Sorting AI concerns and Tim Cook on Adding ChatGPT-like AI Features
Apple's CEO, Tim Cook, expressed caution about the flood of new artificial intelligence services, stating that although technology has huge potential, there are "a number of issues that need to be sorted" out.
Cook revealed that Apple already uses several AI features, like fall detection on its smartwatch. The company plans to continue introducing AI features to more of its products but on a "thoughtful basis."
While generative AI tools such as ChatGPT have gained public attention, they have also faced criticism due to safety risks. Business leaders like Elon Musk have called on developers to pause their training of powerful AI models citing potential safety risks.
Compared to Amazon and Google, Apple has been less aggressive in AI implementation. The company has also discussed the subject less during conference calls in comparison to its peers who peppered conference calls with mentions of AI and automation. Nonetheless, Apple has made progress regarding AI, as per Cook on Thursday.
Aside from the Siri voice assistant, Apple does not offer any AI-focused consumer-facing apps or services. Additionally, the company is unlikely to launch a chatbot competitor in the near future.
"We've obviously made enormous progress, integrating AI and machine learning throughout our ecosystem," Cook stated. "And we have weaved it into products and features for many years."
Regarding AI implementation plans, Cook declined to be specific. He also did not mention other companies' AI tools, such as Google's Bard and OpenAI's ChatGPT, by name. However, in 2018, Apple hired a former Google executive to lead the company's AI initiatives and serve on the executive team.
As AI continues to evolve, Apple is taking a cautious approach while keeping in mind the potential safety risks and concerns that come with it.
