Know why AI and voice will decide the fortune of Digital Media

"Artificial intelligence is developing at a breathtaking speed, permeating nearly every aspect of life, mostly Digital media. Speech assistants can now read out entire books and giving desired information, Algorithms deliver tailor-made news bulletins for users, and translation tools help people to overcome language barriers." 

Netflix, Amazon Prime, and other Internet-based platforms have already transcended the traditional entertainment mediums like TV and Cinema. Easy access to smart handheld devices forcing media organizations to think Innovative and unique content presentations with the futuristic approach. 

Virtual Voice assistants like Siri, Alexa, Google Assistant, Kortana and Samsung Bixby are now much-acquainted term, all thanks to the increased usage of state of the art devices like smartphones, Tablets and intelligent speakers.

Experts shed light on how Artificial Intelligence and Voice Assistance can turn things upside down for Digital Media on the internet, especially for the Indian languages. They also furnished information on ongoing projects in this direction in a candid talk with Webdunia.

As an industry leader and innovator, Mukul Devichand (Executive Editor, AI & Voice - BBC) told us that BBC has done an out of the box innovation in the field of Digital media using Artificial Intelligence and Voice Assistance. Mukul said that this innovation was implemented for BBC Hindi on ongoing Indian General Election 2019 and it’s probably first of its kind in the Digital space. 

This interactive Bulletin is based on the Artificial Intelligence & Voice Assistance technology and works in a purely reactive mode. Users can listen to the interactive bulletin of the BBC by giving a specific voice command to google assistant on their Android phones. Google voice assistant will enable the user to access the special Interactive audio Bulletin produced by BBC on his smartphone. 

Mukul stated that BBC interactive bulletin is specially designed for the digital platform.  By saying the words 'Talk to BBC Elections' will unlock a trial experience we have created in the Hindi language, using BBC reporting from across India to deliver what we think may be the first interactive audio bulletin by a broadcaster in the country and one of the first in the world.  

Just like the early 'spoken web' idea, you can move around the service using your voice.  But crucially you can also say 'tell me more' to get genuine journalistic depth on the latest election topics, said Mukul Devichand.  

He added - for us, it's just an early trial of what we think 'spoken web' service might look and feel like, the technology is still new and we hope to learn along with the audience.

When quizzed on the concern of cyber-security, privacy and sensitivity of technology in the AI supported Apps, Mukul replied that BBC has been a trusted media brand for nearly 100 years. The organization is keeping no stone unturned to match the expectations of the users. 

Similarly, many of the professional activities of journalists are increasingly being automated. But at present automation is in a chaotic phase with a lot of uncertainties.  

The race to come up with machines and robots that can work on their own, has left many people fearful of eliminating jobs and have started considering it as the pink slip, but on a contrary few feel automation as a creative tool to increase the productivity of journalists and Editors. 

Li L'Estrade is the head of content development at Sweden's local media company Mittmedia. Li has also developed robot journalism. It's a unique system, where automated articles generate great value for subscribers, enabling journalists to focus on unique stories. This assists Editors to find unique, creative, reader-friendly and contemporary material. 

On the sensitive issues of AI like Privacy, Cyber Crime CEO of Google Sunder Pichai stated that AI is one of the ‘most significant things the humankind is working on right now’. Pichai said that the fears and concerns about the harmful application of artificial intelligence and other technology, in general, are very legitimate.

However, AI has its own pros and cons. If the industry fails to see off its risk, it may lead to dire consequences. Pichai admits that the format of AI in the future is still unknown and thus it demands more research and regulations. 

Well Undoubtedly, Digital Media is in the transformation mode. So pick up your phone and say 'Hey Google' or 'Hi Siri' and get connected to the world of information and innovation...