What the hell, for $800

[ermenrich]

Note:  Not wanting to get to confusing, I will be giving a computer human characteristics, including using "he" and describing his abilities using words that aren't true of computers, but gets the point across

Comments

[mad_maudlin]

Another thing to consider: the technology underlying Watson is not about creating artificial intelligence in the sense of the Terminator or Cmd. Data. It's basically about more efficient search engines and improving Julie the Automated Agent. This article in the Language Log breaks it down nicely.

[newcastleepl]

It also had the advantage of getting a signal as to when it was allowed to buzz in and had faster reflexes than humans. Buzzing in is a huge part of being successful on Jeopardy. The humans had to guess as to when they could first ring in, Watson got an electronic signal saying "you can now hit the buzzer."

Here is a question though: If a computer can so fully understand written language, how long is it until a computer can write computer programs?