An invention that could change the internet for ever

[ccharles000]

http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/gadgets-and-tech/news/an-invention-that-could-change-the-internet-for-ever-1678109.html

The biggest internet revolution for a generation will be unveiled this month with the launch of software that will understand questions and give specific, tailored answers in a way that the web has never managed before.

The new system, Wolfram Alpha, showcased at Harvard University in the US last week, takes the first step towards what many consider to be the internet's Holy Grail – a global store of information that understands and responds to ordinary language in the same way a person does.

Although the system is still new, it has already produced massive interest and excitement among technology pundits and internet watchers.

Computer experts believe the new search engine will be an evolutionary leap in the development of the internet. Nova Spivack, an internet and computer expert, said that Wolfram Alpha could prove just as important as Google. "It is really impressive and significant," he wrote. "In fact it may be as important for the web (and the world) as Google, but for a different purpose.

Tom Simpson, of the blog Convergenceofeverything.com, said: "What are the wider implications exactly? A new paradigm for using computers and the web? Probably. Emerging artificial intelligence and a step towards a self-organizing internet? Possibly... I think this could be big."

[valerief]

1. And it will be dedicated to "shopping experiences" only, I'll bet.

[ThomWV]

2. This is America - there is no experience if it is not a shopping experience

and it better be damned fast too.

We will not wait and we will be satisfied - continuously.

[Deja Q]

3. Sample dialogue from a real beta-test conversation:

Me: "I need a fluorescent tube".
Computer: "Here is a picture of a dildo painted day-glo pink that glows in black light.)
Me: "No no no! I don't want anything pornographic!"
Computer: "Here is the video from the 1985 movie 'A View to a Kill', which features fluorescent gun barrels. They're tubes."
Me: "No no no no no! No violence either! Do you know what a tube is?!"
Computer: "Yes, they were used in radios until the 1970s, and in televisions until the early 2000s."
Me: *sighs* "No, I mean lighting. Do you understand? LIGHTING!!"
Computer: "Here is the link to CitiLights. I will take you there, is that where you want to go?"
Me: "No! I don't want any sodding ads!! I want a fluorescent tube!!"
Computer: "What is a sodding? Why are you interested in replacement patches of turf?"
Me: "You stupid piece of junk! Don't you know any British slang?!"
Computer: "Do you have ADD? Why is junk stupid? And now you want me to take you to www.bbc.co.uk for the latest news on 'Absolutely Fabulous'?"
Me: "Go lick a wall socket."
Computer: "I thought you said you didn't want porn? And isn't it perverted of you to see two computers engaging in foreplay?"

[ccharles000]

4. ...

:rofl:

[valerief]

5. Yes, phone menus aren't painful enough. They have to transfer it to the internet. nt

[RC]

7. Not only that, they will charge you per question, billed on a monthly basis.

[DainBramaged]

6. This is cool.