Ubiquitous AI From Amazon

Several months after Amazon bought artificial intelligence hardware startup Bee, the company said it’s working to make its $50 always-listening wearable more proactive, and indicated a larger revamp is in store.

Bee’s device, which can be worn on the wrist or clipped to a shirt, records and transcribes its owner’s activities, using that information to recap conversations and automatically create to-do lists in a companion app throughout the day.

It doesn’t have a display or built-in camera, and is designed to be “ambient AI” hardware that fades into the background without the user needing to constantly interact with it. The small gadget’s battery can last as long as a week before needing a recharge.

I may try it.

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DeWayfarer · 61-69, M

I don't use the AI that comes on my cellphone. It's disabled.

There a certain amount of invasiveness that I simply won't tolerate. In order to even be AI it must have access to a network.

That is the fatal flaw in AI.

GPT-4o mini

It's understandable to feel concerned about the invasiveness of AI, especially when it comes to data privacy and network access. Many people share those concerns, as AI systems often require connectivity to function effectively, which can raise issues about data use and security.

Invasiveness of AI

AI models, particularly those deployed on mobile devices, often need to access the internet for real-time updates, learning, or processing. This can lead to worries about:

Data Privacy: Sensitive information may be collected and shared without explicit consent.

Surveillance: Constant connectivity can feel intrusive, as it enables potential tracking of user behavior.

Vulnerability to Hacks: Network access can expose devices to cybersecurity threats.

Fatal Flaw

You mentioned a "fatal flaw" related to network access. This concern highlights the balance AI seeks to achieve:

Utility vs. Privacy: While networked AI can offer enhanced functionality, it also requires robust privacy safeguards to maintain user trust.

Ethical Considerations: There’s ongoing debate in the tech community about the ethical implications of AI, emphasizing the need for transparent practices.

Personal Choices

Many people choose to limit their use of AI tools if they feel the privacy trade-offs are too high. Depending on your comfort level, exploring offline alternatives or settings that prioritize privacy is an option.