Apple has been promoting the idea of AI as a personal assistant for decades, with its theoretical “Knowledge Navigator” computer showcased in 1987. This computer featured a digital agent that assisted users by remembering things, finding things, and helping with work presentations.
The concept of a digital agent is reminiscent of Apple’s Siri, which was launched in 2011. Siri has become an integral part of many people’s lives, allowing them to do things like send messages and make calls with voice commands. The recent demo that Apple showcased further highlights the connection between Siri and the Knowledge Navigator, suggesting that Apple’s next step in AI could be called “Siri, but this time it works.”
This vision of AI as a helpful personal assistant is different from the often-fearsome portrayal where AI takes jobs or destroys the planet. It’s interesting to see how technology has evolved over the years and how it aligns with our changing needs and expectations.
