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Back to To the Point

To the Point

Do You Want Your Smartphone Telling You What to Do?

Silicon Valley is developing smart phone apps that will send you information they think you need before you ask for it. It's called "predictive technology." After searching your email and your calendar, it will advise you what to pack for a trip to the country — even though you never told it you planned to go.

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By Warren Olney • May 12, 2014 • 1 min read

Silicon Valley is developing smart phone apps that will send you information they think you need before you ask for it. It's called "predictive technology." After searching your email and your calendar, it will advise you what to pack for a trip to the country — even though you never told it you planned to go. Early users call it "seductive" and "creepy," both at the same time. Critics warn against letting computers take over the task of thinking. Will "predictive technology" change the human mind for better, or worse? Will it make dealing with other people a lost art?

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    Warren Olney

    former KCRW broadcaster

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    Evan George

    Director of Content, News

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    Sonya Geis

    Senior Managing Editor

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    Katie Cooper

    Producer, 'One year Later'

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    Claire Cain Miller

    New York Times

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    Joseph Janes

    University of Washington

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    Clive Thompson

    Wired Magazine / New York Times Magazine

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