“I’m sorry, I’m afraid I don’t have an answer to that.” This is the typical response you might get from Siri if you ask Apple’s digital assistant about Alexa, Amazon’s competing voice AI. But is it the truth? Thanks to the internet and curious users, we now know the answer is a resounding no. A viral YouTube video has revealed the surprising, albeit limited, ability of these digital rivals to actually communicate.
The proof comes from a video titled “Infinite Looping Siri, Alexa and Google Home” by YouTube user danrl, which has garnered millions of views. In the video, Siri is recorded saying, “Alexa, tell me about my 3 p.m. appointment. That’s all.” Immediately, Alexa responds, “Here is the next event.” This seemingly simple command then triggers Alexa to address Google Home, Google Home to respond to Siri, and thus, an endless loop of robotic conversation begins.
This demonstration, while fascinating, doesn’t indicate a sophisticated dialogue between artificial intelligences. According to Mike Prospero, senior reviews editor for Tom’s Guide, these interactions are based on “a programmed script that only can do a few things.” Prospero clarifies that this isn’t a sign of advanced AI taking over. He assures us that current smart speakers would fail the famous Turing Test, designed to measure a machine’s ability to exhibit intelligent behavior equivalent to, or indistinguishable from, that of a human. “You can’t really get the speakers to have a full-blown conversation,” he states.
However, the very fact that Alexa and Siri can engage in even a rudimentary form of communication sparks our imagination. It leads us to ponder the future of AI and the increasing capabilities of these digital assistants. While we may be far from a scenario like the movie 2001: A Space Odyssey, where the AI HAL 9000 exhibits chilling sentience, these small steps in machine communication are noteworthy. Just as in the film, where HAL could speak to astronauts, today’s devices are learning to “speak” to each other, albeit in a very controlled manner.
The real concern, Prospero suggests, isn’t a robot uprising, but rather the vast amount of data these devices collect and where that information ends up. “You really don’t know where all that information is going,” he warns, highlighting the potential privacy implications as these smart machines become more integrated into our lives and more intelligent. The focus should shift from fearing autonomous robots to understanding and controlling how our data is being used by the companies behind these technologies.
Despite the limitations and concerns, the convenience and capabilities of voice assistants are undeniable. As Prospero demonstrates, asking Alexa for the weather provides instant, accurate information. Similarly, requesting Siri to play music instantly fills the room with sound. While Alexa and Siri talking to each other might not be a sign of an imminent AI revolution, it does highlight the continuous advancements in voice technology and the evolving relationship between humans and their digital assistants. For now, the machine rebellion, much like a full conversation between Alexa and Siri, remains a thing of the future.
