If I had a robot do these things, all of a sudden it's the robot deciding when and how these things are done, and not me.
I'm not sure why this assumption needs to be made.
Brooks' machines don't simulate the human intelligence required in solving the complex decision "when should this lawn be mowed?"
Simple task-replacing robots do not require intelligence beyond that required for the performance of the task. Brooks suggests a robot that mows better, not a robot that decides anything more complex than that.
SonicBlue must know they are going for a niche market because these units *require* a home network (the phone jack on the back is vestigial). Joe Sixpack may be online, but he isn't setting up a software or hardware router anytime soon (DHCP...what is that, a new designer drug?).
That said, the unit kicks ass. So, now, someone else get one so I can trade shows!
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Part of what makes phone conversations work is implied security through voice recognition.
If someone with one of these gizmos calls me, and I hear Mr. Roboto on the line, then there really is no way for me to know who is on the other end.
Bottom line, if you sound like a robot from Berzerk then I'm hangin' up. Intruder Alert indeed.
If I had a robot do these things, all of a sudden it's the robot deciding when and how these things are done, and not me.
I'm not sure why this assumption needs to be made.
Brooks' machines don't simulate the human intelligence required in solving the complex decision "when should this lawn be mowed?"
Simple task-replacing robots do not require intelligence beyond that required for the performance of the task. Brooks suggests a robot that mows better, not a robot that decides anything more complex than that.
SonicBlue must know they are going for a niche market because these units *require* a home network (the phone jack on the back is vestigial). Joe Sixpack may be online, but he isn't setting up a software or hardware router anytime soon (DHCP...what is that, a new designer drug?).
That said, the unit kicks ass. So, now, someone else get one so I can trade shows!