Welcome to the World of Audio Computers | Jason Rugolo | TED

In an exclusive preview of unreleased technology, designer and inventor Jason Rugolo unveils an entirely new kind of computer you can talk to like a friend. This "audio computer" — which can augment the sounds around you, translate conversations in real time, naturally respond to your voice and more — promises to shake up how we use our devices. It's shown publicly for the first time ever on the TED stage.

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[churde]

Jason derulo been real quiet since jason regulo dropped

[trautzz]

The ability to adjust ambient sound volume for conversations and real time translation is incredible. What a time to be alive.

[hiongun]

As a quadriplegjc person, I would love to wear it all day. Man, what a magical technology! ❤❤❤

[SALESPRODUCTIONS]

This concept and hardware - I think - could be a "game changer" in the translation space.
Meaning visiting a foreign country and having this in your ear for every conversation.

[quantuminfinity]

Can we stop having product pitch Ted talks that end with a device that tries to be standalone for no reason when it would almost invariably be better as an accessory. And eventually when the company lose venture capital funding they shut off support and it becomes a paperweight. 😫

[hickam]

I think everyone one under values the privacy aspect of inputting information into our phones. The reason all those people felt comfortable interacting with their phones in the coffee shop is because is private. I would recommend to any company working on something like this to focus on finding a private way of speaking to your device. Imagine if any time you were on the train, or bus (even at home with your family) and wanted to do something on your phone, a big screen would appear that let everyone see what you are doing. I know other people can't hear what the device is saying, but they can deduce what you are doing from your commands. Any time I want to interact with the device in public, I dont want to have to do some mental calculus of if whether I should be saying this out loud. That is friction. I mean even simple things like messaging my wife that I love her and will be home soon, I don't want other people rolling their eyes. I am probably more socially anxious than most, but everyone has their limits. Neverthless, I think this device is an awesome idea and people would love it.

[kingshukcs]

Imagine a scenario where 5 people next to each other are trying to voice text at the same time. I'm keen to understand how would this device maintain privacy in that scenario?

[AverySadBear]

This is a sales pitch. "Not our product" (sells the only product that works well).

"Private" (has to ask loud questions)


Wearing earbuds all day, is terrible for your ears health.

[jonahbert]

To me, talking has never felt "normal". I rejoiced when email etc was introduced. Count me out.

[mjcgreatness]

So this is more of a concept than a completed device

[Zerobob]

This doesn't solve the bigger issue is that we spend too much time interacting with tech, instead of the real world. In fact, this further normalises it, by further integrating intrusive tech into our lives!

Regardless, isn't it obvious this is the way voice-activated tech is heading? Hardly visionary.

[chalermako]

Cool. I'm sold.
Audio, makes all kinds of sense.

[PaddySlattery]

Phone devices are fine. The addictive algorithmic nature of the software, promoting consumerism/vanity/narcissism is the real problem. But good effort.

[Afuru]

Audio only, is going to be vastly limited for everyday use.
Again excellent for a bunch of other scenarios.
Ability to link with a visual devices on demand could help.

[AleOnYouTube]

I don’t see the difference from this to Rabbit r1 or AI Pin, it is a device that has to be deeply integrated and communicate with 3rd party apps and that never works…

[captainkite]

MKBHD: This is the second worst product I have ever reviewed.

[JillKnapp]

Oh great, so now instead of everyone staring at screens we're gonna have people talking to themselves, or being interrupted from an in-person conversation by ads. Now parents really won't be able to tell what is getting into their kids' heads. What could go wrong?

[Thermaos]

Wouldn't it be more efficient and convenient to do all the computing in your phone that you are anyways carrying around you that has also much powerful CPU/GPU.
Also it is not a audio computer, but audio user interface. Like some would call normal phone a graphical computer because it works through graphical user interface :D

[-Brendon-]

Literally the movie her in real time. Can’t wait

[Merrily-inmq]

First thought is after seeing this product (ik this is more about the concept of audio computers but this comment is talking about the product specifically), look slightly weird, how does it affect your hearing and does it heat up. Havent watched the full video but ill see if those points are addressed