Technology Magazine | Connected - The rise of artificial intelligence

CONNECT PEOPLE, NOT DEVICES

create an

instant connection

Meetings are about connection. With Crestron Flex Room Solutions you can collaborate seamlessly, at the touch of a button. Easy to install and scalable to any size of room, you can meet with confidence that your time will be spent connecting people, not devices.

Learn how Crestron Flex Room Solutions make your meetings work: www.crestron.com/Instant-Connection

welcome

Dear readers, Welcome to the latest edition of Connected Magazine where we delve into the ever-evolving world of technology and its profound impact on our lives. In this edition, we embark on

a captivating journey into the realms of AI, where innovation knows no bounds.

AI is no longer a futuristic concept, it’s a fundamental part of our present day. From powering our smartphones to driving autonomous vehicles and revolutionising healthcare, AI’s

presence is felt everywhere. It’s a topic that has garnered

significant attention, and for good reason. As we stand at the intersection of human intelligence and machine learning,

the possibilities are limitless, and the implications are profound.

In this edition, we’ve dedicated our pages to exploring AI ethics,

Guess what – ChatGPT wrote this introduction.

Could you tell?

how it’s making businesses more productive and successful and how it’s sparking new creative concepts. But it’s more than a collection of articles; it’s a tapestry of knowledge

and imagination. We invite you to join us to learn, reflect and imagine the possibilities.

Thank you for being part of our community and we hope you find this edition both enlightening and thought-provoking.

meet the team Emmanuelle Gammage Editor

Sean Bennett Content Writer

Starr Esterhuizen

Chloe Turner

Content Writer

Designer

Terms and Conditions: All transactions are in accordance with our full terms and conditions, a copy of which is available upon request. All trademarks are the property of their respective www.midwich.com | 01379 649200 manufacturers. E&OE. Your calls may be recorded for training or demonstration purposes. Copyright © Midwich 2023. Midwich Ltd, Vinces Road, Diss, Norfolk IP22 4YT. B542 Q323-DT

contents 06 AI and DJs

05

AI and the world

06

AI and employee wellbeing 09 Smart homes and AI

14

Technology Xposed 2023 feature

16

AI and digital signage

18

Midwich Live

19

AI is here to stay

20

AI and retail

22

10 16

20

elevating the groove the integration of AI into DJing

T

he world of DJing is changing as the

Plus, by analysing audience reactions in real-time,

With the ability to analyse vast musical

the unique preferences and energy of the crowd.

fusion of AI and music takes centre stage.

databases and learn from patterns, AI has become an indispensable tool for DJs seeking to deliver

unforgettable performances. But is it that simple?

AI can curate personalised playlists that cater to This adaptability creates a deeper connection

between DJs and their audiences, making each set an immersive and memorable journey.

As AI takes on more tasks traditionally handled

AI has also broken barriers in remixing

of human intimacy and authenticity of

unique blends of familiar melodies. This creates

by DJs, questions arise about the potential loss performances. There’s also concern from DJs and music producers about what this could mean for the entire music industry – loss of jobs and lack of budget.

The general consensus of eventgoers is that

completely eradicating the role of the DJ will

ruin the experience. In March 2023, an East London

and mashups - DJs can now experiment with

original mixes that captivate listeners and set

them apart in the competitive music industry.

By empowering DJs with vast musical knowledge, personalised curation and dynamic mixing

capabilities, AI enhances the creative process and opens new dimensions in live music

performances– something audiences are craving.

venue hosted the first AI-rave which received

As the journey of AI and DJing continues to unfold,

playing AI-generated techno beats.

power of technology while preserving the soul

mixed reviews. It used an AI app called Mubert, Many attendees noted that it felt ‘empty’ and lacked connectivity.

the industry should embrace the transformative and artistic essence of DJ culture.

However, if DJs and AI work together – it could create something new.

One of the most significant contributions

of AI DJing is its seamless beat-matching

capabilities. DJs can now effortlessly align beats

and tempos, ensuring smooth transitions between tracks and maintaining an electrifying atmosphere on the dance floor.

As AI takes on more tasks traditionally handled by DJs, questions arise about the potential loss of human intimacy and authenticity of performances.

Connected Magazine | 5

AI and the world looking to the future Artificial intelligence [noun]

Artificial intelligence is a type of computer technology which is concerned with making machines work in an intelligent way, similar to the way that the human mind works.

A

rtificial intelligence, long confined to the pages of science fiction, has very much arrived. Though early forms of AI have been in use for some time, baked into our mobile phones and digital

assistants, a new wave of models has burst onto the scene. With broader

functionality and greater accessibility, this new generation of AI is not only rewriting how we live and work in the present, but it’s also laying the foundation for a very different kind of future.

AI is popular, that much is becoming increasingly clear. ChatGPT had

1 million users just 5 days after its release. Just 2 months later, the site

boasted 100 million monthly users, giving it the fastest-growing online user base in history, according to Reuters.

It’s not just the new technologies that are embedding themselves into

day-to-day life. Voice commands and digital assistants like Alexa and Siri have come as standard in smartphones. Research done by Forbes shows that half of all mobile users in the US report using voice searches daily.

Self-driving cars have been in development for almost as long and, in light of new AI developments, they are now expected to make up 10% of all vehicles by 2030.

Growing from an estimated value of $86.9 billion in 2022, research also showed that the AI market is predicted to see a meteoric rise in the

coming years, with predictions ranging from Forbes’ estimated $407

billion in 2027 to a jaw-dropping $1.8 trillion by 2030 from Grand View

Research. This kind of industry growth would see an estimated national GDP increase of 21% in the US alone by 2030, representing over a 5th of the production of the world’s largest economy.

6 | Connected Magazine

AI

But what does this all mean for workers? From copywriting to research and analysis, tasks which have, until now, been almost invariably

executed by human workers can increasingly be fed into AI models

that will achieve similar results in a fraction of the time and at a much lower price.

Research estimates that approximately 400 million workers could be displaced by AI, with the technology affecting 15% of the global workforce between 2016 and 2030.

Proponents of AI are quick to point out that though some jobs will be lost, others will be created.

An estimated 97 million new jobs will need to be filled as a direct result of AI developments.

Therefore, it may be less that the workforce will be slimmed down as a

result of AI and more that it will be reorganised around the new demands of the business world.

The financial and corporate benefits of ever-improving AI models offer such marked improvements to day-to-day work that their adoption is

almost inevitable. Already, 58% of companies in China are utilising AI as part of their business, with 25% of US companies doing the same and a further 43% exploring potential future applications.

The use of AI can no longer be discussed in the future tense – it’s happening right now, all over the world.

Though the majority (75%) of consumers do remain concerned about certain aspects of AI, in particular the spread of misinformation, more

discreet corporate uses of the technology seem to bother the public less, such as intelligent motion detection or complex data analysis.

Despite high levels of nervousness about the potential misuse of AI

and stress about job losses, 65% of consumers say they’ll still trust businesses that use AI.

In the end, AI is here and here to stay. As technology continues to advance, it’s difficult to predict the extent to which it will become embedded into the day-to-day functions of life and work.

But for now, the world seems to be welcoming high-powered AI tools

with positivity, seeing them as providing more opportunities than risks.

Connected Magazine | 7

Intelligently simple The Wall All-in-One Innovation at Samsung is never static. The Wall All-in-One is the epitome of innovation. It constantly delivers new avenues to create unparalleled visual statements. And now, the Wall has solved the biggest industry challenge, drastically improving installation.

Let the Wall transform your business.

Features

Ultimate picture quality

8 | Connected Magazine

Simple choice

Quick installation

can AI improve remote work & video conferencing?

T

he global shift towards remote working has made video calls an integral part of modern business

communication. However, the challenges associated

The immersive space reminds us of the iterative purpose of our team. I think that is how we can use this technology to break through

with video conferencing, such as poor audio quality,

limited engagement and poor participant video can hinder productivity and collaboration in the workplace even now.

Thankfully, AI is stepping in to address these issues

and enhance the video call experience.

Augmented reality & face recognition AI enhances video calls by using AR features such as

displaying relevant meeting information, annotation or visual aids. This gives remote workers the ability to use

such features to collaborate, brainstorm and share ideas.

Furthermore, facial recognition algorithms can analyse participants’ facial expressions and gestures during video calls, providing valuable insights into engagement and emotions.

Microsoft Mesh UC&C software such as Microsoft is already well ahead

of this trend with their new solution Microsoft Mesh which aims to make collaboration more personal and fun.

Mesh is to be used in conjunction with Microsoft Teams which will roll out a set of pre-built immersive spaces

from meetings to social mixers, reinforcing collaboration and unity.

For example, a marketing team within Microsoft may create an immersive space for a campaign brainstorming session or display architecture floor plans on artificial tables within the immersive space as if in a real-life environment.

This creates an immersive and interactive experience during presentations and training sessions alike.

“I’m ready for my close-up!”

As we all navigate the realities of trying to stay connected

Jeff Teper, President of Collaborative Apps and Platforms - Microsoft.

Cameras such as the Jabra PanaCast can intelligently track and focus on participants, ensuring optimal framing and

clarity during virtual meetings. Additionally, AI-powered video conferencing cameras such as Huddly IQ and NEAT Bar can enhance video quality by adjusting lighting and contrast levels, reducing background noise and even removing distractions from the frame. These intelligent cameras

have significantly improved the overall video conferencing

experience, making remote communication more engaging and immersive than ever before.

“You’re on mute” Pro audio has been an essential part of the development

of successful video conferencing as microphones such as the YAMAHA VC330 can work in tandem with AI cameras, so that when people move around the room, their voice is tracked by the audio along with their physical shape

to provide pin-point audio and images of the speakers in the room.

Real-time transcription & translation AI-powered speech recognition technology allows

participants to have a written record of the conversation.

Providing real-time transcription during video calls creates smoother collaboration and workflow within organisations.

Tools such as Supernormal and KUDO can be integrated into video conferencing applications such as Microsoft Teams and Zoom. Using AI models such as ChatGPT and GPT 4,

you can automatically capture and instantly deliver detailed meeting notes with transcription and remotely translate languages – spoken or signed in real-time.

and productive, video conferencing is more important than

This allows participants to stay focused and engaged without

that takes your video experiences to the next level.

completely due to language barriers.

ever. AI-powered algorithms can deliver intelligent features

the burden of manual notetaking or feeling out of the loop

Connected Magazine | 9

HOW CAN AI

improve employee wellbeing and prevent burnout?

W

For this reason, ZDNET discovered that 44% of employees want to contribute to the adoption of AI tools in the

workplace. This offers enhanced productivity and job ith long hours, high stress levels, and

increasing workloads, the risk of burnout has

significantly risen. A report by ZDNET based on

a survey of 6,400 employees from around the world found that almost a third of employees are feeling the strains

of burnout.

satisfaction, contributing factors to improved wellbeing.

Support using AI Traditional employee engagement surveys, send the

same set of questions to each employee. In comparison, AI driven apps and surveys determine which questions

AI is emerging as a powerful tool to address these

to ask users based on whether they respond positively

can be prevented through utilising AI. Businesses can

Negative responses correlate to the likelihood of burnout.

challenges with 60% of workers believing that burnout

or negatively to the initial parts of the survey.

enhance employee wellbeing, promote work-life balance

Moreover, AI learns which approaches are most

and prevent burnout.

effective over time based on future survey responses.

Consequently, businesses can support employees

AI streamlined workflow One contributor to employee burnout is an overwhelming workload. AI can streamline and automate routine tasks, enabling employees to focus on more complex and fulfilling responsibilities.

10 | Connected Magazine

that are at risk of burnout.

Additionally, in reports by Forbes, research is underway

at the Alan Turing Institute to see if AI can predict mental

health issues in individuals who have no symptoms using

large datasets. This could help employees make informed choices on the impact of an unbalanced work-life.

Benefits and drawbacks AI algorithms can analyse employee work patterns and deadlines to optimise workloads on an individual basis,

so employees are more organised and less overwhelmed by overlapping deadlines.

Time management is crucial for maintaining a work-life

balance. AI tools can help employees to manage their time more effectively. It can provide smart reminders, prioritise

tasks based on deadlines and importance, and even suggest

breaks. This can help employees allocate their time efficiently, reduce stress and foster a healthier work-life balance.

To run AI effectively it needs to collect and analyse relative

data. The main privacy concerns are the potential for data

breaches and unauthorised access to personal information, including the wellbeing status of employees. With so much data being collected and processed, there is a risk that it

could fall into the wrong hands through the likes of hacking.

Therefore, companies must ensure that employee data is secure and protected.

After all, AI algorithms are only as good as the data they are

trained on. The recommendations may be flawed or unfair if the data is biased or inaccurate.HR teams must ensure that AI systems are transparent and regularly audited.

The future is AI As business sectors continue to evolve,

organisations must prioritise employee

wellbeing and proactively address burnout.

AI at work could be used to improve productivity and working lives

By automating tasks, optimising workloads,

Frances O’Grady, former General Sectary - TUC.

not only benefit employees but could also foster

managing time efficiently and providing emotional support, AI contributes to a healthier work

environment. Embracing AI in the workplace could a more productive and resilient workforce, leading to long-term success for businesses.

Connected Magazine | 11

revolutionising sound:how AI powers Biamp’s noise reduction technology

I

n a world that never stops moving, finding moments of peace and

quiet can be a challenge. Whether you’re working in a bustling office, travelling on a noisy train or simply trying to enjoy your favourite

tunes, unwanted background noise can be a constant disruption.

Thankfully, the power of AI is changing the game when it comes to noise cancelling technology.

Noise cancelling technology Noise cancellation technology has come a long way since its inception.

From bulky earmuffs to the sleek, inconspicuous earbuds of today, the

pursuit of quiet has been relentless. What sets modern noise-cancelling devices apart is their ability to leverage AI and machine learning to

distinguish between unwanted noise and the sound you want to hear.

Biamp, a leading name in the audio solutions industry, has been at

the forefront of this revolution. With their cutting-edge noise reduction technology, they’re not just cancelling noise; they’re enhancing the audio experience in ways you’ve never imagined.

Biamp’s algorithms have been trained to recognise a vast array of sounds.

12 | Connected Magazine

Teaching the machine to listen The heart of Biamp’s noise reduction technology lies in its advanced

machine learning algorithms. When you step into a conference room

equipped with Biamp’s audio solutions, you’re not just blocking out noise; you’re benefitting from a system that’s been trained to understand the nuances of sound. Biamp technology picks up your voice while

intelligently filtering out the surrounding sound. How does it do this?

Using a deep learning algorithm to identify the difference between noise and speech.

Biamp’s algorithms have been trained to recognise a vast array of

sounds. They can differentiate between the hum of an air conditioner, the clatter of a keyboard and the cadence of your voice. This ensures

that when you’re speaking or listening to something important, AI Noise Reduction technology works seamlessly in the background to provide an uninterrupted audio experience.

Enhancing the meeting room In corporate meeting rooms, Biamp’s solutions ensure that remote meetings are conducted with pristine audio quality, eliminating background noise and enhancing speech clarity. In May 2023,

Biamp released V4.5.0 firmware for Tesira and Devio SCX featuring AI

noise reduction for Biamp Launch products, providing larger meeting

rooms including Microsoft Teams Rooms, with the audio they deserve.

By delivering superior audio, it enhances communication and

supports the success of a hybrid work model. In an era where effective collaboration is paramount, Biamp’s commitment to innovation is

helping businesses stay connected and thrive in the ever-changing

landscape of corporate meetings and hybrid working environments.

The future of sound With AI at the helm, the future of sound promises to be more immersive and noise-free than ever before. Biamp continues to lead the way in

this exciting journey, harnessing the power of AI to deliver exceptional audio experiences.

Connected Magazine | 13

AI and the smart home friends of the future

B

atman has Alfred. Wooster has Jeeves. Lord

Grantham has Carson. Where is the modern

butler to ease the day-to-day burdens of running

a home in this technological age?

Though the days of having your very own robotic servant may still be some way off, the rise of the smart home

has most definitely been gaining pace in recent years.

Add to the mix the AI revolution that’s taking place, and the possibilities for bringing the future to life in your very own home are endless.

From securing your home with motion-sensitive cameras

New models of automatic vacuum cleaners and lawnmowers can now intelligently move around

non-rubbish household mess, pets and decorations, becoming more efficient as they learn their route.

Similar technology has even been adapted into robot

security guards, able to move freely around the home,

keeping tabs on various potential problem sites and even keeping an eye on pets when the homeowner is away.

Practical applications are all well and good, but the

progress of AI-enabled technologies in smart homes doesn’t stop there.

to illuminating your life with voice-activated lighting,

Home cinemas, also often controllable from apps

the rulebook for how a home should function.

picture quality and entertainment value.

even the most basic pieces of AI software are rewriting Think of a home appliance. Any home appliance.

There is almost certainly a ‘smart’ version of that

appliance already available, ready and waiting to be

connected to the technological web of a modern smart home. From kettles to sound systems, the breadth of

technology that can now be controlled from simple apps on smartphones, or even by virtual assistants like Alexa, is growing day by day.

Of course, smart homes aren’t that new. The first camera doorbells hit the market years ago, and the automatic

vacuum cleaner burst onto the scene as one of the first ‘home robots’ quite some time ago too.

What is new, though, is the meteoric rise of AI. As machine learning and intelligent algorithms have

become more and more commonplace, smart home technologies have gotten even smarter.

Those doorbells can now use smart mapping to cover

only specific areas with their intelligent motion sensing,

eliminating erroneous triggers from passers-by or curious wildlife and ensuring that users are only alerted when a person really is at the door.

14 | Connected Magazine

and virtual assistants, can now use AI to improve

MadVR’s MotionAI, as seen in Invision’s home cinema demo at Innovation House, leverages AI to bring

industry-leading motion interpolation into the home.

Operating at a per-pixel level, this is a smart home tool that works in the background, with no wheels or app

notifications, just life-improving performance powered

by AI.

From polishing sound to sharpening visuals, AI has brought

the home cinema forward in leaps and bounds, getting film enthusiasts ever closer to that real, silver screen experience right there in their living room. Add some smart technology to the mix, and movies can be selected by voice, lighting can be programmed to change in tandem with what’s on-screen, and sound levels can be controlled from a phone.

In the AI-powered smart home, almost everything is just a word or click away.

The days of the multi-functional robot helper might still

be the stuff of sci-fi fantasy, but the smart homes of the future are starting to arrive, and they’re getting smarter by the day.

WEBCAMS AND SPEAKERPHONES

IIYAMA UNIFIED COMMUNICATIONS

UNIFIED COMMUNICATIONS

EASY DISTANCE CONFERENCING

UNIFIED COMMUNICATIONS

PRODUCTS

We launched a new range to bridge the divide between the physical meeting or classroom and hybrid work or home study whilst helping organizations ensure corporate and educational continuity.

Combining vision with sound, the new range of Unified Communication products include a variety of six webcams and two speakers, suitable for different environment types.

Guaranteeing an “in-person” meeting experience, and combined with the iiyama Screens, these UC Solutions will provide a complete solution package and improve collaboration in the digitised world.

UC CAM80UM

UC CAM120UL

4K Huddle/Conference-webcam

4K Conference-webcam

UC CAM10PRO-MA1

UC-CAM10PRO-1

4K Webcam with 8 microphone array and 120° field of view.

Intelligent face detection, 5x digital zoom, auto-framing and speaker tracking.

4K Webcam with built-in mic

UC SPK01M

UC CAM120ULB

UC CAM180UM

UC SPK01L

All-in-one conference bar with 120° field of view. Intelligent face detection, auto tracking and voice localization.

4K Panoramic camera

Bluetooth Speakerphone (5m audio-pickup)

Bluetooth Speakerphone (3m audio-pickup)

Scan de QR-code to discover the full range of the iiyama UC Solutions

innovation showcases at

For the first time in Europe, Biamp exhibited

the Modena Max Connect – the first and only

Showing off a dynamic portfolio of LED,

As expected, it proved extremely popular,

applications, LG took customers on a display

seamless BYOD collaboration experience. and many people ventured to its

demonstration room to see and hear it work in a realistic environment. Biamp also

showcased Parlé Conferencing Bars, Tesira range, Biamp Launch and new all-in-one meeting room bundles.

indoor and outdoor displays for a range of

journey. Standout displays included the LED

LAEC All-in-One Smart Series featuring a 136” display, embedded controller and built-in

speaker and the brand-new 55UM662H and 50UM767H displays with Pro:Centric content management.

Mersive showcased Solstice Gen 3

– Core for immersive collaboration.

Because Mersive takes a software-based Impossible to miss on stand 1,

Epson bought all the light to Tech Xpo

with their projector range. The EB-810E Super Ultra Short Throw 4K enhanced laser display ensured bright and vibrant visuals even in the well-lit halls of Ascot.

16 | Connected Magazine

approach to collaboration, they can offer

integrated capabilities that have traditionally required additional hardware. The Mersive team loves chatting with customers and

showing how Mersive can work in a real-life

example rather than simply explaining it over the phone.

O

ur award-winning event returned to Ascot

Racecourse on the 13th and 14th of September.

Once again, we welcome over 70

world-renowned brands through the door –

some of which for the first time. We hope we saw

many of our readers there, but if you couldn’t make it, read on to find out what you missed from some of our key sponsors.

Scan me!

WATCH THE TECH XPO 2023 HIGHLIGHTS VIDEO NOW!

As the first stand you see,

Samsung definitely made an impression.

Customers were welcomed with a huge LED videowall demonstrating how all-in-one bundles save time and money.

The latest Kiosk operating on Windows

that won the Best of Show award at ISE

Tech Xpo Secure was a new space at Ascot

customers to see how it creates personalised

security technology. Hikvision’s portfolio covers

2023 was on show in retail mode, allowing experiences. Additionally, Samsung was holding interactive demonstrations of the new eBoard for education.

this year, presenting new opportunities in

a broad range of physical security products

such as video security, access control, alarm systems and complementary solutions.

SMART is always a favourite at Tech Xpo –

not just because they have a pick and mix

stand – but because of their innovative range of education and corporate displays.

The basically brilliant SMART Board GX,

game-changing SMART Board MX, SMART

Board 6000S Series which is in a league of its

own and Lumio software were all showcased for education. While the SMART Board QX Pro

was on show for the modern hybrid workplace.

We’d like to extend a huge thank you to our sponsors,

exhibitors and customers for attending Tech Xpo 2023.

We hope you found it worthwhile, engaging and you found some new opportunities to start working on!

See you next year.

Connected Magazine | 17

W

hile AI cannot yet fully replace the human-based element needed

to create digital signage, it does have exponential potential to bring

about significant improvements and changes in the way we go about designing and publishing digital signage today.

In recent years, we have seen a massive rise in dynamic and creative content being implemented into the digital signage industry. AI enables us to utilise this content in

new ways that are truly propelling the industry to new heights. From personalising the advertisements customers see via data collection, to improving the effectiveness of ads and their placements to better suit the individuals who are viewing them – AI is the future of digital signage at its best.

How AI is taking digital signage to the next level AI algorithms open a world of endless possibilities such as having the power to

simplify the data collection process, create a more personalised end-user experience and improve campaign planning strategies.

AI transforming the world of digital signage

With the main objective of digital signage being to disseminate information to its

viewers, AI has emerged at a pinnacle point in our rapidly advancing technological industry. AI solutions such as facial recognition and data collecting solutions can

collect viewer demographic and behavioural data. This then translates into digital signage systems adapting automatically and adjusting the content displayed in real-time to match the known interests and preferences of its audience.

This ensures businesses can deliver more targeted messages to viewers.

One of the most prevalent examples of this is digital signage solutions being used in retail stores to analyse demographics and customer purchase history and in turn,

display more tailored personalised product recommendations and store promotions.

Above personalisation, customers appreciate efficiency. In-store interactive digital signage offers customers an experience like no other. Having this system in place creates an avenue for customers to explore a variety of products, features,

pricing and wayfinding information without having to wait for a member of staff to assist them.

But AI solutions offer more than just enhanced personalised customer experiences.

It can improve the advertising scheduling process and ensures that advertisements get optimised placement and accelerate this process with real-time bidding.

Additionally, context-aware digital signage can schedule and display specific content at predetermined times of the day, specific days only, or specific weeks of the year.

One of the most innovative features of context-aware digital signage is that it can present viewers with content that is relevant to the fast-changing environmental elements they may be experiencing – in real-time. For example, depending on

what the weather may be doing at that moment in time, it may change from an advertisement for sunglasses to an advertisement for raincoats and umbrellas.

It’s easy to see how AI is improving the efficiency and impact of the digital signage

industry and with plenty more innovations in AI algorithms to come, the future of the industry has never looked brighter.

18 | Connected Magazine

AI in AV:the rise of machines In August 2023, Jenny and Chris returned to Midwich Live after a short hiatus to discuss the hot topic of AI in AV.

An introduction to Visla

AI within AV – the concern Jenny addresses the concern about the capability of AI to do the historic jobs of AI well enough and

the fear that AI will take human jobs. Jenny believes that it’s up to us as humans, how many jobs AI

takes because the only way it can take specialist

roles is if we train it to, otherwise it doesn’t have the knowledge that we do. What do you think?

Jenny and Chris also use ChatGPT live to answer ‘How can AI help with design and installation’

Gabe Moronta from Visla joined Jenny and Chris to discuss

and discuss their thoughts on the response!

edit and share high-quality videos with ease. At the core

and leave a comment with your opinion.

AI in video creation. Essentially, Visla can help users record,

Watch the full video by scanning the QR code

of Visla software is a handmade analytical algorithm which analyses content, highlights the most relevant content

and makes suggestions to improve it - helping creatives deliver their vision into reality. With the ChatGPT plug-in,

users can input prompts and Visla will create a short video from stock footage.

The need for data Chris poses the question “Is data the new designer of

Scan me!

conference rooms?”. He says that AI answers an age-old question of AV and now, we can tell a generative AI what to look for and receive a clear picture of the data.

And this data is vital to model what the work of the future is.

Connected Magazine | 19

AI:it’s here today and here to stay

O

NLU can take speech, convert it into text, correct any ver the last year, talk of AI has hit an all-time high. As new examples of machine learning such as ChatGPT take the world by storm,

discussions around where AI is heading have become ubiquitous, from dinner party talk to evening news bulletins.

For some, the rise of AI marks the beginning of a

glorious future, where countless hours of human

work can be outsourced in an instant to specialised programs and bots. The worlds of science,

business, finance, and even art will be elevated by

AI as questions become infinitely easier to answer, problems far quicker to solve and difficult tasks

almost effortless to complete.

Take natural language processing (NLP), for example.

This is a broad term used for AI designed to analyse speech and language. Within this umbrella,

there are more specific processes at play like natural

errors to maximise understanding, and then execute the given task. It’s a very advanced form of machine learning AI, capable of transforming homes, office spaces and even retail environments.

It’s also already in almost every home in the country, not to mention almost everyone’s pockets.

NLP’s most widely recognisable application is voice

recognition software and digital assistants like Alexa or Siri. These technologies analyse commands using NLU and then generate responses with NLG, representing

possibly the most widely adopted application of NLP in the world.

Now, the smart home has grown to include AI-

enabled… everything. From TVs to doorbells, kettles to

vacuum cleaners, machine learning is revolutionising

not just the way we create content and manage data in a business environment, but also the way we live in our own homes.

language understanding (NLU) and natural language

Proponents of AI argue that this is just the beginning of

to functioning NLP AI models.

OpenAI, told the BBC –

generation (NLG), both of which are integral

20 | Connected Magazine

what this technology has to offer. Sam Altman, CEO of

In 10 years, I think we will have chatbots that work as an expert in any domain you’d like. So you will be able to ask an expert doctor, an expert teacher, an expert lawyer whatever you need and have those systems go accomplish things for you.

In the AV world, AI has presented countless

opportunities to advance and improve existing

technologies, as well as develop entirely new solutions.

From AI-enabled TVs which upscale definition and motion clarity, to sound systems which learn the

layout of a space and adjust output accordingly, machine learning and intelligent software have changed the AV game.

Despite its potential risks, AI has already led to

astounding developments across the AV industry

and beyond, and it looks like this is only the beginning.

AI is here today and it’s here to stay.

There is another side to this story, though. If AI tools of the future will be capable of offering expert medical and legal advice, what will human doctors and

So maybe the question shouldn’t be ‘Is AI good

or bad?’. Maybe the question should be ‘What’s

next in AI, and how can we make the most of it?’.

lawyers have to do?

There is growing concern that AI may pose a risk to

many jobs, automating tasks so effectively that many human workers become obsolete.

Throughout history, advances in technology, from the computer (which used to be an

actual job title for a person) to manufacturing

robots, have heralded the end of many human jobs.

However, they have also brought with them a whole

new industry of professions. Though production lines may have needed fewer people to man them, far

more workers were required to build, operate and maintain the new technologies.

So, AI may well result in job losses, but it will

also create brand new roles across every industry.

Perhaps, the AI revolution will represent not a slimming down of the workforce, but rather a restructuring.

Connected Magazine | 21

adcocksolutions.com/post/is-amazon -go-store-technology-the-end-of-supermarket-checkouts

indigo9digital.com/blog/how-six-leading-retailers-use -augmented-reality-apps-to-disrupt-the-shopping-experience

5 examples of how AI is enhancing the retail experience The future of furniture

The most convenient store out there

Companies such as IKEA and Wayfair have employed

Amazon have put the “convenience” back into

want with the help of AI. Their AR app allows you

unique QR code, pick the products you desire off the

their own versions of AR, adapting to what customers

“convenience stores”. Simply walk in, scan the store’s

to point your smartphone camera at any room

shelves – and walk out. Shoppers are automatically

in your house and preview furniture as if it were

charged for products they walk out with.

right in front of you!

This futuristic shopping experience is facilitated by the Amazon Go app and a combination of AI solutions in-store.

Nike enables shoppers to find their true shoe size

without stepping outside their homes using its AR

app, Nike Fit. Simply point your smartphone camera at your feet and the app will tell you your correct

shoe size. From there, you can order any shoe online or present your QR code in-store.

22 | Connected Magazine

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amazon_Go

Try this on for size

digiday.com/marketing/alibaba-rethinks-retail-new-guess-store-hong-kong/

indigo9digital.com/blog/how-six-leading -retailers-use-augmented-realityapps-to-disrupt-the-shopping-experience pulpoar.com

4.

Ecommerce has turned into AR commerce PulpoAR’s AI solutions include virtual try-on facilities for facial makeup, nail polish, hair colour and virtual

skin diagnostics. These facilities work off AI algorithms within face recognition, nail segmentation, hair

segmentation, colour changing algorithms and their very own PulpoAR Data Studio. This lets shoppers

preview what beauty products will look like before purchasing and runs skin diagnostics by simply

pointing your smartphone camera at your face. charged for products they walk out with.

This futuristic shopping experience is facilitated

GUESS which store is reimagining the shopping experience

solutions in-store.

Shoppers walk into Guess and check-in with their

by the Amazon Go app and a combination of AI

Taoba mobile IDs, which are used to track items that are tried on or purchased and later create

personalised product recommendations online.

Connected Magazine | 23

ACCELERATE YOUR BUSINESS WITH INNOVATION HOUSE. Connecting system integrators, resellers, consultants and technology users with world-leading manufacturers and cutting-edge technology, Innovation House is a place to get inspired, seek advice and support projects.

I

BOOK NOW! Got a live project, training or event coming up?

Book your visit today.

SEE AND TOUCH TECHNOLOGY. See, touch and evaluate the latest technologies to get inspired and drive new ideas.

ACCELERATE PROJECTS. Accelerate your projects with access to multi-vendor solutions and specialist technical advice.

HOST EVENTS. Our house is your space. Make the most of our facilities by hosting your event or training.

24 | Connected Magazine

Visit our website for more information innovation-house.com