The idea of an intelligent agent that can whisk away our tedious work is incredibly seductive. But it is also a dangerous idea to promote. In the 1980s, many database companies discovered that promoting a “natural-language interface” is the kiss of death because customers then expect too much. To connect your product with “intelligent agents” risks far greater customer disappointment.
Predictor: Steinberg, Steve G.
Prediction, in context:In a 1994 article listing tech items and issues that are currently being hyped, Steve Steinberg of Wired magazine writes:”Intelligent agents: This concept last peaked in popularity after a promotional video from Apple. I blame its current resurgence on General Magic and its Telescript technology. The idea of an intelligent agent that can whisk away our tedious work is incredibly seductive. But it is also a dangerous idea to promote. In the 1980s, many database companies discovered that promoting a ‘natural-language interface’ is the kiss of death because customers then expect too much. To connect your product with ‘intelligent agents’ risks far greater customer disappointment.”
Date of prediction: January 1, 1994
Topic of prediction: Getting, Sharing Information
Subtopic: Intelligent Agents/AI
Name of publication: Wired
Title, headline, chapter name: Hype List: Intelligent Agents
Quote Type: Direct quote
Page number or URL of document at time of study:
http://www.wired.com/wired/archive/2.07/hypelist.html
This data was logged into the Elon/Pew Predictions Database by: Anderson, Janna Quitney