By Ernie Williamson
The Bulletin
For Christmas, my daughter gifted my wife and I with a bird feeder.
I am not a bird person, but this is no ordinary bird feeder.
It is equipped with a camera that takes video of any winged visitor and then, thanks to A.I., identifies the bird species and provides information about the bird. The system can recognize 11,000 birds from all over the world.
Suddenly, I am interested in birds, but I am also amazed how fast A.I. is creeping into our daily lives.
It was only in November of last year that ChatGPT was launched. By January of this year, it had become the fastest growing consumer software application in history.
By this Christmas, with the development of competing products, the evidence of the A.I. boom was seen under Christmas trees everywhere.
For instance, there is a product that uses A.I. to determine which skincare or fragrance ingredients might be suitable for a particular customer.
For children, there are toys like Moxie, a doll developed by California-based Embodied, which is headed by former NASA-scientist Paolo Pirjanian.
Moxie uses a range of sensors and A.I. to interact with kids on an unusually deep level.
Moxie uses a filter to screen out objectionable content.
Embodied claims 71 percent of students using Moxie showed improved social skills.
If you are fed up with spending hours looking for the perfect gift, there are cutting-edge A.I. powered tools that will analyze your gift recipient’s profile and interests to recommend gifts in mere seconds.
As an experiment, I tried this on ChatGPT.
ME: What would you give me for Christmas? I am 76 and disabled and in a wheelchair. I like to read, although it is becoming more of a challenge as eyesight deteriorates.
ChatGPT: I am sorry to hear about your challenges. Given your interest in reading and your difficulties with eyesight, I would suggest considering an audio book subscription. Audiobooks can be a great way to enjoy literature without straining your eyes.
Services like Audible have a vast library of books in all genres.
Another option could be a large print book. Many popular titles are available in large print versions for those with visual impairments.
Lastly, a book light with a magnifier could also be helpful. These devices often have LED lights and can magnify the text on a page, making it easier to read.
Please remember to consult with a healthcare professional before making any changes that could affect your health or safety.
I hope these suggestions bring you joy this Christmas.
I found the ChatGPT response solid but not creative. Guys out there might try it when finding a gift for a friend, but maybe not for an anniversary present for your wife.
(Contact Ernie at williamsonernie@gmail.com. Or, send letters to The Bulletin, P.O. Box 2426, Angleton, TX. 77516)