Cruise and Waymo passed the Kornhauser Proof-of-Technology version of the Turing Test (YouTube) last week. Princeton Professor Kornhauser explains that, if he closed his eyes, he would have found it difficult to differentiate between rides provided to him by those driverless companies and rides given by human drivers. He suggests that the next step is to assess market viability and proposes New Jersey for such a proof-of-market test. Alternatively, last month’s Viodi View suggested conducting a contest to identify communities that are enthusiastic about embracing this technology.
Driving a Smart Phone
The problem was we couldn’t figure out how to turn on these computers on wheels. That sentence sums up this author’s recent experience piloting a Tesla Model 3. Still, we got through the challenges and can see how this rather vanilla car transforms the driving experience. We further explore that transformation, as well as how Dr. Kornhauser’s students are looking to change mobility in episode 322 of the Smart Driving Cars which is embedded in the following link.
Connecting and Collaborating at SRC Live and Beyond
Fortunately, a rental car was not necessary for the short trip from the Fort Lauderdale airport to NTCA’s SRC Live. NTCA CEO Shirley Bloomfield explains how the show is about connecting the dots and maximizing the value of the all-fiber networks deployed by its members. These fiber networks are at the center of an ecosystem that requires security, applications, and community outreach.
Broadband as an Enabler of More Efficient Government Services
“One of the benefits of ubiquitous, affordable connectivity is that we can use it to improve citizens’ experience with government,” states Kathryn de Wit, Project Director of the Broadband Access Initiative for the Pew Charitable Trusts. Pew found that to maximize the benefit of a broadband connection, there needs to be an associated development of technological tools that aid in process improvement.
A Complete Rural Fiber Solution
The Corning/NTCA announcement at the latter’s RTIME 2023 was more than a supply deal that includes more than 46 million feet of fiber optic cable. It was about supplying the right kind of products to help make fiber installations cost-effective for the unique requirements of rural America.
Some Tweets and Short Thoughts
- This is a thought-provoking article co-authored by Tara Everton about “social influencers” paid trips to Shein’s factories and the importance for all of us to consider the source of our purchases. Another important point is the $800 threshold that gives direct-to-consumer transactions an unfair advantage by avoiding U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
- It will be interesting to see the impact of the Wall Street Journal’s multi-part investigation on lead in telephone cables. If no other reason, these cables should be removed to make way for lighter fiber optic cables. It also makes one wonder if studies on lead exposure, such as what was done to justify the impending closure of Reid Hillview Airport, took into account old telephone cables.
- Congratulations to Kirk Vartan for his vision, hard work, and investment that has finally turned into urban agriculture reality. Unfortunately, this otherwise excellent overview of the Agrihood doesn’t recognize his efforts.
- Battle of the AI assistants is how to describe the opening paragraph of today’s Viodi View. It started as this author’s words, then was completely restructured by the WordPress AI Assistant. Grammarly had its take and, finally, this author put the final touches. Ouch, no time savings this time.
The Korner – More Time for Lounging – Thanks to a Cordless Robotic Pool Cleaner #CES2023
Summer is here and, for some of those fortunate enough to have a pool, it means the never-ending battle to keep it clean of bugs, dirt, and other foreign objects. Enter Aiper with its series of cordless, robotic underwater vacuums designed to keep the floors and sides of a pool clean with minimal human effort. The $299 question is whether it would pass the Kornhauser Turing Test for pool cleaning.
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