AI for the win! There is an AI boom on the horizon, and the next decade truly could be the year of disruptive technologies like artificial intelligence, machine learning, and big data.
And Ken Sun, general manager of Microsoft Taiwan, believes that we may be closer to that reality than many believe — like 5 years close. He is someone who knows his stuff, as he heads a lot of the research that the Redmond based company is doing in these spheres.
Artificial intelligence refers to how machines react to and process information, often based on giant data reserves.
As he notes in an interview, AI is already starting to replace a number of roles, as it brings about productivity to the workspace like never before.
“It’s super exciting. The way we see AI amplifying human intelligence is just amazing. It brings productivity to the work environment in ways we’ve never imagined before.”
One such profession that may be on the way out is that of traditional receptionists.
Personal assistants, also called virtual assistants, can now not only understand the commands people give well enough to complete simple tasks, some can even do dictation, read emails, schedule events and place calls.
Of course, all of this is not new — as services like Microsoft Cortana, Amazon Alexa, Apple Siri, and Google Now are proof enough. Some of these platforms are still rudimentary, but get better with each new update and iteration.
As Zion Market Research forecasts, the global virtual assistant market totaled $2.3 billion last year, and is on track to explode to $19.6 billion by 2025. Ambitious as it may sound now, even nearing half this figure would signal a shift.
You can also red up on what Ken had to say on all the AI technologies Microsoft is working on right now, as it gears up for a future where machines and human coexist.
Interesting future.
