Are we on the brink of an AI-driven revolution, or is it just hype?

Welcome to this edition of This Week in Tech, where we dive into Eric Schmidt’s bold AI predictions and explore the growing role of AI in our daily lives—from the cutting-edge interview automation tools to humanoid robots inching closer to reality.

We'll also touch on the latest advancements in cryptocurrency payments and the rapid expansion of Waymo's robotaxi services, marking significant shifts in transportation and finance. Buckle up for a tech-filled journey into the future!

Artificial Intelligence

To get things started this week take a look at the the CEO of Procreate letting us know his thoughts about GenAI and if it has a place in his products.

Another perspective detailing the intersection of AI and humanoid robots ushering the new citizens from AI Atlantis. 100 billion of them.

Eric Schmidt, former Google CEO, predicts that AI will revolutionize society, impacting jobs, geopolitics, and global power structures. He warns of an AI-driven arms race and stresses the need for ethical AI development to prevent misuse. Schmidt envisions AI not just as a tool, but as a transformative force, requiring global cooperation and regulation to harness its potential while mitigating risks, particularly in maintaining human control over powerful AI systems.

ChatGPT Reading Assistant

This might slow down your reading, but enhance your comprehension and instill curiosity to dig deeper into something you discover in a book.

Ever wanted to be interviewed by AI? Me neither. But it looks like that’s where we are heading in the world of technology and recruitment. A candidate is invited to interview, the interview is run by AI, a skill specific exercise is administered and then a report is generated that determines if this candidate is right for the position at hand. 2024 is weird. Good luck job seekers.

Robotics

Is Apple giving up on Spatial Computing? In the long run, probably not. But in the short term it seems they are continuing to diversify their offerings and could be making a play into advanced home robotics with a device akin to a robotic limb attached to an iPad. Honestly, it could be pretty cool - but imagine if it has wheels and someone can hack it and now you have an iPad with a robotic arm chasing after you….we’ll have to wait and see how this one plays out. Also, does anyone know how the HomePod turned out?…

Humanoid robots just keep on coming, whether you like it or not

Not only are more companies and universities around the world spitting out new robots every year, but they are becoming more and more advanced with new capabilities and increased dexterity. China seems to be pushing their foot down on the gas with their Humanoid Robot Innovation Center - I wonder if a Terminator will be born there.

Unitree’s G1 is going to challenge Boston Dynamics to a dance off in the coming months (totally kidding…but you never know)

In all honesty though, if an affordable humanoid robot becomes available I don’t see why we wouldn’t want one. I mean, yes iRobot didn’t turn out too well just like the Terminator movies (wish they stopped at 2) but having a non-human entity to take care of the physical tasks I don’t enjoy doing like taking out the trash or cleaning the house would be pretty sweet.

Crypto

MetaMask, Mastercard, and Baanx have partnered to launch a new way to pay with cryptocurrency. The integration allows MetaMask users to make purchases at millions of merchants globally using their crypto assets, seamlessly converting them to fiat currency.

This innovation represents a significant step towards mainstream adoption of cryptocurrencies, enabling easier and more versatile use of digital assets in everyday transactions. The collaboration highlights the growing convergence of traditional financial systems with blockchain technology.

Transportation

Have you ridden in a driverless car yet? I don’t mean a car that can drive itself with a human behind a wheel. I mean a car that is capable of navigating through the world without a human as a backup driver in the seat next to you. Just an empty comfy chair daring you to grab the wheel at the slightest chance of heading into oncoming traffic. Waymo could be your chance to feel the excitement and fear of the future.

Waymo is now providing 100,000 robotaxi rides per week, marking a significant milestone in the expansion of autonomous vehicle services. This rapid growth underscores Waymo's leading position in the competitive robotaxi market, as it scales its operations across multiple cities.

The increase in ride volume demonstrates growing consumer trust and the accelerating adoption of driverless technology, further intensifying competition with other players like Tesla and Cruise in the autonomous vehicle space.