The intention of AI is to create a piece of technology to learn and perform tasks without the assistance of humans. AI is also associated with machines that exhibit responses similar to how humans think and speak.
It’s common for a person’s first thoughts of AI to divert to robots morphed into human form. The movie industry, in particular, has propelled the notion of machines likened to humans as AI. Examples of movies include Ex Machina, Mother, and I, Robot.
However, AI isn’t only reserved for big-budget movies and tech giants to create other-worldly intelligent machinery. AI is presently weaved into every area of our society and personal lives, and it often goes unnoticed or is taken for granted.
For some insight into how AI impacts your daily life, the below demonstrates a few examples.
Gaming
According to Statista, this year, there are currently 36.2 million gamers in the UK. As the video gaming industry continues to grows, video gaming companies are hunting for new innovative ways to entice and engage customers.
One of the elements that have assisted with multiple video games success is AI. Intelligent gaming algorithms allow NPC (nonplayer characters) to learn from each game played to improve and gauge what the player will do next.
In doing so, gaming AI enables the game to form worthy opponents for players to battle against in races, card games, fights etc. Plus, continuous learning by gaming AI prevents a game from becoming repetitive and stagnant.
The casino industry uses AI to offer its players an enhanced experience online. Casino companies use AI to analyse online users’ behaviour on their casino site, such as what games they click on, and how much time they spend on a particular game. While also identifying what offers gamers are using such as, slots free spins, or free cash to play, in doing so, they can better understand which offers work, and what to incentivise customers to play with in future.
AI gaming companies create an enhanced and refined gaming experience that prevents overloading the customer with an overwhelming range of gaming options. And instead, identifies games and offers that match the users’ interests.
Face Recognition
Face recognition is present with most modern smartphones today. The main intention of facial recognition technology is to improve the security of an individual’s device.
For instance, Apple’s Face ID reads an individuals face with the assistance of 30,000 (invisible) infrared beams and stores this data. On attempting to enter a device, Apple Face ID will read the face in front of the phone to determine whether the data received matches the intel stored. If it matches, the user is granted access.
AI such as facial recognition on mobile adds additional security to mobile devices. Preventing others from gaining access without consent.
Social Media
From Facebook to Instagram, Tik Tok to Snapchat the world is hooked on social media. To keep users engaged, social media companies use AI to find out about their users based on the content they read, like and comment on.
As social sites learn more, the social feeds adapt to suit the user and provide a personalised feed to keep people engaged.
The advantage for users is, the content displayed is plucked for the user to create a personalised experience. Which will prevent, for example, “fake” news and images on screen the user would rather not see. While providing, for instance, relevant friend suggestions, the social media user is likely to request.
Transactions
Banking systems have created sophisticated technology online to keep consumers safe and banking details private. Moreover, to protect consumers from fraudulent activity and thieves attempting to gain access to an account.
For instance, banking systems determine “abnormal transactions” based on previous purchases and spending behaviour of the customer. Identifying unusual activity in banking prompts the system to alert the account owner of the transaction. And in some cases requests the owner for permission to decline or accept the transaction.
In other cases, should the transaction take place be perceived as highly unrealistic for the bank account owner. The banking system may stop any further transactions from taking place on the account until the owner is notified. AI is beneficial for increasing security on bank accounts.
Netflix and Amazon
The ability to watch movies and programs without adverts has drawn many people to invest in streaming services such as Netflix and Amazon. In a YouGov poll, the benefits of platforms like Netflix are described as user-friendly, entertaining and easy to use.
With each person in a household having the ability to create their own Netflix account, Netflix uses this opportunity to absorb the user’s interactions on the platform to enhance the users’ experience.
For instance, as individuals watch programs and movies, Netflix learns the genre of films and programs people like. In turn, adjusting the entertainment options on the home screen of Netflix to ones the user is likely to prefer.
The user-friendly journey created on Netflix with the assistance of AI, is a significant part that attracts people to buy its service.
Virtual Assistant
Virtual assistants such as Alexa and Siri can respond to numerous requests from its owner. From ordering a takeaway to finding out the answer to a trivial question, playing music, or adjusting the lighting or heating in a person’s home.
Furthermore, as virtual assistants accrue more intelligence, they become powerful assets to enhance an individual’s personal life.
Part of a virtual assistant’s AI capabilities is to engage in a learning process to better understand requests. Suppose a virtual assistant makes an incorrect interpretation, this knowledge will be stored to prevent the same mistake from occurring during the next request.
From the examples above, it’s evident AI has a significant, positive impact on peoples’ lives. Whether improving an individual’s safety, by adding sophisticated security measures to a person’s most used possession, their mobile. Or altering a user’s online experiences, such as adapting social feeds, gaming options, and streaming service options to suit the individual. Infinite customisation of entertainment channels makes it quicker and easier for people to access what they want instantly.
Artificial intelligence has been around for years, yet its potential is still in its infancy. With that, the future for enhanced AI to make personal lives better each year is expected.
