Trends with Benefits: Microsoft’s hardware gamble, AI takeover, drones galore

Microsoft announced several upgrades and new products this week, including the new Surface Book, its first foray into laptops. It looks outstanding, but at $1,500, it’s not for the weak of wallet. We discuss the motives behind it, and whether Microsoft’s newfound love of hardware is a promising new direction or a tragic misstep. There was also a demonstration of the HoloLens and a new game called Project X-Ray, which got us amped about the tremendous potential of augmented reality.

With nearly 1 million drones estimated to be sold around Christmas this year, those buzzing eyes in the sky are about to become an even bigger story. The FAA is rapidly attempting to reign in use of drones over restricted areas, and has dropped a $1.9 million fine on a company that violated existing rules. However, is there any real way to control them? We discuss some possible solutions.

Finally, MIT has created an AI that has the comparable brain power of a 4-year-old. With the Singularity so clearly on it’s way, we have to ask the question; Would you rather try to miserably fight the robot overlords, or just bow down and hope they build you a sweet Matrix to live in?

Today’s episode features Nick Mokey, Brad Bourque, Marie Pardo-Garber and Greg Nibler. We also broadcast the show live on Periscope. Follow @DigitalTrends to be alerted when we go live or send in questions ahead of time to podcast@digitaltrends.com.

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Digital Trends Staff