Artificial Intelligence (AI) might have been something that sounded like it was out of a science fiction movie two decades ago, but now it’s being infused into multiple tools that we use online and offline.
We may not even realize it, but AI is being used in everything from your vehicle to your smart home technology.
AI can be described as a smart algorithm or program. It’s when a system can take actions based on new information “on the fly” rather than having to be programmed in manually.
AI is often used with machine learning. To put this in practical terms, say that you just finished a night out and are using your Uber app to get a ride home. If you’ve used the app before, you know that the price changes according to several factors, such as how many Uber drivers are available and how many other people are in need of a ride.
Ridesharing uses what’s called “surge pricing” and charges more when demand is high. It would be very cost-prohibitive for Uber to have millions of people in towns around the country manually changing those prices, so instead it relies on AI and machine learning.
Basically, the Uber systems learn the patterns of a certain area and instantly calculate pricing based on the supply and demand at any given minute. This helps Uber get the most for their service, but it can also help ensure you’re not waiting an hour for a ride.
Common Places Where Artificial Intelligence Is Being Used
Social Media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc.)
If you’ve used social media for a while, then you’ve come to realize, your social media “feed” isn’t in chronological order. There are AI-based algorithms that look at everything you click, comment on, or “like,” and use that information to customize the posts that you see when you use the app.
This can be annoying for some people, but it is also a way to make tons of information more manageable and make sure you don’t miss that latest update from your favorite high school pal.
Business Applications
Many business applications have been making improvements in user experience and productivity using AI. For example, Microsoft 365 has infused AI in many of its apps to help users do more in less time.
Here are a few examples:
- Text predictions in Word
- Data types in Excel
- Presenter Coach in PowerPoint
Chatbots
Many companies use chatbots to assist customers on their websites. Some bots are more helpful than others. It’s usually those that are making good use of AI that can better predict and respond to customer questions.
Cybersecurity Applications
In today’s challenging cybersecurity landscape, it’s important to use security applications that use AI and machine learning. These will typically be called “next-gen,” such as next-gen antivirus or a next-gen firewall.
Using AI, cybersecurity apps can build up profiles on threatening behaviors and respond in real-time to keep your network and devices secure from the newest threats.
Digital Voice Assistants (Alexa, Siri, etc.)
If you’ve ever wondered how your Alex or Siri device got so smart, the answer is AI and machine learning. These digital assistants get smarter the more you use them because they learn from your requests what you like and will provide more accurate answers based on this data.
Parking Assist & Lane Alerts in Vehicles
It’s hard to buy a new vehicle these days that doesn’t have AI used in it somewhere to help improve driver and passenger safety.
Systems that beep when you move out of your lane or that help you parallel park are all powered by AI.
Smart Replies in Your Email or Messaging Apps
One helpful use of AI that you might use all the time but not realize is artificial intelligence is the use of smart replies in email and messaging apps.
These are those quick popups of things like “Thanks, got it” or “I appreciate it.” That you can choose and send rather than typing out your own reply.
How does your app know to serve up appropriate options? It uses AI that looks at the content you’re replying to and chooses the best options from its database based on that context.
Product Recommendations on Amazon
Most of us are served up product recommendations whenever we use Amazon to shop. These product recommendations are also examples of AI that learn your purchasing patterns over time, and also review your latest search history to serve up the more relevant recommendation for products you may be interested in.
Are You Taking Advantage of AI in Your Business Apps?
Two River Computer provides helpful IT consulting to Fair Haven businesses and remote employees to help them improve productivity and save time by leveraging their digital tools.
Contact us today for a free consultation. Call 732-747-0020 or reach us online.
