AI, from reactive robots to self-aware beings
The common, and recurring, view of the latest breakthroughs in artificial intelligence research is that sentient and intelligent machines are just on the horizon. Machines understand verbal commands, distinguish pictures, drive cars and play games better than we do. How much longer can it be before they walk among us? By Arend Hintze, Michigan State University The new White House report on artificial intelligence takes an appropriately skeptical view of that dream. It says the next 20 … [Read more...] about Understanding the four types of AI, from reactive robots to self-aware beings
Broadcasting the wow factor
TV chat shows can be great platforms to introduce a new product, create interest in going to the cinema and see a hot movie, or any manner of things celebrity guests talk about and likely to attract a big audience. In today's sharing society, you also want to extend the reach of a topic and its wow factor by building buzz online. A cool product that played a big part in the latest The Graham Norton Show last night - undoubtedly the preeminent TV chat show in the UK, broadcast every Friday … [Read more...] about Broadcasting the wow factor
Too much FUD and too little facts about fracking
If there's one major issue of significant public interest today that's shrouded in fear, uncertainty and doubt, it's fracking. If you believe the supporters of this mining process to extract natural gas and petroleum deposits from shale rock - formally known as "hydraulic fracturing" - it could be the salvation of our energy needs for the foreseeable future, maybe for the next forty years or more. If you believe the opponents of fracking, it's a major threat to the environment and to … [Read more...] about Too much FUD and too little facts about fracking
Tuning in to Hurricane Sandy
The ability for people to be connected via the internet is no more valuable when it comes to crises and disasters of one type or another, natural or otherwise. Hurricane Sandy - the super #Frankenstorm on track to hit the US East Coast today - is a perfect example. The latest advisory from the US National Hurricane Center is sobering: ..SANDY STRENGTHENS...EXPECTED TO BRING LIFE-THREATENING STORM SURGE...COASTAL HURRICANE WINDS AND HEAVY APPALACHIAN SNOWS... Being able to find out what's … [Read more...] about Tuning in to Hurricane Sandy
Finally a way to understand what ‘the semantic web’ means
If you’ve tried to understand what the semantic web means – sometimes referred to as Web 3.0 – and haven’t got very far, this video will help. The documentary-style video – surely as good as anything you might see on TV – created by journalism/psychology graduate Kate Ray includes insights from some big names in the web world including Tim Berners-Lee, David Weinberger and Clay Shirky. It runs over 14 minutes but I found it highly compelling viewing. It’s worth the … [Read more...] about Finally a way to understand what ‘the semantic web’ means