While we were in class today, something reminded me of IBM's new creation. It must have been while we talked about Huxley's "Brave New World" and thinking about how our future is only going to consist more of what we love--technology.
There is a computer that has been created to battle on Jeopardy, against two of the biggest champions ever, Ken Jennings and Brad Rutter. The only thing this leads me to think is: is this really our future? Are computers/robots going to be like this in the future? Is this really even necessary, or is IBM just showing how far they can push the limits of computers?
I couldn't find the video I wanted, but I did find three others. The first goes on to explain the creation and talk to past champions.
The following videos are different opinions--one is a commercial from IBM promoting "Watson," and the other is two random guys on a video blog. Personally, I'd rather watch the two random guys and their opinions. "So it's one of those moments where you're like, 'Oh.. wow.. so we are building computers that are drastically smarter than we are. Welcome to the 21st century..'"
Thoughts? Is "Watson" a good thing? A sign of things to come?
Very interesting. I will have to find out when this will be on. I wonder if Alex will ask Watson silly little questions during the breaks. Did they try to give Watson a personality beyond the ability to play Jeopardy? This kind of reminds me of the movie A.I. and the Robin Williams scene with the computer that acts as an all knowing encyclopedia. There are similar examples with C3PO and the hologram guides in Mass Effect. I can't find the A.I. clip but might have to buy the dvd to show it in class.
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