Introduction: Living in an Intelligent Age
We currently see an unprecedented level of progress in technology that is changing how we live and do business (our interactions with others and the world). The book, "From Smart Assistants to Smart Cities: The Dazzling Rise of Technology and AI" summarizes the extent to which these changes have occurred. It is no longer just a description of science fiction because there are now machines capable of verbally communicating (i.e., those with voice recognition capability), systems that are self-taught, and an entire city that can think. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer limited to being used only in a laboratory or in large technology firms; it is part of the fabric of our homes, workplaces, and social infrastructure, significantly changing the world around us.Smart Assistant and Smart City Expansion
Beginning in our residences, the experience from Smart Assistant to Smart Cities involves technological and Artificial Intelligence exponential advancement. The most significant example of this transition is found in virtual assistants like Alexa, Siri, and Google Assistant, which have transformed from straightforward voice-activated timers into smart devices that can comprehend scenario context (context awareness) and learn user preference (machine learning) and anticipate user demand. This rapid advancement of virtual assistants can be attributed to the many technological advancements associated with the development of AI, including Natural Language Processing (NLP), Machine Learning (ML), and Cloud Computing (CC).
