Hey there Matthew, Here's the deal. In regards to what you mentioned below "...the fact that this device is dedicated to only one thing..." - this is not quite true.
You see - this issue was actually discussed in that NY Times article. And, its your point that actually represents the HUGE difference between the BigBlue chess system vs. this "Jeopardy" system. I put that in quotes - since right now the system was geared towards playing Jeopardy. However, in fact - that is only the FIRST Implementation of the technology - and the possibilities for future applications is EXACTLY WHAT makes it so Exciting! You see - the Chess system could ONLY play chess. But, this system is based upon receiving a Question - which, as in the case in point for Jeopardy - can be based upon a HUGE range of topics. And, then the system must analyze the question (or - in particular w/Jeopardy - it's the Answer it analyzes - in order to come up with the Question!). But, this same technology can potentially be applied to a HUGE number of diverse subject matters and applications. For instance, give it medical data - and have it used in Emergency rooms. If you ever watch House (yeah, I know its fictional - but, there is some reality to it) - a patient comes in with a strange problem. And, during the show - House and his associates must analyze the patient - and try to figure out what the Heck is wrong with them. This would be a perfect application for "Watson". Or, how about as a sophisticated business tool? One could use it to help make advanced business decisions. I believe the article also mentioned using the system for something like 1st level Tech Support. So - I hope this makes sense - and maybe now you might see why the possibilities are almost endless. And, that the Watson project can Actually end up being something useful - Beyond just playing Jeopardy! -K- -----Original Message----- From: profoxtech-boun...@leafe.com [mailto:profoxtech-boun...@leafe.com] On Behalf Of Jarvis, Matthew Sent: Wednesday, February 16, 2011 11:55 AM To: profoxt...@leafe.com Subject: RE: [NF] Jeopardy and Watson > -----Original Message----- > From: profoxtech-boun...@leafe.com [mailto:profoxtech-boun...@leafe.com] > On Behalf Of Kurt Wendt > Sent: Wednesday, February 16, 2011 8:13 AM > To: profoxt...@leafe.com > Subject: RE: [NF] Jeopardy and Watson > > You may not think its so impressive - but, I beg to differ. > <snipped> I'm prolly just naive, but this machine doesn't really impress me... (though I admit I haven't watched it - TV isn't really my thing). Sure it's cool that it can parse the English language as well as it does (probably a LOT better than I could - but then again, I'm not an IBM'er), but the fact that this device is dedicated to only one thing turns this into merely an amusing demonstration of computing power... When a single machine can walk out into a forest and sit there for two weeks (about as long as a human can reasonably go without food i.e. power) AND play chess AND play Jeopardy, and decide which clothes to put on my 7 year old daughter for school, THEN I'll be pretty impressed... Some day the electricity is going to be shut off - we'd better not ever depend on these machines too much... Thanks, Matthew Jarvis || Business Systems Analyst IT Department McKenzie-Willamette Medical Center 1460 G Street, Springfield, OR 97477 || Ph: 541-744-6092 || Fax: 541-744-6145 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ -- Disclaimer: This electronic message may contain information that is Proprietary, Confidential, or legally privileged or protected. It is intended only for the use of the individual(s) and entity named in the message. If you are not an intended recipient of this message, please notify the sender immediately and delete the material from your computer. Do not deliver, distribute or copy this message and do not disclose its contents or take any action in reliance on the information it contains. [excessive quoting removed by server] _______________________________________________ Post Messages to: ProFox@leafe.com Subscription Maintenance: http://leafe.com/mailman/listinfo/profox OT-free version of this list: http://leafe.com/mailman/listinfo/profoxtech Searchable Archive: http://leafe.com/archives/search/profox This message: http://leafe.com/archives/byMID/profox/289ea162f5642645b5cf64d624c66a1409df1...@us-ny-mail-002.waitex.net ** All postings, unless explicitly stated otherwise, are the opinions of the author, and do not constitute legal or medical advice. This statement is added to the messages for those lawyers who are too stupid to see the obvious.
