Day: January 29, 2025

The Biggest Ideas in Software and Tech Today: AI, Quantum, and Beyond

AI on the cusp Artificial intelligence surged in 2024, with killer apps like conversational AI, natural language processing, code and image generation, and more. But is the current moment a high-water mark or just a way station? Will the new era of AI-driven tech crash or continue, and what are the limits of AI? Some speculate that we are entering a phase where machine learning will be constrained not by architectures and compute resources, but by the amount of raw data that’s available. After all, modern AI is all about taking massive samples of data and creating probability engines. Those data samples have to come from somewhere, and that somewhere is the sum-total output of human creativity available on the Internet. It’s possible we are entering a kind of autophagy, moving our data output and input toward stasis. AI can of course generate its own content, which means it can create its own new training material. But here is where we start to explore the boundaries between synthetic and creative imagination. How much recombination can be done without the organic spark of inspiration that reveals genius, in the old-fashioned sense of the word?

Astonishing breakthroughs fueled by AI, agentic AI, quantum computing, brain-computer interfaces, and decentralized finance are on the horizon. One of the coolest things about being a software developer is that you often know what’s behind the curtain. To some extent, at least. Working in tech gives you the chance to know first-hand what a neural network is, […]

Should You Buy Echo Show 8? A Resounding Yes After Testing

The Echo Show 8's design stands out from previous generations, particularly the speaker on the back. Other Echo Show devices have a tapered speaker back that doubles as a stand to hold the smart display up to make it self-standing. The latest Echo Show 8's speaker also props up the display, but it has a new design that is, in my humble opinion, an interesting choice.

I’ve been using the third-g eneration Echo Show 8 since its launch over a year ago. Coming from a first-generation Echo Show 8 makes the upgrades to the third-generation model all the more noticeable. In addition to its sleeker design with edge-to-edge glass, center-set built-in camera, and smaller speaker enclosure, the 2023 Echo Show 8 features spatial audio, a […]

This High-End Asus Laptop Beats MacBooks for Creatives

I recommend this high-end laptop to creative pros over MacBooks - and it's on sale at Best Buy

Asus’ ProArt series consists of sleek laptops with high-end hardware for creatives. At the top of the line is the new AMD-powered ProArt P16, which exudes power and performance with a sleek, all-black form factor, giant trackpad with Asus’ proprietary DialPad, and brilliant display.  I recently had a chance to go hands-on with the ProArt P16 […]

US and Europe Probe China’s DeepSeek AI Over Privacy, Security

US & Europe Probe China's DeepSeek AI Over Privacy, Security

White House and European regulators are separately investigating DeepSeek over national security risks, data privacy concerns, and potential IP violations. The Chinese AI app DeepSeek has come under intense scrutiny from both the US and European regulators, raising alarms over national security risks, data privacy concerns, and potential intellectual property theft. The White House confirmed […]