The move towards hardware driven individualised AI systems and how it may impact our traditional use of operating systems and third-party software.

Introduction

The landscape of technology is undergoing a seismic shift, propelled by the rapid advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AI). This article ventures into the heart of this transformation, focusing on the burgeoning influence of large language models (LLMs) and their potential to redefine our interaction with technology.

While exploring the current state and future possibilities, we also address the emerging challenges and changes that these developments might bring to our personal and societal spheres. As an example, latest research from the Nominet Youth Index showed that 53% of respondents have used an AI chatbot and were curious about how to use AI tools throughout their lives, yet young people raised concerns about AI and what it might mean for jobs in the future.

It’s a Steep Adoption Curve

In recent times, the use of online large language models, such as various versions of GPT, has skyrocketed. These AI systems, capable of understanding and generating human-like text, are reshaping industries, automating tasks, and revolutionising communication. However, this rapid integration raises concerns about job displacement, the need for new skill sets, and the ethical use of AI-generated content.

One Interface to Rule Them All

The integration of multiple AI capabilities into a single platform, as seen in ChatGPT Plus, marks a leap towards more user-friendly AI systems. Whilst this is even easier to access without having to choose different model versions, it also accelerates multi-modal content creation and the monopolisation of AI technologies by a potentially few dominant players.

Standalones

The evolution of GPTs has ushered in an era where creating sophisticated prompts is not just a skill but a valuable and employable skill. This advancement has led to the development of standalone AI modules that can be shared and integrated into various applications. These modules allow for customisable, user-specific AI solutions, opening doors to personalised and efficient AI interactions.

The advancement in prompt engineering allows for more personalised and efficient AI interactions. While this broadens AI usage, it also poses challenges in standardising AI outputs and ensuring that they are free from biases and misinformation, especially when these modules are shared and used in diverse contexts.

Got no Strings to Hold me Down

The emergence of platforms like Pinokio represent a significant stride in making AI accessible, allowing users to install large language models on personal devices easily. This shift towards device-centric AI platforms, however, introduces complexities in regulating these decentralised systems, raising issues of data security, ethical AI training, and the potential for misuse. The lack of centralised oversight could lead to the proliferation of unregulated AI applications, posing risks related to privacy, security, and equitable access.

Chips with Everything

The development of AI processors and device-based AI solutions, as indicated by recent announcements from OpenAI, suggests a future where AI is more integrated into hardware. While this promises increased speed, efficiency and reliability, it also brings challenges in terms of hardware design, cost, and the digital divide, potentially widening the gap between those with access to cutting-edge technology and those without.

App-rehensive?

If a variety of complex specialist tasks can be handled through user prompt by the AI architecture itself, why would users need to find specific software to perform that task? Image editing? Web creation? Publishing? Data analysis? Music creation?

As personal AI solutions become more common, there could be a shift away from traditional software applications. This could lead to significant changes in the software industry, requiring app developers to pivot towards AI integration services. It also raises questions about the sustainability of smaller app developers and the potential loss of diverse software options.

The advent of generative AI has already impacted sectors like image hosting sites. As AI continues to evolve, it could lead to a redefinition of app stores and software development models, emphasising AI-enhanced functionalities or indeed plugins for enhanced custom prompts. However, this shift may also lead to challenges in content ownership, intellectual property rights, and the monetisation of AI-generated content.

Bluesky?

Let’s end with a few predictions:

• Search engines will shift dramatically from finding online hosted content via URL to the assisted creation of AI content. We will not be “googling” much.
• The ability to create content will mean less content will be hosted. Video, music, and adult content sites will become less important and eventually disappear.
• The current large language models will change from being online services to being installed directly on a device.
• You will be able to specifically train your own AI with your own data for more relevant results
• New breed of mobile devices that will have fast AI chips integrated. This will mean less cloud or device storage for data.
• Faster and more reliable processing will mean you can create your own features on your device define your own operating system; create your own apps; less bloat to store. App stores will die or shift dramatically to providing instruction sets.
• Software will be less diverse and specific. Many developers will need to change their business offering.
• TTS, voice cloning and personal avatars will become the norm. You will be able to speak any language in real time.

Talk to us

We would love to hear your views and predictions of how you see AI impacting your professional and personal roles and how you see technology changing for the better or the worse? Drop us a line at esafety@swgfl.org.uk and we will pull your comments together in a forum article.

Finally

As history shows, new technologies can bring both benefits and risks. The internet revolutionised learning and connection, mobile phones transformed communication, and social media reshaped global interaction. Now, AI is set to change all these aspects simultaneously.

Are we prepared to handle these changes effectively and positively? The key lies in cooperation, understanding, transparency, and involvement from all stakeholders. Education and easy access to information about emerging technologies are crucial.

That's where SWGfL steps in with award-winning expert resources like 360 Degree Safe, ProjectEVOLVE,and our newly established AI Information Hub. Alongside these resources, we also provide free AI lesson plans (developed in partnership with SEROCU) to support teachers and students within Key Stages 2,3 and 4. Professionals can read more about our use of AI technology alongside further considerations, thoughts and understanding through this article.

By learning and working together, we can ensure that future generations benefit from these technological advancements, in a considerate manner.It's a journey we must embark on collectively for a more empowered and safer future.

This article and the image used were created with the assistance of AI technology to enhance the depth and breadth of information provided.