On the way: Computers that perceive your mood and respond accordingly through the use of cameras and artificial intelligence. Microsoft and others are developing software that aims to make computers more humanlike and responsive than today's facial recognition software, which mainly detects faces from a database. If you're unhappy, for instance, a fun picture will display or a favorite song will play. Eric Horvitz, director of the Microsoft Research lab, already has a working system, with an AI human helper on a video screen outside his office door.
Products with this capability are expected to be on the market within five years. The new push will make the products widely available, and not just in research settings. Businesses that employ robotic concierges'hotels and hospitals'are sure to benefit.
If a customer looks confused, for instance, lifelike on-screen helpers will detect it and respond by dispensing clearer information. Advertisers are especially interested in consumer reactions to online ads. Affectiva, for instance, offers software that gauges the emotional impact of digital media.