Is Net Neutrality Coming or Going

Just recently in Washington D.C., the house of representatives passed legislation that guarantee internet users equal access to online content. This is a big break through in the right direction to shining the light back on the issue regarding the net neutrality regulations being overturned at the start of the Trump administration. The issue dealing with Net Neutrality is the question of who is the owner of the internet. Many can say that the owners of the internet are the internet providers such as Fios and Comcast. These companies that own the internet can do whatever they legally want todo, with such power they can give priority to people who pay more and alloy them faster internet and slow others down because they pay less money. With the house of representatives passing this bill, it demands all internet providers to give equal access of internet speed to everyone.

Although everyone wants to make a profit, It brings out an ethical situation because everyone should be allowed equal internet speed no matter where you live and what others are searching. As some internet companies have fined companies like Netflix for streaming videos all over the country, it can be seen that the big internet companies can be hindering companies to reach the their potential or startup companies from succeeding and growing. In my opinion, I think that we should all have a equal rights for usage of the internet. Even though internet companies were making the argument that if people wanted faster internet, they should pay more for it like a subscription. While it is a good argument that they are saying, ethically it shouldn’t be a considerable action because it would basically be selecting people to have faster internet based off amount they are paying to get faster internet while others who cannot afford the top of the line subscription to have internet as fast as others with more money.

In conclusion, I think that the house of representatives passing the bill for net neutrality is a good thing. With all the debates that went on all last year made it clear that it is not constitutional for companies to slow down people's internet unless they are willing to fork over money and penalize them based off the willingness or income status of one to pay the internet providers to allow one to get internet that is not slowed down.

https://www.nytimes.com/2019/04/10/technology/net-neutrality-vote.html

The Future of Gaming

When it comes to Information Technology, the future is the one variable that most people can’t predict. For example, no one knew how big Netflix was really going to become. The same applies for video games. No one really captivated how, during the dawn of gaming (80’s and 90’s), big this industry would become. When I mean big, I mean profits. The amount of money the video game industry generates year after year is mind boggling. Now, the industry is set for another big change with the introduction of Google Stadia. In the article “Google’s Stadia looks like an early beta of the future of gaming”, Tom Warren (The Verge) goes into detail and speculates about the future of this industry.

            For those of you who don’t know, Google Stadia is Google’s attempt at pure, cloud-based gaming. Think Netflix for video games. The games themselves, instead of having to download them or go to your nearest GameStop to buy them, would be available to play at the click of a button. Google’s many data centers would store and run these applications, so you would only need a stable internet connection to play. On paper, this idea sounds brilliant. Netflix is already so popular, why not do the same for gaming? Yet, there isn’t a whole lot of information available about Stadia, and the information which is available just brings about a whole lot of skepticism, even from someone like me who is an optimist about the future.

            Cloud-based anything relies heavily on an internet connection. As the author states, “Google’s Stadia service is also entirely cloud-based, which means no offline play. While you might typically sync a few Netflix shows to your phone or tablet because you know your LTE connectivity sucks, you’ll need a constant connection to Stadia to play games on the go.” Maybe you just want to play a single-player game. With a console, you could easily do that without internet. If you have no internet or a bad connection, Stadia is not for you.

            Also, how would the developers get paid? Would Google give them a percentage of the subscription fees? Would Google give a bonus to those games which are being played more? I’m not a developer, but from an economic aspect, it is worrying. The way it seems, a good game won’t have an economic advantage over a bad game because the developers of each will be getting an exact cut of the profits generate from the subscriptions. Yet, no one knows if Google Stadia is going to be subscription-based. I’m just providing examples based on the assumption that that is the payment model Google will utilize.

            Overall, I can see that this is a more-than-likely future of the video game industry. Sony, Microsoft, and Amazon are already in on it, so why not Google?

Source:

https://www.theverge.com/2019/3/20/18273977/google-stadia-cloud-game-streaming-service-report

In his article “When Computers Collide”, Greg Rosalsky identifies a new pricing strategy using complex algorithms. These algorithms utilize “reinforcement learning” to decide on the best prices for products. However, these algorithms do not follow the laws of supply and demand, rather they raise prices by a type of “collusion”. Interestingly, the algorithms had no contact with each other, which emphasizes the “superhuman” abilities that such complex programs have. While some economists believe algorithmic pricing is beneficial for the markets, others have obvious concerns, such as how these algorithms go against anti-trust laws.

              Greg Rosalsky falls into the category of people who believe pricing by algorithm could actually benefit our economy. Two main arguments are presented: flexible pricing reduces waste and allows for more trades to occur. I believe the argument concerning waste is much stronger than the latter. For example, when produce begins to go bad or a product is in the decline stage, algorithmic pricing can determine that the prices of these products must be lower than normal. On the other hand, Rosalsky also argues that flexible pricing allows for more products to be made and more trades to occur. However, he provides very little support for his argument. Logically, I also do not see how his argument makes sense. From an economic standpoint, I would argue that higher prices actually cause less trade to occur.

              While arguments in support of algorithmic pricing do exist, I fall into the category of people that are more skeptical of its impact on the economy. Anti-trust laws dictate that companies can not collude by collectively raising prices. However, this seems to be exactly what algorithmic pricing does. The major issue with calling out this seemingly illegal activity, though, is that the algorithms are not communicating with one another. This emphasizes the extent at which algorithms operate beyond human understanding. Nevertheless, algorithmic pricing goes against the laws of supply and demand and unfairly raises prices for the consumer. There is little information given to public on how or why these prices are chosen, and because there is a sense of collusion occurring, consumers have very little power in these markets.

              As with many artificial intelligence advancements, there is no slowing down their progress and impact on society. It would be counterproductive to simply say let’s end the use of algorithmic pricing because I think the technology is too integrated into our markets to abandon. We can, however, work on ways to manage this technology. I originally had two solutions: keep consumers fully informed on how prices are chosen or revise anti-trust laws. As I have learned more about artificial intelligence, however, I now believe there is no way to fully keep consumers informed about algorithmic pricing. This technology goes beyond experts understanding and, therefore, could never truly be understood by your average consumer. On the other hand, revisions to anti-trust laws could make for a fairer market that strictly defines “collusion” by artificial intelligence.
 SOURCE: 
https://www.npr.org/sections/money/2019/04/02/708876202/when-computers-collude

Google Stadia - Googles New Gaming platform

Topher Miller

A little over a week ago Google announced their big new service, and possibly the next step in gaming, Google Stadia. Google Stadia claims to be like a sort of Netflix, but instead of streaming your favorite movies and shows, they will be streaming your favorite video game titles to you for you to play. They way this works is they have a could based system that is doing all the processing, then it is streaming onto your device. This means almost anyone with a stable internet connection can play triple A titles with max settings without needing a power house of a gaming rig or the newest gaming console. Also, since all the data is in the cloud, you won’t need to download you update the games, simply pick the title and play.

When I first was hearing about this service, I was a bit skeptical and a little confused to be frank. However, one of the biggest things that popped into my mind was, how will this effect the computer hardware industry? I myself am constantly browsing the web for sales and good pc parts to upgrade my rig, but with this new service, I won’t have need for an over the top GPU, or an overclocked CPU, and neither will a lot of other. Obviously, there will still be a large market for this type hardware in other areas, like video rendering or graphic design, but I can’t imagine that a lot of this large hardware companies like AMD, NVIDIA, and Intel.

Another thing about this new service that has me thinking, is how will this affect other game distributers like GameStop, who have already been struggling with the move on online stores? I believe this will be the final nail in the coffin, because at least now with the move buying games online GameStop can at least somewhat compete with their online store. However, once this service comes out people won’t be purchasing these games from another other then with the google Stadia subscription.

              My last point which was talked about in a podcast I watched while researching Google Stadia, is that since all the info will be stored on the cloud, this will most likely cut down on hacking in online games. Google will have all the computing being done on their own systems and hardware, so getting into their system and modifying or hacking to cheat in games will become a lot harder. However, the one thing I am very worried about is whether there will be large input large with using the service. If they can figure out a way for the games to be streamed with little to now input lag, I think this could be a huge hit. Over all I am very intrigued by this system, and hopeful in the fact that this will help more people without the money to buy gaming rigs enjoy the hobby of gaming.

Primary Source - https://www.gamesradar.com/google-stadia-release-date-price-games-controller/

Secondary Source - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DsurWq02MJw

Softbank-Backed Brain Corp. Expands Its Robot “Brain” Beyond Floor Cleaning to Autonomous Delivery

The company Brain Corp. have been known as a company that makes floor cleaning robots that have been released in stores like Walmart starting last year. What this company has now developed is its own operating system (BrainOS) that will have the ability to be embedded into machines that would normally only be operated humans and now would be completely autonomous. Brain Corp.’s goal is to embed this operating system into these formally human-operated machines and help companies be able to tow carts in factories, warehouses, and stores. What this company believes set them apart from other cleaning robot companies is that their technology, specifically their BrainOS, is that it will allow the machines to work in public spaces and be able to maneuver around moving people. Hearing this was good for me because when I first read the article it seemed like they had been making machines that are similar to the ones that Amazon uses to help in their factories and warehouses.

I think this idea of using AI and this brand new technology is good in some ways and not so good in others. This new technology will make it much easier for those working in stores, warehouses, etc. to focus on more important tasks rather than having to spend time driving around picking up boxes and moving them by their selves. It will increase the efficiency of getting a product to and from by a great margin. In the future of this technology they will most likely be able to grow in efficiency and expand on what machines can use this technology which could be very beneficial for many companies. On the other hand, to me in the future with this type of technology growing and started to thrive, it will make the average factory or warehouse worker go extinct and there be no reason for their help anymore. I think that if my prediction is correct many people will end up losing jobs and these new robots and the new technology they have will be the blame. Another possible downside of this technology could be its compatibility to certain machines. Say for instance, a company has its own unique type of machine that it uses and that has been very effective for them and they are looking to try and incorporate this technology, but the operating system does not have the capacity to operate such machine. Lastly, Brain Corp. does not in fact build their robots, they instead focus on the operating system, this could also become an issue for companies looking to incorporate their technology.

Overall, I think this type of technology and the use of it will be great and beneficial to many companies. This will allow for much more efficient work at factories, stores, warehouses, malls, etc. Others can learn and develop from this new technology and shape their own ideas. New technology like this is what will help benefit society in the future and present.

https://www.forbes.com/sites/amyfeldman/2019/04/02/softbank-backed-brain-corp-launches-delivery-robot-software-in-expansion-beyond-floor-cleaning/#41e9e2be163c

https://www.braincorp.com

A New Labor Force

    There is no denying the fact that every day more and more jobs are being replaced and done by machines. The article I choose to look into how AI and machines are converting the “human workforce” into the “machine workforce” and how we can prepare for it. The article was written by Jayshree Pandya, a founder of Risk Group, a strategic security risk research, and reporting organization. When we think of machines replacing humans, we usually think of how it is depicted in sci-fi movies; robots start taking over manual labor jobs and eventually outsmarting us and taking over the world, at least that’s how I use to picture it. However, while the chances of robots taking over the world are slim to none, we need to accept the fact that routine jobs are being replaced and we can’t accept job security anymore. One of the things we need to realize is that these machines aren’t just replacing blue-collar manual labor jobs, they’re also being designed to compete with the best of the best, our world’s smartest and brightest. The article states that “preparing the human workforce through today’s work models and technical skills does not guarantee the necessary skill set to compete with the emerging machine workforce,” and I believe this to be true. Since the demand for certain jobs is declining, we need to prepare the future generation for what these changes. We need to view this reliance onto machines to do routine jobs as a competitive advantage, rather than focusing on things that these machines replace, we can focus on how to better engineer and design these machines, furthermore we can redirect our skills to other types of jobs that are more malleable and can keep up with the advancements. The article also poses the importance of a four-year college degree and how it may not even be necessary since job security will no longer be something we can rely on, however, I find this to be entirely false. I think we need to prepare future generations to better adapt to these changes. I think this article highlights some important things that we need to look into to prepare for the future, and I'm excited to see how the advances in AI are going to influence our futures.

https://www.forbes.com/sites/cognitiveworld/2019/03/21/preparing-the-human-workforce-for-the-machine-workforce/#314a53072f7d

Artificial Intelligence

Alex Hristakis

IS Blog #3

     Firms across the globe are becoming increasingly reliant on Artificial Intelligence and advanced technology to carry out operations. This article I have chosen comes from the Harvard Business Review entitled “How Companies Are Already Using AI.” The article provides perspective on how corporations are implementing artificial intelligence and its relevant possible effects on the work force. The article states that studies show that as much as 47% of jobs could be automated by the year 2023.

     After seeing studies on how much AI is growing in the business world, I must disagree with companies releasing large amounts of employees and replacing their duties with software and AI programs. Granted, AI is not driving human contribution to companies out of existence, but a lot can be said about studies showing nearly half of human jobs in various sectors of commerce and business could be replaced by automated technology in the near future. Though I believe that that the advancement of technology and how far we have come with it is an amazing accomplishment, I must ask what will the affects be to the unemployment rate and the work force itself?  According to the article, the growth of AI in business is no cause for alarm among workers, but I am skeptical. One study showed that 41% of IT companies using artificial intelligence are implementing it to solve users’ technology problems, as well as an additional 44% being used for detecting and deterring security intrusions. These duties are ones that can be fulfilled by human employees, but the increased implementation of artificial intelligence threatens the job security of those employees as well as up-and-coming IT professionals seeking jobs in those sectors. Another threat to job security that AI poses can be seen in the marketing sector. Almost one fifth of marketing companies are reported as using artificial intelligence programs to anticipate future customer purchases and presenting offers accordingly. I feel as though there is no need to use such a vast amount of AI programs in this area, as marketing professionals work hard to analyze consumer behavior, project future customer behavior and regulate offers accordingly. The article would counter my argument by saying how surveys show, for the most part, the purpose of increasing AI in companies is not intended to eliminate jobs altogether. Once again, I am still skeptical of the repercussions. Another counter-argument would be how profits margins and operating efficiency could see great increases with the increased use of AI. Being that I am obviously not as experienced as the experts in this area, I cannot offer a particularly strong rebuttal on this front.

    

Technological advancements and the increased use of artificial intelligence in companies is something that worries me to some degree. This being mainly because I am unsure on the what effect it will have on the working population going forward. I suppose only time will tell just how beneficial this technology will be in the coming years.

https://hbr.org/2017/04/how-companies-are-already-using-ai

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TUmyygCMMGA

Bus to the Future

The Union Station bus deck in Washington, D.C. is a loud and smelly place.  Municipal and inter-city buses rumble in and out stinking up the semi-enclosed depot with the stench of their combusted diesel engines.  However, with the arrival of a lone battery electric bus, all of that is soon to change.   

 

Amidst the new addition of fourteen electric buses to D.C.’s Metro Circulation fleet, many have seen a slight change to the atmosphere of public transportation that is soon to revive the way public buses are seen and run.  This new vehicle moves stealthily, with a low whine, and emits no fumes.  The arrival of battery powered electric buses in American cities could bring a transformation for the workhorse of mass transit and serve as a technological milestone.  As far as mass transit milestones go, there has not been much change to city buses since the entrance of air conditioning.   

With an electric motor taking up less space, there leaves more room inside the bus for passengers.  Also, the bus seems to accelerate faster than diesel buses and move around the city easier.  It is clear to see the environmental benefits this new fleet of electrical buses brings.  Joseph Schwieterman, a professor of Public Policy at Depaul University calls the electrification of the American bus fleet “a total game-changer.”  Whereas diesel-powered “municipal buses are often iffy with respect to environmental benefits,” battery power will turn bus-riding into a truly green mode.  Soon every bus depot will make their cities cleaner and greener with a switch to electric buses.   

By making a switch to electric buses, depots will save tremendous amounts of money in the long run.  Although, acquisition costs are $200,000 to $300,000 higher for electric buses than diesel buses, maintenance costs and energy costs are lower, leading to a lifetime investment that is cheaper.  Furthermore, it checks all the boxes that one would want in terms of the future state of mass transit.  The current generation models achieve an eighty percent reduction in miles per gallon compared to the diesel models.  And both energy efficiency and battery technologies continuing to improve: the new 40-foot bus can run for more than 1,000 miles on a single charge.  All facts show that the new electric bus is a game changer, and there is no going back.   

The electric bus is also bringing with it a revamping in transit payment to make it seamless and time efficient for the passengers.  The lack of information about fares, bus prices, routes, and travel times are a few big reasons why tourists tend to avoid city buses.  A great solution would the installation of payment kiosks at each bus stop.  Therefore, the future passenger can pay for the bus ride before the bus arrives.  Cutting out the time where each passenger must fumble with crumpled bills and loose change.   

The future for mass transit is bright.  It will be the first of many changes to our everyday society and reshape the environment and economy.  

Work Cited 

Schneider, Benjamin, and City Lab. “The Technology That Can Turn the Bus Around.” CityLab, 11 May 2018, www.citylab.com/transportation/2018/05/five-breakthroughs-that-could-make-you-love-the-bus/559832/.