The second-generation Switchmate--Switchmate Bright--is even better than the original. The new model is about one-third narrower, it has a built-in motion sensor for hands-free operation (you can also operate it manually, of course), you can program a timer that will automatically turn the light (or ceiling fan, or whatever the switch controls) on and off, and it can be integrated into Wink-based smart homes. Like the much bulkier original, the Switchmate Bright doesn't require any wiring changes or even tools to install it. You just mount it over your existing switch and a pair of strong magnets hold the device fast to the screws holding the cover plate. If you have a multi-gang box, the narrower design enables multiple Switchmates to operate side by side (the app can control several Switchmates, with each assigned to a room and having a unique name).

The two statistics mentioned above will both come about as a result of'efficiencies driven by AI in CRM,' the report found,

"The transformative potential of the iOS enterprise took a huge step forward this week, with IBM giving iPhone users in-app access to the powerful cognitive capabilities of IBM Watson, using MobileFirst for iOS apps," Jonny Evans writes for Computerworld. "This is yet another dramatic outcome from the Apple/IBM partnership, which has already established Macs to be far, far cheaper to run than Windows machines, including system purchase costs," Evans writes. "This latest move seems likely to have a profound impact in a huge range of real world situations across multiple industries and reinforce Apple's growing position in enterprise IT. The move means'made-for-business apps now have the ability to understand, reason and learn based on deep data analytics,' according to IBM." "'Watson continuously learns from previous interactions, gaining in value and knowledge over time,' IBM said. The system can sense, create conclusions, and learn from experience," Evans writes.

"AirPods--in their current form and in future revs--seemed aimed at putting Siri's gentle voice, and her growing personal assistant capabilities, in your ear. And your ear canal may be the very best part of the body to put such a thing," Sullivan reports. "Veteran Apple engineer Bill Atkinson -- known for being a key designer of early Apple UIs and the inventor of MacPaint, QuickDraw, and HyperCard--saw this coming a long time ago. He gave a presentation at MacWorld Expo back in 2011 in which he explains exactly why the ear is the best place for Siri." "Atkinson points to Orson Scott Card's Ender's Game series from the 1980s, in which an artificial sentience called'Jane' lives in a crystal planted in the ear of the main character, Ender," Sullivan reports.

"Yet, a major challenge stands between the dream assistant and the current reality. It's called the multi-agent problem, and most companies are reluctant to talk about it," Jolley writes. "The solution will ultimately determine how much of an impact assistants will have." Jolley writes, "How does an assistant, with limited knowledge of the world and a limited set of isolated agents, many of which might claim to do the same thing – choose which one to activate for every command in a way that will make users happy?" Much more in the full article – recommended – here. MacDailyNews Take: We're still in the infancy of personal assistants and artificial intelligence.

Your phone's artificial intelligence knows you almost as well as you know yourself (maybe even better). So when it suggests ways to get through tomorrow's calendar, you trust its advice," Shankland writes. "Get ready, people: It's not that far off." "Since the first AI research effort 60 years ago at a Dartmouth College conference, humanity has been heading toward computer-based systems that can eventually learn and adapt for themselves," Shankland writes. "Super-capable AI will have its downside.

Apple has been working on letting Siri work directly with applications created by outside developers and hopes to have such tools ready in time for its Worldwide Developer Conference, technology publication The Information has reported,