Posts By: David Firth

Facebook uses AI to spot suicidal users

Posted by & filed under Artificial intelligence, Emerging Technologies, Ethical Issues, FaceBook.

Facebook has begun using artificial intelligence to identify members that may be at risk of killing themselves.  The social network has developed algorithms that spot warning signs in users’ posts and the comments their friends leave in response.  After confirmation by Facebook’s human review team, the company contacts those thought to be at risk of… Read more »

Why your car servicing costs could be about to rise

Posted by & filed under Big Data, data analytics, Emerging Technologies, Ethical Issues.

An almighty row has broken out over who should have access to all the data new cars generate.  Manufacturers want to have control of it all, but independent repair shops, fleet operators, insurance companies and anyone else who could benefit from this data, argue that this would be blatantly anti-competitive. Source: BBC Technology News Date: March 1st,… Read more »

Sorry, But Amazon Isn’t Actually Annihilating Retail Jobs

Posted by & filed under Amazon, Automation, Ecommerce.

There is a problem with much of the current rhetoric claiming that the automation of industry is leading to the annihilation of jobs and/or the enslavement of humanity. Source: Wired Magazine Date: March 1st, 2017 Link: https://www.wired.com/2017/03/sorry-amazon-isnt-actually-annihilating-retail-jobs/ Discussion 1) “By 2016 e-commerce comprised just 8.3 percent ($102.7 billion) of the total retail market ($1.2 trillion). While that’s a big… Read more »

As stores go high-tech, new study finds shoppers don’t want robotic help

Posted by & filed under App Economy, disruptive technology, Emerging Technologies.

Stores are spending lots of time and money trying out new, fancy technologies like touchscreen mirrors in changing rooms and robo-assistants out in the racks to get consumers to buy more.  Shoppers couldn’t care less. Source: Toronto Star Date: February 23rd, 2017 Link: https://www.thestar.com/business/2017/02/22/as-stores-go-high-tech-new-study-finds-shoppers-dont-want-robotic-help.html Discussion 1) “There’s a disconnect between stores and shoppers over tech.   While retailers… Read more »

Tinder wants AI to set you up on a date

Posted by & filed under App Economy, Artificial intelligence, Emerging Technologies, Entertainment, Ethical Issues.

Tinder is growing up. It’s now a serious technology company tackling one of life’s most important matters, and is by far the most popular dating app worldwide.  After a lot of boardroom musical chairs, Mr Rad is the chairman of both Tinder and Swipe Ventures, the arm of the company designed to buy other dating-related… Read more »

Canadian policies on cellphone searches at border aren’t easy to find

Posted by & filed under IT and Politics, IT and the law, Privacy.

When you travel to the U.S., customs agents can search your smartphone, laptop and other electronic devices at will — a longtime policy that has attracted renewed scrutiny in light of President Donald Trump’s controversial immigration ban. Canadian customs agents can do the same, but unlike their U.S. counterparts, Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) doesn’t make its… Read more »

This 14-year-old Canadian made the best Facebook chatbot

Posted by & filed under App Economy, bots.

It’s been nearly a year since Microsoft’s Satya Nadella proclaimed “bots are the new apps”.  Yet despite the promise of a revolution in how we interact with services and companies online, progress has been utterly miserable – the vast majority of chatbots are gimmicky, pointless or just flat out broken. But this week I was given… Read more »