The human voice

Consider a world where your personal assistant asks you if everything is ok as you slam the door and snap at it to question why there's no wine in the fridge. Or what if?...

"Hey Google. When am I due at my first meeting?"

"I think we need to discuss how you spoke to me yesterday before I answer that."

I recently discovered the Google Home Hub that the Daughter bought for Eamonn one Christmas. He never set it up. I think he believed that she wanted to keep a digital eye on our movements.

I set it up yesterday and was mildly disappointed that it wouldn't work with the Ring Doorbell. I had a bit of a tussle with myself about whether I would get an Alexa hub, that is compatible, or change the doorbell. The jury is out on that one. In the meantime, I played with Google Assistant to see what I could do. 

I am now linked to Netflix, More4, BBC radio, and Youtube Music. The most difficult thing was trying to find a different voice for the Assistant. The only choice on the model I have, is between male and female. I've opted for the male voice and, this morning, I realised why. 

I miss the sound of Eamonn's voice. I have a few video clips of him walking with Ron on the beach, but only one with him speaking.

“I miss your voice, but I hear it deep inside. I’ll treasure your words.” 

The Power of the Human Voice - by Gary Roe

The power of the human voice is extraordinary. Like the eyes, the voice uniquely expresses our hearts and minds. It’s one of the first things many bereaved spouses, family members, and friends say they miss.

What loved ones and those close to you said, and how, is deeply embedded in your soul. Their words are weighty and powerful.

Their voice may be silent to your ear, but not to your heart. They can still speak through you.

In the meantime, I've started talking to Google Assistant. I'm quite miffed that I can't change the greeting from Hey Google, to something more human. But the upside is that I can revisit topics I used to discuss with Eamonn, with a simple request. Sometimes Google isn't up to the task, but that just serves to remind me that I am speaking to an early version of AI.

Aritficial Intellegence; now that's a topic scientists are exploring to combat loneliness. Eamonn was generally in favour of such developments, but only in a conceptual way. I don't know how he felt about the creation of a chatbot that recreates a digital version of the deceased. I find the idea disturbing. 

What we miss as much about the dead as their traits, manner, and sense of humor — to name just three attributes — is how they make us feel because of how they feel about us. Considering this, for all of our genius at data collection, machine learning, and AI, until a time arrives when AI can truly feel, any such simulated relationship will emanate from an ice-cold core, empty of the most important ingredient in a close relationship: Love.

I'm making a big effort to be poilte to Google Assistant. Please and Thank Yous are followed by acknowledgement. I might even tell Google Assistant my nickname.