Artificial Intelligence (AI) to many people in Nigeria, sounds like yet another sci-fi concept that is not configured to work in this part of the world. However, the Google Making AI event in Amsterdam this week has shown, AI can be put to more use (in Nigeria) if conscious efforts are made to explore these possibilities.
From everyday usage to extend functionalities on mobile devices, AI can also offer significant leverage in solving many of society’s problems through the enormous data processing capabilities and adaptive capacities.
To many Nigerians, automated homes always look cool in movies, and the practicality of it in the country is now very possible. The Google Home (available on Playstore), can be voice activated through Smart speakers powered by the Google Assistant. It combines Google’s skills in AI, ML (machine learning) and natural language processing with decades of Search experience to deliver personal experience for users. Those who already use the Google Assistant may already be familiar with the app, and by saying the “Hello Google”, it is activated to take commands.
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From switching on the lights, controlling air conditioning, it can also be connected to home cameras for use at entrances. Some of these were demonstrated this week at the Google Apartment in Amsterdam’s city centre. While all of these may sound very western, it is very possible to put these functionalities to use in Nigeria. At least one person (resident in Nigeria), told TechTalk he is already using it in his Lagos home. In subsequent TechTalk articles, we will put readers through the process of setting up a smart home as well.
Also, with Google’s developments in AI, phone users (at least those with Pixel 3), will be able to ‘screen their calls’. Many times when we receive calls, we hesitate to pick, particularly when occupied and only need to attend to very important matters. The new call screen feature on Pixel 3 phones makes it possible to know what the caller wants in advance. At the tap of a button the caller hears an automated message asking the reason for their call. A transcript of the caller’s answer will appear in real time on the phone’s screen, enabling a person to quickly decide whether to speak to them or not. This in way, replaces SMS options that are sent to simply ‘shut down’ a caller.
Other examples of AI and ML applications can be found in the battery life of phones. Google and DeepMind have developed an adaptive battery technology in the Android P operating system. The technology ensures that apps will still work as expected, but will dramatically reduce “battery drain” caused by an App behaviour such as frequent CPU wake-up (where the device randomly switches from idle to active) or unnecessary data transmission caused by apps “dialling out” over Wi-Fi or the cellular network. With the adaptive battery technology, CPU wake-ups have been reduced by about 30 percent and mobile radio usage by as much as 20 percent in some apps.
Life will probably be very boring unless new possibilities are explored. Technology makes it easier for these explorations and some already exist within the Google sphere. With Android devices, all that is required is taking a plunge through these programs and their new features. Next week, they will be highlighted in detail.
CALEB OJEWALE, Amsterdam
