Windows PCs begin capturing screenshots of users’ activities, feeding this data into a sophisticated AI model embedded directly within the devices.
Earlier, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman had expressed views of AI systems acting like a “senior employee” who can engage with users much like a trusted employee would with a CEO.
Altman emphasised that an AI assistant shouldn’t be like an “agent” but like a “senior employee”.
He pointed out that a senior employee would question requests that appear illogical, while an agent would unquestioningly follow commands.
Despite initial reservations regarding privacy, these AI systems can be instrumental in enhancing employee well-being.
Recently, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella unveiled Windows’ latest feature: Recall. This isn’t just a keyword search; it’s a semantic search, delving deep into your digital history to recreate moments from the past.
“Recall isn’t just about documents,” Nadella explained in an interview with The Wall Street Journal. “It’s about reliving experiences, reimagining the past with clarity and detail.”
So, how does this work?
Windows PCs begin capturing screenshots of users’ activities, feeding this data into a sophisticated AI model embedded directly within the devices. Through neural processing, every image and interaction will become searchable, even extending to photographs.
Understandably, there are some concerns, with Elon Musk, in a characteristic tweet, saying, “This is a Black Mirror episode. Definitely turning this ‘feature’ off.”
A Good ‘Recall’
This comes in the backdrop of Microsoft Build, the company’s annual developer conference, which will begin today in Seattle. The company is set to showcase its latest AI projects following OpenAI and Google’s events hosted this month.
OpenAI announced the ChatGPT desktop app, powered by the latest GPT-4o model, which changed everything. This AI companion boasts real-time screen reading capabilities, positioning itself as the go-to colleague for assistance in times of need.
Earlier, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman had expressed views of AI systems acting like a “senior employee” who can engage with users much like a trusted employee would with a CEO. This includes the ability to push back, reason, and access emails within specified constraints.
Altman emphasised that an AI assistant shouldn’t be like an “agent” but like a “senior employee”. He pointed out that a senior employee would question requests that appear illogical, while an agent would unquestioningly follow commands.
In the meantime, Google introduced AI Teammate, powered by Gemini, which is aimed at streamlining workflow and communication within teams, minus screen recording.
This new feature will significantly reduce workloads by handling mundane tasks and participating in team communications, potentially transforming the employee from a helpful colleague to an overbearing overseer.
Forget Managers, the AI Employee is Here
As tech giants are announcing AI features for the workplace, in an interesting development, UK-based startup Artisan AI is on a mission to create the most advanced human-like digital workers, called Artisans.
So far, they have released Ava, a sales representative Artisan. Ava operates as a business development representative (BDR) who streamlines the entire outbound sales process, requiring only a brief 10-minute conversation for setup.
Ava not only formulates the user’s ideal customer profile (ICP) but also navigates a vast database of over 270 million contacts. From meticulous lead research to crafting and dispatching highly tailored email sequences, Ava executes each task with precision, seamlessly booking meetings into sales reps’ calendars.
A new era is upon us, with AI employees and humans working in symbiosis.
We've just released Ava, The Sales Rep Artisan. She's an AI BDR on steroids, and she's available to hire now.
The best part? Manage everything by chatting to her.
Learn more: https://t.co/Xq15n0B85J pic.twitter.com/nynI97wfwY — Artisan (@GetArtisanAI) January 15, 2024
They have also recently launched Artisan Labs, their research lab, where they are pioneering the foundational technologies required to create human-like digital workers.
Time to be Friends with Your AI Colleague
In today’s rapidly evolving landscape, AI’s capacity to comprehend emotions emerges as a powerful asset rather than a cause for concern. Despite initial reservations regarding privacy, these AI systems can be instrumental in enhancing employee well-being.
By detecting signs of stress or excessive screen time, managers can intervene proactively, potentially mitigating the risk of burnout or mental health issues. Moreover, in the context of rising concerns about workplace suicides, AI monitoring could provide critical insights into identifying and addressing distressing behaviours among colleagues.
Moreover, humans naturally seek connections and understanding from others. In this context, AI’s ability to comprehend emotions can serve as a catalyst for fostering deeper relationships and facilitating a more supportive workplace culture.
Recent advancements in robotics and AI have fundamentally altered our perception of technology’s role in shaping social dynamics. By integrating emotional intelligence into AI systems, we not only enhance their efficacy but also redefine them as invaluable allies in promoting employee well-being and fostering positive workplace relationships.
