Experts: AI to expand, disrupt in 2019

Artificial intelligence in 2019 won't reach the level of the replicants of "Blade Runner" -- the 1982 movie that was set in this year -- but experts expect smart technology to become more common and more disruptive. Twenty percent of business executives told PwC consultants that their companies will begin to use AI in their businesses in 2019. Automation has already put plenty of people out of their jobs in recent years, but, according to PwC, 38 percent of business executives say AI will create more jobs, while only 19 percent say it will cause cuts. Sales of smart speakers like Amazon Echo and Google Home are expected to boom massively this year, with Deloitte consultants projecting the industry to surpass 250 million units sold by the end of 2019. But some expect the kickback to be strong, as users increasingly sour on big data collection and may push back on AI viewed as too overbearing and non-transparent.