Meet Bard – an early experiment by Google

A metaphor for consumer protection

Today, via email, I received an invitation to try Google’s new Bard Chatbot. After a limited, cautious demonstration in 2020, there’s now a limited public beta test. Because that protocol is the way to collect “valuable data” – at public scale. Sort of like a large clinical trial of a new medicine, eh [1]. Meet… Continue reading Meet Bard – an early experiment by Google

AI tech and society’s slippery slope

Powerful tech and society's slippery slope

Steven Levy commented this week on those heralding a “worst-case scenario” for AI – “how artificial intelligence might wipe out humanity.” At a gathering in New York City organized by the Center for Humane Technology (CHT) [1], a “doom-time presentation” evoked an apocalyptic tone: We were told that this gathering was historic, one we would… Continue reading AI tech and society’s slippery slope

Chatbot redux – synthetic coherent ‘Stochastic Parrots’

[List of articles in progress] Here’s a bunch of recent articles re AI-powered chatbots: ChatGPT, Google’s Bard, Microsoft’s Bing, … Here’s a useful context by Wired’s Steven Levy. • Wired > email Newsletter > Steven Levy > Plaintext (Feb 17, 2023) Hi, folks. Are your news feeds, like mine, loaded with “stories” consisting of reporters… Continue reading Chatbot redux – synthetic coherent ‘Stochastic Parrots’

ChatGPT – an illusion of understanding?

[Update: February 8, 2023 – see comments as well] Following the company’s investment in OpenAI, Microsft has released OpenAI-infused new versions of Bing and Edge. • LA Times > “Microsoft unveils Bing and Edge with OpenAI technology” by Dina Bass (Feb 8, 2023) – Tech giant upgraded its search engine and browser in hopes of… Continue reading ChatGPT – an illusion of understanding?

When your Mac or MacBook won’t turn on?

Computer won’t turn on?

As premium devices, Apple computers generally are reliable and last for years. But there can be times – hopefully rare – when your MacBook, for example, won’t power on. Or at least not bootup. This Macworld article is a useful recap of troubleshooting tips. And, yes, it can be humbling to realize that the problem… Continue reading When your Mac or MacBook won’t turn on?