Wise Tech
Posts
This week: AI spelling "Strawberry" + more stories

This week: AI spelling "Strawberry" + more stories

Brett Bouchard
August 31, 2024

Wise Tech - Technology news for seniors.

It’s interesting to understand why advanced systems struggle with spelling!

1. Why Can’t AI Systems Spell ‘Strawberry’?

What’s the tech?
Artificial Intelligence (AI) systems, especially those used in language models (programs that process and generate human-like text), have shown impressive abilities. However, there's a quirky issue called the "strawberry problem," where these models frequently misspell the word "strawberry" as "stawberry" or "strawbery."

How is it used?
These AI models are used in various applications like chatbots, translation services, and even content creation. They generate text by predicting the next word based on patterns in vast amounts of data they've been trained on. But because they don't think like humans, they sometimes make mistakes, even on simple words.

Why it’s news now?
This issue highlights that while AI has come a long way, it still struggles with understanding language at a deep, human level. It's a reminder that AI is not perfect and that ongoing research is needed to improve these systems.

2. Barbie Phone: Iconic Pink with No Internet Connection

What’s the tech?
HMD, the company behind Nokia phones, has released a Barbie-themed flip phone that’s all about the basics: calling and texting. The phone comes in bright pink and has no internet connectivity, making it a standout in today’s smartphone world.

How is it used?
This phone is perfect for those who want to stay connected without being constantly online. It appeals to people looking for a "digital detox" (a break from internet and social media) by offering just the essentials—no distractions from apps or social media.

Why it’s news now?
With the rise of the "digital detox" trend, especially among younger people, this phone is tapping into a growing market. Plus, with the recent success of the Barbie movie, the timing is right to attract fans who want a piece of that nostalgic, pink-hued world.

3. Australia Passes ‘Right to Disconnect’ from Work Law

What’s the tech?
Australia has introduced a law that allows employees to ignore work communications outside of their regular working hours. This means workers can disconnect from work-related emails, calls, and messages without fear of penalty.

How is it used?
The law aims to give workers more control over their work-life balance. It’s designed to protect employees from burnout and ensure they can truly relax when they’re off the clock. Employers must respect this right, or they could face fines.

Why it’s news now?
As the world becomes more connected, the lines between work and personal time are blurring. This law is a significant step in protecting workers' rights and promoting a healthier work-life balance. Australia joins several European countries in implementing such measures.

Bonus Topic: What Happened to the Paris Olympics Flying Taxis?

What it does:
The ambitious plan was to introduce flying taxis for the 2024 Paris Olympics. These taxis were meant to offer quick, aerial transportation around the city, easing traffic and showcasing futuristic technology.

How it works:
Flying taxis, which are still in development, are designed to operate like regular taxis but in the air. The goal was to reduce travel time and congestion in busy urban areas, especially during large events like the Olympics.

Why it’s news now:
Unfortunately, the project has been postponed due to several challenges, including safety concerns, noise pollution, and the need for new infrastructure. This delay highlights the complexity of implementing advanced transportation technologies in real-world settings.

Conversation Starter:
"Did you hear about the flying taxis that were supposed to debut at the Paris Olympics? It’s fascinating, but they’ve hit some roadblocks—looks like we’ll have to wait a bit longer to see them in action."