Wise Tech
Posts
This week: AI Tours in Museums + more stories

This week: AI Tours in Museums + more stories

Brett Bouchard
August 17, 2024

Wise Tech - Technology news for seniors.

I could get used to an AI-guided tour of a Museum as it’s not too different from audio tours of today!

1. Museum Creates AI Tour Guide from the Past

What’s the tech?
The Metropolitan Museum of Art has introduced a new AI (Artificial Intelligence) guide for their exhibit "Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion". This AI guide, named Natalie Potter, is designed to resemble a 1930s socialite.

How it's used:
Visitors to the museum can interact with Natalie Potter through a smartphone app. By texting her, they can ask about the 1931 wedding dress on display and learn about the fashion and social norms of the 1930s. Natalie was trained using historical documents, ensuring that her responses reflect the language and perspectives of that era.

Why it’s news now:
This collaboration between OpenAI and The Met shows how AI can make museum experiences more engaging. Instead of just reading signs, visitors can now have conversations that bring history to life, making learning more interactive and personal.

2. Generations Use AI Differently in Their Small Businesses

What’s the tech?
AI is being used in small businesses across generations, but there’s a notable difference in how younger and older business owners use this technology.

How it's used:
Millennials and Gen Z business owners are adopting AI quickly, using it for tasks like content creation, customer service, and analyzing data. On the other hand, Baby Boomer entrepreneurs are more cautious, often limiting AI to simpler tasks. Younger entrepreneurs are also choosing AI tools that align with their values, such as sustainability and social responsibility.

Why it’s news now:
This generational divide could influence business success in the coming years. As AI becomes more integral to business operations, younger entrepreneurs may have an advantage in terms of creativity and efficiency, potentially reshaping the business landscape.

3. Californians Can Get Their Driver's License on Their iPhone

What’s the tech?
California will soon allow residents to store their driver's licenses digitally in the Apple Wallet on their iPhones.

How it's used:
The digital license can be accessed via iPhones and Apple Watches, and it will be accepted at select TSA checkpoints. However, physical licenses will still be needed in some situations. This feature is part of a broader movement towards digital identification, making it easier for people to manage and use their IDs.

Why it’s news now:
As more states consider digital IDs, California's move could lead the way in how identification is handled in the future. This digital convenience could change everyday tasks like travel and banking, offering a glimpse into a more streamlined, tech-driven world.

Bonus Topic: New Brain-Computer Interface Allows Man with ALS to 'Speak' Again

What’s the tech?
A new brain-computer interface (BCI) has been developed to help a man with ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) communicate by translating his brain signals into speech.

How it's used:
This BCI system detects brain activity and converts it into spoken words with up to 97% accuracy. It is user-friendly, allowing individuals to operate it with minimal training, giving a voice to those who have lost the ability to speak.

Why it’s news now:
This breakthrough offers hope for many with severe speech impairments. As the technology advances, it could be adapted for other neurological conditions, significantly improving communication for those affected.

Conversation Starter:
"Did you know that new technology now allows people who can't speak to communicate again just by thinking? Imagine how this could change lives!"