Artificial intelligence and augmented reality can enhance ‘ambient computing’

A fluctuation, and ebb, in curiosity

Over the course of thirty years, interest in the concept of ambient computing has fluctuated based on emerging technologies that support it — or the absence thereof.

The proliferation of inexpensive components stemming from the smartphone evolution propelled the Internet of Things (IoT) by enhancing connected sensor-based gadgets to be quicker, more efficient, smaller, and more cost-effective — components such as microchips, memory modules, compact cameras, touch-sensitive screens, batteries, sensors (e.g., accelerometers, gyroscopes, proximity sensors), compact antennas and wireless communication units (e.g., Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC), microphones, speakers, power management circuits, LEDs, OLEDs, GPS modules, and others — sparked discussions around ambient computing.

With the introduction of the Amazon Echo by Amazon in 2014, as well as the subsequent unveiling of smart speakers by Apple, Google, and other corporations in the following years, engaging with an assistant without explicitly looking at it or even knowing its location became commonplace. Discussions about ambient computing saw a resurgence.

About Author

AndyC

Andy Curtis is an award-winning security consultant, researcher and public speaker. He has been working in the computer security industry since the early 1990s, having been employed by state and federal government, leading healthcare and banking providers across three continents. He has given talks about computer security for some of the world’s largest companies, worked with law enforcement agencies on investigations into hacking groups, and is a regular voice on TV and radio explaining IT security threats.

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