Thursday 17 April 2025
How Did Steve Jobs’ 1985 Vision Anticipate Today’s AI?
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The generative AI revolution didnt start with the arrival of ChatGPT in November 2022. For decades, computer scientists and science fiction authors have imagined the potential of smart, responsive machines. This concept dates back to earlier eras, even when programmers were troubleshooting mainframes. A key proponent of this vision was Steve Jobs, the Apple co-founder, who expressed his dreams for interactive technology in a video from 1985.
In the video, Jobs reminisces about a book he discovered in school, calling it a phenomenal thing for its ability to deliver information directly from source to reader without any intermediaries. However, he highlighted a significant drawback: readers couldnt engage with the content. Whether he was delving into the works of Plato, Aristotle, or others, Jobs felt a sense of frustration due to the absence of a platform for asking questions and getting responses.
During a moment of introspection, Jobs admitted to feeling a slight envy for historical figures like Alexender the Great, who had Aristotle as a tutor. He quipped, I think I would have enjoyed that a great deal, but acknowledged that thanks to the printed page, he could at least access Aristotle texts, albeit without the ability to ask the philosopher questions.
Jobs expressed his thoughts for a future where technology could create a new kind of interactive learning tool. He imagined a scenario in which a computer could capture the worldview of a philosopher like Aristotle.
When the next Aristotle is alive, we can capture the underlying worldview of that Aristotle in a computer. And someday a student will be able to not only read the words Aristotle wrote but ask Aristotle a question. And get an answer.
Steve Jobs
Tragically, Steve Jobs passed away in 2011, a decade prior to the introduction of ChatGPT. However, Apple continues to pursue its vision for interactive computing. The company plans to introduce its Apple Intelligence expected on October 28, 2024, coinciding with the iOS 18, iPadOS18, and macOS Sequoia 15.1.
During the WWDC 2024 event, Senior Vice President of Software Engineering Craig Federighi announced, This is a moment weve been working towards for a long time. Apple Intelligence aims to integrate powerful generative models into everyday devices like iPhones, iPads, and Macs. This system will leverage personal data to provide users with customized intelligence and support.
The AI agent is intended to assist users in optimizing various daily activities. For example, it can help with writing, editing, and refining text across applications such as Mail, Notes, Safari, and Pages. Furthermore, it will allow users to create images and condense lengthy email threads. Users will also be able to find photos of specific groups or individuals in their camera rolls using straightforward text prompts.
As the launch of Apple Intelligence approaches, questions remain about whether some of its advanced features areto be locked behind paywalls. However, the primary goal is evident: to create amore engaging technology and user-friendly, aligning with the vision that Steve Jobs had many years ago.
These innovations suggest a bright future for interactive learning and AI seems promising, it continues to resonate with Jobs original vision for a world where technology enriches our learning and interaction experiences.
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