I agree with Mike Elgan's general conclusion about "hearable technology".

I agree with Mike Elgan's general conclusion about "hearable technology". We've had a few hints of this in the recent past as listed in his article. One he didn't mention was the Moto Hint. ( https://www.motorolastore.com/hint.html )

Like the Moto Hint, Apple Airpods are tied to -- work best with -- hardware from a single manufacturer. Unlike the Hint, that single manufacturer has a major market share. The Hint was a single-ear phone-call-type earpiece and couldn't be used for stereo music. For me, the Hint and the Airpods have the disadvantage of having to be stuck into my ear as opposed to being hooked over the ear (earbuds just don't stay in for me).

Also, as a person of a certain age hearing loss probably means getting hearing aids in the next couple years. I keep holding out hope for an all-purpose Bluetooth connection built into high-quality, affordable hearing aids. (Yeah, I'm a dreamer.) Unfortunately, current hearing aids are generally reception-only devices to help the battery last longer. They tend to be "Bluetooth-ready" with the use of a Bluetooth necklace pendant that translates Bluetooth to T-coil transmissions that you (and anyone within a foot or two) can hear through hearing aids.

Originally shared by Mike Elgan

When A.I. whispers in your ear all day

(Read my column: http://goo.gl/5BL90X )

Technology is democratizing.

Over the past 30 years, tools once reserved for presidents, spies, generals and media moguls have been made available cheaply to billions. Wireless communication. GPS. Satellite photography. Streaming live video to a global audience used to cost millions. Now, it's free and you could be doing it in five seconds if you wanted to.

Every great leader, from presidents to CEOs, is surrounded by trusted advisors who guide and inform at every step. Successful leaders often succeed in part because they have better advice or better information. And now, even advice and guidance is being distributed to a mass market.

But instead of human advisors, we're all getting artificial intelligence (A.I.)

This A.I. will talk to us -- and we'll talk back. It will know everything about us, understand our current situation at all times and provide helpful guidance and information.

A.I. is software, of course. So what's the hardware? When it comes to A.I. virtual assistant software, I think it's clear that the hardware is: digital wireless earbuds.

Here's what's coming to an eardrum near you:

http://www.computerworld.com/article/3118744/wearables/when-a-i-whispers-in-your-ear-all-day.html

#hearables #hearablecomputing #bragithedash #ibmwatson #googleglass #microsoftclip