Uncanny Valley | WIRED

Google's Human-Robot Caller


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Google I/O, the company’s annual developer conference, is clearly no longer just about the newest version of Android. This year Google used the keynote stage to show off some of its advancements in artificial intelligence, including a demo of an eerily-human-like robot caller that can call the hair salon or a restaurant and make appointments on your behalf. We also learned more about Google’s vision for the future of visual search, saw glimpses of its new Material Design theme, and, as expected, learned more about Android P. But really, the bot-calling demo was the one that blew everyone away, and also happens to be the thing that is still the most fraught with unanswered questions.
Some notes: You can find all of our I/O coverage here, including this exclusive look at the new Google Lens, the questions Google still needs to answer about its Duplex technology, and the history of JOMO (AKA the Joy of Missing Out), as well as the research behind Google’s new features that encourage you to take breaks from technology.
Recommendations this week: Arielle recommends the Netflix series “Wild Wild Country,” Lauren suggests the new “Caliphate” podcast from The New York Times, and Mike is all about bike-sharing services this week.
Send the hosts feedback on their personal Twitter feeds. Arielle Pardes is @pardesoteric, Lauren Goode is @laurengoode, and Michael Calore is @snackfight. Bling the main hotline at @GadgetLab. Our theme song is by Solar Keys.
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