ChatGPT has just released a browser; needless to say, ChatGPT is embedded and allows users to take action directly in the browser. This was inevitable I think - how many users are defaulting to an AI now rather than a browser… when I ask a question I want an answer not a bunch of links to check out. But all the browsers out there will integrate AI… it's already happening actually.

But here's what I'm pondering… do I really want my AI enabled browser being able to track everything I do while using a browser? Like my banking? Email? Certainly ChatGPT is talking up their privacy controls but you'll excuse me for being a tad sceptical. Mind you, my browser can track all of this now… have we already crossed the privacy Rubicon?

I'm late arriving to this issue!

ChatGPT is going to allow its software to participate in, and I quote, "erotica for verified adults".

This is fraught I think but also not a surprise in any way: plus ça change, plus c'est la même chose

Sex and computers go way back. Why would AI be any different? But this is different of course in that it's interactive in a way that wasn't possible before. People are already having less sex than in the past. I can't see an AI "partner" helping much.

OpenAI just released a kit that enables users/developers to build AI agents. This is significant - it just keeps getting easier to build agents AND to build workflows with multiple agents. Up to now I've been playing with Zapier (which is terrific by the way) but the more the merrier! If you've ever wanted your own chat agent, now's the time…

I had a visiting professor in my class this week. He gave a lecture on AI and how to best determine possible use cases and then how to prioritize them. Great discussion as he provided a structure: a way to classify different types of use cases and to identify the type of AI required to solve the problem. When dealing with a fast moving and quickly changing environment, a little bit of structure can go a long way!

OK, I had to laugh… I was watching a Youtube video about reading ledger lines in music and an ad appeared for an AI course (why it appeared is a separate issue!) The premise of the ad was that all users over 40 use AI incorrectly and therefore needed to take the course to figure it all out. Spoiler alert: I am over 40. My experience may be unusual (Along with The Wired Schoolhouse I'm also a professor) but the good AI users I know are ALL OVER 40… it's mostly younger users who are doing the one prompt and then cut and paste thing. Honestly… who cares about age; let's just use tools as best we can so we move the planet forward.

I would call the creator of the ad to complain but it's likely past their bed time.