I have been using Android since version 1.5 of the operating system and I like the platform. I find it much more flexible than iOS at all levels. It’s the same as with Linux. If there’s something I don’t like about Android, chances are I can change it. And that’s not the case with Apple’s mobile platform.
I’m also a big fan of the Pixel line of smartphones. I started with the Pixel 2 and haven’t purchased a different brand or model since. But all that could change.
Recently, I’ve seen changes happening in Google’s teams. And one of those changes involves the Google Assistant team, which now has to focus on Bard’s AI technology. Before continuing, let me explain what I think about what is happening to AI.
AI is proposed as a means to an end, it is no longer the case
Previously, AI was a technology that worked behind the scenes. It helped with a number of Android features (for example, when you start typing and it guessed the next word you wanted to type, or with Google Photos’ magic erase feature). But AI has started to take hold with features like ChatGPT and Google’s new Bard AI.
At this point, AI is offered as a means to an end. Like for example the ability to write text, create images, make HR decisions, and much more. AI therefore allows its users to accomplish very specific objectives.
For someone like me, who writes words for a living, AI is slowly becoming a competition. I know talented people who lost their jobs because of AI. In fact, most writers I know are genuinely worried about their future. But so are graphic designers, musicians, human resources staff and even healthcare professionals.
Technology should not be used to replace human beings
This is why this technology poses a serious problem for me. The people behind this technology either don’t see the dystopian future they are building or they don’t care.
Understand this: technology should not be used to replace human beings, but to make their lives a little easier. I have nothing against the use of AI in the form of grammar assistance (although this technology will never replace a real writer for me) and I fully understand that AI helps make Google Assistant work. However, Google Assistant falls far short of the level of AI found in projects like Bard AI.
What I expect from a digital assistant
It’s quite simple. I want a digital assistant that dials the phone numbers for me, answers basic questions when needed, and shows me the way. I don’t want or need an assistant who can write full articles, generate images, or do my work for me. I don’t want a smartphone that becomes complicit in my dumbing down or makes me depend on it to do things I’d rather do on my own.
In other words, I want a digital assistant that assists me in the background and only when needed.
So, now that it’s known that Google has revamped the Assistant unit to focus on Bard’s AI, it seems like things are set. If one has to guess, the simplest conclusion is that the company plans to replace Assistant with Bard AI. If this were to happen, I would take one of two actions:
- continue with Android but disable Bard AI;
- if disabling Bard AI isn’t an option, I’ll find a new platform.
Go to Bixby?
The second option could prove tricky. For what ? If Google migrates to Bard AI, chances are Apple will do the same with iOS. If the two mobile telephony giants follow the same path, those who think like me will have to find another mobile operating system. The problem with alternative operating systems is finding quality hardware. Most non-Google and non-Apple smartphones I’ve tried were no good.
There’s still the deGoogled /e/OS, but the supported devices are old (the newest Pixel being the 4, which had abysmal battery life). The same goes for Ubuntu Touch (the most recent Pixel device being the 3). I’m not ready to upgrade from a Pixel 7 Pro to a Pixel 3.
There is always to change the possibility of falling back on Samsung Galaxy smartphones with their Bixby assistant. It’s not the ideal solution, but it’s definitely an option worth considering. I’ve always found Bixby more intrusive and less useful than Google Assistant. However, if Google migrates to Bard’s AI and makes it non-disableable, I’ll be happy to migrate to a Galaxy smartphone, disable Bixby, and use a smartphone without a PDA. For what ? I don’t use the Google Assistant much anyway. I prefer to do things manually.
So, Google, if you’re listening to me, don’t make this change. If you do, make it so users can choose whether or not to use Bard’s AI. I really like my Pixel smartphone and would rather not change. But if someone forces my hand, I will.
Source: ZDNet.com