Thursday, May 18, 2023

Talking Tech: A future with AI leave you excited or scared?

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Talking Tech

Thu May 18 2023

Brett Molina | Consumer Tech Reporter

@brettmolina23

Happy Thursday, Talking Tech readers! It's Brett Molina back again. Let's get to this week's top tech news, which is brought to you by the letters "A" and "I."

On Tuesday, Apple introduced a series of features aimed at making its signature iPhone more accessible . Among them: a Personal Voice that leverages artificial intelligence to create a voice that sounds like the user. For iPhone owners who face the risk of losing their ability to speak, it's significant.

We've seen what AI is capable of between upcoming features like this and ChatGPT, the popular AI chatbot many believe could eventually upend how we explore the internet.

Maybe I've watched the Terminator movies too many times, but when I see anything AI, I immediately see Skynet, the franchise's primary villain.

One reason for my fear is AI's ability to copy your voice, similar to what Apple is introducing. We already deal with robocalls from scammers claiming we owe money or need to update our car warranty. Now imagine a voice sounding like a family member desperate for money. Scenarios like this are already happening.

Apple said the feature will use "on-device machine learning to keep users' information private and secure." But I can't help but wonder if or how tech like this could get abused.

And it's not just me worried about AI in general. Some fear the tech could be use to take jobs. A recent survey from ADL finds more Americans worry AI could make society worse.

For now, when it comes to AI, consider me Luke Skywalker: "I've got a bad feeling about this."

What else happened in tech?

Before you fly ... Make sure to bring these three travel apps with you

Have an unused Google account? It will get deleted if it's been inactive for two years

Learn Japanese through anime. Duolingo and Crunchyroll partner for immersive lessons.

Microsoft's Activision Blizzard deal. EU approves the takeover, but the acquisition is still in jeopardy

Thursday tech tip

You've likely heard warnings about public Wi-Fi , and the steps you should take to stay safe if you do decide to surf the web using your local coffee shop or airport's wireless services. But it's important to keep tabs on your home Wi-Fi to maintain that wireless safe haven. Take these steps to make sure your home Wi-Fi is secure.

One more thing

The Oscar Mayer Wienermobile has a new first name. It's F-R-A-N-K. Yes, Kraft Heinz Company announced the giant hot dog on wheels spreading the gospel of Oscar Mayer hot dogs is no longer called the Wienermobile. It's now the Frankmobile. Frankly, I am not thrilled.

Thanks for reading! Until next Thursday.