Dear Fellows and Friends, In their forward to a monograph by Microsoft called "The Future Computed:
Artificial Intelligence
and its role in society", Brad Smith and Harry Shum write
"Twenty years from now, what will your morning look like? At Microsoft, we imagine a world where your personal digital
assistant Cortana talks with your calendar while you sleep.
She works with your other smart devices at home to rouse you at the end of a sleep cycle when it's easiest to wake
and ensures that you have plenty of time to shower, dress, commute and prepare for your first meeting. As you get
ready, Cortana reads the latest news, research reports and social media activity based on your current work, interests and tasks, all of which she gleaned from your calendar, meetings, communications, projects and writings. She updates you on the weather, upcoming meetings, the people
you will see, and when you should leave home based on traffic projections.
Acting on the request you made a year before, Cortana also knows that it's your sister's birthday and she's ordered
flowers (lilies, your sister's favorite) to be delivered later that day. (Cortana also reminds you about this so that you'll
know to say, "you're welcome" when your sister thanks you.)
Cortana has also booked a reservation for a restaurant that you both like at a time that's convenient for both of your
schedules. In 2038, digital devices will help us do more with one of our
most precious commodities: time".
