New Toshiba Phone 'Acts Like a Secretary'
"Toshiba is working on a new cellphone with tech that allows it to, uh, behave like a secretary. Apparently, that means it tracks you wherever you go and gives you info without your asking. Sounds like a creepy secretary, Toshiba!
The technology, which could be available for practical use by the end of this year, enables cellphones to "predict" the user's actions based on behavioral patterns monitored by such programs as the Global Positioning System, Toshiba officials said.
The technology also draws on acceleration sensors that detect the handsets' movements, such as rocking and shaking.
For example, cellphones with the technology can automatically display train schedules for the nearest station when the user leaves home in the morning.
It can also recommend places to eat when the user leaves the office for lunch."
"Toshiba is working on a new cellphone with tech that allows it to, uh, behave like a secretary. Apparently, that means it tracks you wherever you go and gives you info without your asking. Sounds like a creepy secretary, Toshiba!
The technology, which could be available for practical use by the end of this year, enables cellphones to "predict" the user's actions based on behavioral patterns monitored by such programs as the Global Positioning System, Toshiba officials said.
The technology also draws on acceleration sensors that detect the handsets' movements, such as rocking and shaking.
For example, cellphones with the technology can automatically display train schedules for the nearest station when the user leaves home in the morning.
It can also recommend places to eat when the user leaves the office for lunch."
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It makes sense that this type of thing will catch on pretty quickly. Like I've said before, everything has to do with computers automatically understanding very human things like boredom and loneliness. In one sense, this personal assistant is just an extension of what we already use: pandora suggesting songs or google reader suggesting articles it believes we'll find interesting.
How far does this go? I think it's safe to assume that this toshiba model will become much more advanced and as all profiles are merged together (think chrome storing each of your passwords when you hop onto a different computer) they'll in essence become a giant personal secretary unique to each user. As algorithms get better and more information is collected, we'll better trust them to predict other things: "suggest a friend" "suggest a date" etc.
To quote augmented.org:
"Funny applications to socialize try to counter this development of disconnecting-with-the-real-world, which is actually kind of silly. But that’s how it has always been. One technology may drive us apart, another technology is needed to bring us together again."
But let's go further and a little bit darker. If we improve CGI and voice simulation, there will be no reason not to have this secretary actually appear as a simulated friend- one who knows what will make you happy depending on your mood, one who won't mind giving you perpetually undivided attention. If it's linked to your cellphone, this friend could also fill you in on things and give you advice:
"you know you seem a little down today- why not try calling Robert or Jessica- you haven't seen them in a while, and last time you hung out you all had a great time." (it was listening to the quality of your voices and watching everyone's facial expressions)
you: "I dunno, what about Eryka, she seems pretty cool... what are the chances that she's into me?"
computer: "about 3%"
you: "damn"
Even further and much darker, what if we allowed our secretaries to communicate with one another, say even temporarily like at a party. They would watch everyone's interactions, occasionally chiming in to suggest mingling (think a futuristic version of facebook suggesting that we help people become more social).
Toward the end of the night we could begin some sort of Game Theory algorithm where each of the secretary agents would trade data until coming up with a "greatest possible universal happiness" formula which would pair those of us wanting to go home or to the next party with someone with each other in the most efficient way. And even if we don't agree to trade data, people will each use their own gathered information to see who they might have a shot with as things are winding down. Of course young people will also learn how to fool the system (like learning to pass a lie detector test) which would have certain advantages. As computer-aided social interaction becomes the norm, how will everything change?
Toward the end of the night we could begin some sort of Game Theory algorithm where each of the secretary agents would trade data until coming up with a "greatest possible universal happiness" formula which would pair those of us wanting to go home or to the next party with someone with each other in the most efficient way. And even if we don't agree to trade data, people will each use their own gathered information to see who they might have a shot with as things are winding down. Of course young people will also learn how to fool the system (like learning to pass a lie detector test) which would have certain advantages. As computer-aided social interaction becomes the norm, how will everything change? 
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