In a recent podcast, Microsoft AI CEO Mustafa Suleyman outlined his vision for the future of AI, particularly for Microsoft’s Copilot. He emphasised that “the next phase of AI development will focus on memory and personalisation”.
Echoing the same, recently on the ‘Unconfuse Me’ podcast, Sam Altman and Bill Gates held a discussion on the next evolution of AI tools. Altman mentioned that “customisation and personalisation is very important for GPT-4, allowing users to tailor its style and assumptions to their needs”.
Additionally, Sam mentioned that the system aims to incorporate personal data, including email, calendar, and appointment preferences, as well as connect to external data sources.
Trust Woes of Personalisation Continues
Suleyman’s post was bombarded with users’ questions about the nature of AI and memory, focusing on the precise meaning of AI’s memory.
With personalisation came the worry of systems knowing too much about oneself. For instance, a user raised the concern of AI “owning memories,” with responses suggesting AI could become an extension of oneself, similar to smartphones. Thus, raising the question of trust and security.
However, a balance was suggested as a crucial factor. “AI’s evolution towards memory and personalisation is inevitable. While it promises enhanced support, we must tread carefully to ensure ethical use and privacy. Balance is crucial for progress,” commented a user on X.
Another post said, “I am willing to share my data with my own personal AI but not with companies like Microsoft or Google that want to use it to train their models. If you want personal data, you should compensate people for it.”
Big Tech Giants are Already On It
Suleyman envisions Microsoft Copilot as an AI assistant that can remember everything about its users, including personal data, context, and past interactions. The goal is to create a constant, supportive presence that acts as a personal sidekick throughout a user’s life, offering customised assistance based on comprehensive knowledge of the individual.
Similarly, others are already working on it.
The recent Apple Intelligence, unveiled at Apple WWDC 24, is said to be integrated into iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and macOS Sequoia, marking a significant step forward in personalising user experiences across Apple devices.
Digital speaker Mark Van Rijmenam said on X, “Apple’s approach, distinct from Google’s and Amazon’s cloud-centric strategies, emphasises personal device empowerment. This strategy resonates with the principle of thinking exponentially, demonstrating a visionary leap in making cutting-edge AI technology a personal, everyday experience.”
Apple’s AI is a step towards building a personalised experience for their users, making their phones more “personal, capable, and intelligent” than ever.
Apple is also enhancing Siri’s personalisation by integrating GPT-4, as announced at the 2024 Worldwide Developer Conference, which will enable Siri to access ChatGPT on demand.
Since personalisation is already taking place, a prime example in India is HaiVe, a Chennai-based startup, which recently launched a personal AI home studio.
This platform aggregates and analyses personal data, such as medical records and financial information, to create a comprehensive digital twin of an individual’s life. Prioritising user privacy, the AI system can be installed on a personal computer, which then acts as a central hub accessible remotely via smartphones.
Future enhancements aim to include AI agents capable of making phone calls to manage tasks, making the AI experience more personalised and proactive.
Personalised AI has the potential to revolutionise our daily lives, offering tailored recommendations such as these, managing schedules, and even predicting our needs.
