Topic 1: Update on the update: Alphabet cancels their balloon-based internet offering
Apparently, they listened to last week’s show. After many years and billions spent, Alphabet (Google) has dropped their plans to provide Internet access to remote areas via lighter-than-air balloons.
Side note: We are deep inside an era where private organizations are taking on challenges – and trying new things – without direct government help.
Related Link: https://www.cnet.com/news/google-parent-company-shutting-down-loon-its-internet-beaming-balloon-project/
Topic 2: Shall we adopted the word “integrator” to describe our channel partners?
A view from another industry. The Commercial Integrator magazine proposes the work Integrator for their slice of the channel. We think this mostly works. Is there a similar term for the so-called managed services providers in the channel?
Related Link: https://www.commercialintegrator.com/business_resources/technology-integrator/
Topic 3: Is this a good or bad use of chat bots?
Microsoft has patented some technology that they now say they will not produce. Basically, they can take pretty much anyone with a substantial data record and create a “realistic” chat bot. This easily includes lots of famous people. But it might also include someone close to you who just happens to be dead.
Creepy? Some people think so. What do you think?
Related Links: https://www.businessinsider.com/microsoft-patents-a-chatbot-to-imitate-real-people-2021-1
https://www.cnn.com/2021/01/27/tech/microsoft-chat-bot-patent/index.html
“Microsoft patented a chatbot that would let you talk to dead people. It was too disturbing for production”
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