Dezeen can exclusively reveal photos of the art deco-informed Apple Miami Worldcenter, the "first Apple Store with extensive use of mass-timber construction", which opens this Friday.Designed by Apple's in-house team, Apple Miami Worldcenter occupies a standalone pavilion that continues the aesthetic of previous Apple Stores while nodding to art deco architecture in Miami."We were inspired by softer, undulating surfaces and the articulation of mass found in the local art deco architecture to create a lighter, more dynamic result," Apple retail design lead BJ Siegel told Dezeen."In designing Apple Miami Worldcenter, we paid particular attention to the play of the light and shadow on all surfaces of the pavilion, sculpting the walls in and out while carving the base off the ground."Apple Miami Worldcenter opens this FridayWhile the curved perimeter roof and plaster walls are a nod to art deco architecture, the structure was constructed from mass-timber a first for Apple."Apple Miami Worldcenter is the first Apple Store with extensive use of mass-timber construction," explained Siegel."As a free-standing building with sizable spans, we wanted an efficient structural solution that could be sourced locally in the region and help reduce the overall carbon footprint of the project," he continued. "We worked with a mass-timber vendor committed to pursuing an FSC certification, ensuring that the wood was responsibly sourced and contributed to a significant embodied carbon reduction."The store was constructed with mass timberThe mass-timber structure encloses an open central space that is accessed from glazed entrances at each end of the building.This space is filled with Apple's signature tables some of which are lowered for accessibility. It is flanked with oak framework that incorporates a pick-up area, Genius Bar, product shelving and a space dedicated to demonstrating the Vision Pro mixed-reality headset."The materials used throughout the design were chosen to limit their impact on the environment while creating an inviting space for customers," said Siegel."This includes biomass-based terrazzo flooring, a structural wood wall system, and a particular attention to comfort and acoustics."It contains a dedicated space for demonstrating the Apple Vision ProWhile previous stores have incorporated plants, often in large planters, Apple has surrounded the Apple Miami Worldcenter store with a densely planted public space. The roof, "described as a raised garden" is also covered with planting."Biophilic design has been part of Apple's design principles for some time now trees and plants, along with natural daylight, have always been important to our stores," explained Siegel.Read: Apple partners need to be "absolutely committed to transparency" says retail sustainability lead"Apple Stores have always strived to make a direct connection between the interior and the natural environment surrounding it," he continued."While in the past, this has come from primarily the use of interior trees and large glass storefronts, the climate in Miami offered a different opportunity, allowing us to embrace the lush landscape and gardens of South Florida to create a densely vegetated urban public space."The store is designed to demonstrate the brand's ethosAccording to Siegel, the store is a representation of Apple's values and its commitment to sustainability and accessibility."Our latest store designs are an expression of Apple's values through its emphasis on the environment, accessibility, and customer-centred experiences," he said."The building form is balanced between a precise architectural language and a softened, rounded shape embraced by the plant life surrounding it. Additionally, the roof has been planted as a raised garden, creating an additional facade visible from the adjacent towers, and completing the full integration of the landscape below."Recently completed Apple Stores include a store topped with a square dome in Kuala Lumpur, a store in London's Battersea Power Station and a store in Abu Dhabi surrounded with a stepped waterfall.The photography is courtesy of Apple.The post Apple unveils first mass-timber Apple Store in Miami appeared first on Dezeen.

At least 92 per cent of housing units in Gaza have been destroyed or damaged, according to data shared by the United Nations' Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) published a reported impact snapshot on 14 January, which stated that 160,000 out of 436,000 housing units in Gaza had been destroyed and 276,000 had been damaged in the Israel-Gaza war.OCHA sourced the data from Shelter Cluster, an organisation that coordinates humanitarian shelter in conflicts and disasters.OCHA reports 69 per cent of all buildings destroyed or damagedDisplaced Gazans have begun to return to the Gaza Strip following Israel and Hamas agreeing to a ceasefire on 19 January, the first phase of which is planned to last six weeks. Three women hostages were released from Gaza and 90 Palestinians were released from jails in Israel as part of the agreement.The recent war in Gaza was triggered on 7 October 2023 when Hamas militants attacked Israel, killing about 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages.According to the latest figures from Palestine's Hamas-run health ministry, 47,100 people have been killed in Gaza in Israel's subsequent military campaign.Read: Forensic Architecture creates interactive map to show the "compounding effect" of attacks on GazaIn addition to 92 per cent of housing destroyed or damaged in Gaza, OCHA also published in its report that 69 per cent of all structures are destroyed or damaged.At least 88 per cent of school buildings have been damaged, according to the report, as well as 51 university buildings destroyed and 57 damaged."Closing the thermal envelope" immediate priorityYesterday, Shelter Cluster published guidance for Gazans returning to damaged homes, which stated sealing the building envelope should be the immediate priority."Given the scale of shelter needs across Gaza and the limited resources available, repair of damaged dwellings should prioritise closing the thermal envelope of essential habitable spaces in accordance with family size and, where feasible, restoring basic household water and sanitation services," said the organisation."The Shelter Cluster does not recommend high-cost permanent repairs at this stage, as most of the population lacks access to even the most basic shelter assistance, such as tents or tarpaulins.""Due to ongoing military operations and limited humanitarian access in Gaza, conducting damage assessments in safe conditions remains a significant challenge," it continued. "The presence of EOs (explosive ordinance) and debris and the recurrence of damage to previously assessed areas make it difficult to have a map of 'cleared to work' buildings."Photo by Mahmoud sleem via Anadolu.Comments have been turned off on this story due to the sensitive nature of the subject matter.The post UN reports 92 per cent of Gaza housing has been destroyed or damaged appeared first on Dezeen.

Whether you love or hate AI-driven generative design, the fact is that it's here, people are using it, and they're not going to stop using it. If you're an industrial designer, it's probably wise to understand the technology and its implications, and learn how to wield it.If you'd prefer to be guided through it by a safe set of hands, IDEO is hosting an "AI x Design Thinking Workshop Series" online."Join us for our live 3-part AI workshop series and learn how to harness the power of generative AI to enhance your idea generation, research synthesis, and prototyping skills. This practical workshop will help you understand how AI tools work and how to get the most out of them. It's a safe space for hands-on practice with different tools, techniques, and mindsets for using AI in your design thinking process. With a focus on how to get started using AI to strengthen your design thinking toolkit, you'll learn how to collaborate with AI to enhance your problem-solving skills and creative thinking."Geared towards beginners though it is, the series still aims to teach skills that, the firm says, "you can apply to your work immediately."The $250 course starts March 3rd and will consist of three 60-minute live sessions. They'll provide step-by-step demonstrations, provide a downloadable workshop and most importantly, show you IDEO case studies.If the schedule doesn't work for you, they also offer an on-demand, self-paced alternative for $300.You can learn more about the curriculum and download the syllabus here.

There are cameras for the masses, and then cameras for photographers. There are cars for commutes, and cars for automotive enthusiasts. Similarly, theres EDC (Everyday Carry) meant for the general populace, and then theres EDC designed specifically for people who need the right tool at the right time in the face of adversity. Every first responder will tell you that a faulty tool (or even the wrong tool) can sometimes be the difference between success and failure, life and death which is why the EDC meant for these situations needs to be engineered to absolute perfection. Ask first responders what their favorite EDC is and the most common name will be the Skeletool RX from Leatherman.Measuring about four inches long and tipping the scales at a mere five ounces, the Skeletool RX is a lesson in efficiency. Its stripped-down designcomplete with a carabiner clip and integrated bottle openermight initially give the impression of being too minimal. But spend a week with it, and youll likely change your tune. This tool is crafted for those who value simplicity and performance over frills, and it delivers that effortlessly. No unnecessary tools, no distracting details, nothing extraneous just sheer productivity in a compact, rapid-deploy package.Designer: LeathermanClick Here to Buy NowThe Skeletool comes in a few variants, the RX being one of them. Others are the standard Skeletool, designed for versatile everyday tasks; the CX, which features upgraded materials like DLC-coated stainless steel and a 154CM blade for added durability; and the Skeletool KB, a streamlined option that focuses on knife functionality with a built-in bottle opener. The RX, however, is purpose-built for emergency responders, with features tailored to critical, high-pressure situations. It includes a serrated 154CM blade with a hooked design for cutting through tough materials like seat belts or fabric with ease, as well as a carbide glass breaker for fast access in rescue scenarios. Couple this with the emergency red colorway and youve got yourself the perfect life-saving instrument for those who need split-second reliability.The blade is a little different from the kind youd find on other EDC knives. Made from 420HC stainless steel, its sharp, durable, and incredibly easy to deploy one-handed. Its unique edge helps with all kinds of cutting techniques, letting you effectively slice through everything from parcels to wood, paracord, and even seatbelts. The knife is big enough to handle slicing, cutting, and general utility tasks but compact enough to avoid being cumbersome. Its placement on the tool ensures its always at the ready, giving you a reliable edge in situations where youd otherwise be scrambling for a dedicated blade.The pliers, another essential feature, are no slouch either. Designed with needle-nose precision and a sturdy grip, they tackle both delicate and heavy-duty tasks with ease. Whether its tightening bolts or gripping small wires, the pliers hold up under pressureliterally. The inclusion of hard-wire cutters and regular wire cutters further adds to their versatility, ensuring that even small tasks around the house or campsite are covered.On the end of one of its handles is the RXs its bit driver system. It comes with two double-sided bits stored snugly in the handle, offering four functions right out of the box. Got a loose screw or something that needs repairing? The driver system comes in handy, but one of the bits holds a surprising function armed with a carbide tip, this bit turns the RX into a glass-breaker that can easily shatter through even reinforced or toughened glass panels, making it perfect for emergency exits or evacuations. Leathermans upgrade packs and adapters also let you expand its capabilities like adding 1/4-inch bits or other add-ons.All its features included, the Skeletool RX still fits comfortably in your grip. Its ergonomic design, coupled with carbon fiber handle accents, ensures a comfortable grip no matter the task. The balance between size and weight feels deliberate, allowing for maximum control without any awkward bulk. Even the mechanism for opening and closing tools has a tactile quality thats oddly addictiveyoull catch yourself flicking it open and closed just for the sheer fidgety satisfaction of that smooth motion. Finally, a carabiner clip on the handle lets you easily string it to your backpack or belt loop for secure carrying and a deep pocket clip lets you slide the Skeletool RX into pockets and pouches for quick-access.However, the Skeletool isnt for everyone. Its focus on minimalism means it doesnt pack as many tools as some of its bulkier competitors. If youre someone who demands a full arsenal of gadgets in a multi-tool, this might feel limiting. That said, its design philosophy leans heavily on portability and daily practicality, so it never feels like its trying to be something its not. You can always enhance its functionality with additional bits, but even without them, it covers most of the essentials, making it perfect for its intended target audience of first responders and EDC enthusiasts who just need pure functionality in a small yet sturdy package.Click Here to Buy NowThe post The Ultimate Emergency Multitool: Why First-Responders Love the Leatherman Skeletool RX first appeared on Yanko Design.

Theres something undeniably chic about black in interior design. Its timeless, bold, and endlessly versatile, effortlessly elevating any space it touches. Whether youre aiming to add depth, create contrast, or bring a little edge to your dcor, black accents can do the job beautifully.And the best part? You dont need to go overboarda few thoughtful touches are all it takes. Heres how to weave black accents into your home, one room at a time. Lets explore 13 ideas on how to incorporate black accents into every room of your home to create a cohesive, stylish look.1. Make a Statement with Black LightingVisualizer: Shimaa YassinLighting is more than just functionalits an opportunity to make a statement. A black chandelier, pendant light, or sleek wall sconce can do wonders for your space. These fixtures grab attention without stealing the show, blending seamlessly with modern, minimalist, or even traditional designs. Imagine a matte black industrial pendant over your dining table or a glossy black chandelier in your entryway. The result? A room that feels curated and intentional, with lighting as the cherry on top. For smaller spaces, a black sconce beside your bed or above your bathroom mirror can add a touch of understated sophistication. When used thoughtfully, black lighting fixtures make your space feel polished and cohesive, as though every detail was carefully considered.2. Add Depth with a Black Accent WallSource: A House In The HillsA black accent wall might sound intimidating, but when done right, its pure magic. Far from making a room feel smaller, it adds depth and coziness. In a bedroom, a black wall behind the bed creates intimacy, while in the living room, it can serve as the perfect backdrop for art or shelving. The key is balancelight-colored furniture, textiles, or dcor can keep the space from feeling too heavy.In the living room, a black accent wall can elevate the entire vibe. If youre worried about it feeling too heavy, choose a wall that gets plenty of natural light or pair it with light furniture and airy curtains to keep the room feeling open Trust me, a black wall is the bold move your room might be missing.3. Define Spaces with Black Trim and Molding Image Source: RiversideBlack trim and molding can completely redefine a space. Picture baseboards, window frames, or crown molding painted in a deep, rich black. Its like putting a picture frame around your roomit highlights the architecture and creates a polished, tailored look.The beauty of black trim is its versatilityit works in almost any space. In a living room, black window frames can frame a view like artwork, while black baseboards give the room a sense of polish.Against light-colored walls, black trim pops, adding instant sophistication. Want to go even bolder? Pair black trim with dark, moody wall colors for a dramatic, cohesive effect.4. Modernize with Black Kitchen HardwareVisualizer: Amine BRAHIMIThe kitchen is one of the easiest places to experiment with black accents. Swapping out your old cabinet handles, knobs, and faucets for matte black ones instantly modernizes the space. Black hardware pairs beautifully with white cabinets, natural wood tones, or even bold, colorful cabinetry. Its subtle yet impactful, giving your kitchen that fresh, updated feel without a full remodel.If your kitchen leans toward natural wood tones, black accents add a contemporary edge while highlighting the warmth of the wood. Feeling adventurous? Try black hardware with colorful cabinetry like deep green, navy, or even mustard yellow.5. Anchor Rooms with Black FurnitureVisualizer:Saif El MasryIncorporating black furniture pieces into your space is a versatile way to embrace this bold color. From sleek coffee tables to upholstered chairs and bed frames, black furniture adds weight and presence to a room.A black leather sofa, for example, exudes timeless elegance, while a minimalist black dining table creates a modern and streamlined look. Meanwhile, a minimalist black dining table can set the tone for a modern, streamlined aesthetic, effortlessly grounding the space.Black furniture pieces dont just fade into the backgroundthey hold their own, creating a foundation that feels both striking and adaptable, whether paired with bold accents or softer, neutral tones.6. Warm Up with Black RugsSource: Amazon A black rug or throw blanket can ground a room and tie together its design elements. Black textiles provide a sense of warmth and coziness while adding contrast to lighter furniture or floors.In living rooms, a black area rug with subtle patterns can anchor the seating area, while in bedrooms, a black throw or bedspread adds a touch of sophistication. For a softer, more luxurious vibe, pair black textiles with plush materials like velvet, faux fur, or wool. The combination of rich textures and bold black tones creates a space that feels warm and elegant at the same time.7. Elevate Style with Black FixturesVisualizer: DIOUSS WORKSIn the bathroom, black fixtures like faucets, showerheads, and towel bars bring a modern and luxurious feel. Think sleek black faucets, elegant showerheads, and towel bars that add a touch of sophistication without overwhelming the design. These accents create a striking contrast against white tiles or marble surfaces, emphasizing the clean lines of the spaceBlack fixtures are not only stylish but also durable, as many are coated to resist fingerprints and water spots. For a cohesive look, pair black fixtures with matching hardware and accessories. Accessories like soap dispensers, toothbrush holders, or a black waste bin can also tie everything together. If you want to take it a step further, consider adding black-framed shower doors or a black vanity for a seamless, designer-inspired finish.8. Black Ceilings for a Bold TwistVisualizer: Samaa ElZwawyWho says ceilings need to be white? Painting your ceiling black is an unexpected design choice that adds depth, drama, and a touch of mystery to a room. Its a bold move, but when done thoughtfully, it can completely transform the atmosphere of your space.The effect of a black ceiling is surprisingly cozyit creates a cocoon-like feel that can make larger rooms feel more intimate and inviting. Pair it with lighter walls and flooring to keep the room from feeling closed in, or go for a monochromatic look with dark walls for a moody, luxurious vibe.Dont limit yourself to just paint! A black-stained wood ceiling or black wallpaper with subtle patterns can add even more interest and depth. Whether youre designing a modern dining room, a cozy bedroom, or an edgy home office, a black ceiling is a daring choice that promises to leave a lasting impression.9. Add Drama with Contemporary Black Crittall FramesImage Source: homesandgardenBlack Crittall frames are like the little black dress of home designsleek, timeless, and effortlessly stylish. Whether you use them for windows, doors, or even as room dividers, they instantly elevate a space. Imagine a pair of black-framed glass doors separating your living room from your dining area, letting natural light flow while adding a bold architectural element.Theyre versatile tooperfect for modern, industrial, or even traditional homes. Pair them with soft sheers for a touch of elegance or leave them unadorned to let their clean lines take center stage. The clean lines are versatile enough to complement almost any design style, from industrial lofts to cozy cottages.10. Make a Statement with Black Doors and WindowsVisualizer: Yaroslava ShpiakinaBlack doors and windows are a simple but powerful way to transform any space. A black front door makes a bold first impression, exuding elegance and sophistication. Inside, black-framed windows or interior doors add instant depth and character.The contrast they create against lighter walls feels fresh and dynamic but never overpowering. They can work in almost any style of home, from a cozy farmhouse to a sleek, modern apartment. To balance the drama, use soft fabrics, warm wood tones, or natural textures to create a more inviting atmosphere.To keep the look cohesive, consider tying in black accents elsewhere, like in light fixtures or furniture. And dont be afraid to mix materialspairing black frames with brass hardware or adding sheer linen curtains creates a layered, sophisticated look.11. Industrial-Style Living Room with Black AccentsVisualizer: Tawfik AbdelmonimIf youre drawn to that effortlessly cool, urban vibe, an industrial-style living room with black accents is a great choice. Think black metal coffee tables, vintage light fixtures, and dark leather furniture set against raw materials like exposed brick or concrete.The beauty of this style lies in its texturesadd cozy throws and soft rugs to balance the harder edges. Oversized black-framed artwork or industrial shelving can add even more personality. Its a look thats bold but still feels inviting, the perfect mix of comfort and edge.A black-framed mirror leaning against a wall or a vintage trunk repurposed as a coffee table can give your living room a sense of individuality. With its bold contrasts and unpretentious charm, the industrial style paired with black accents is as timeless as it is effortlessly cool.12. Built-In Black Shelves for Style and FunctionVisualizer: Nataliia IsBuilt-in black shelves are the kind of design feature that turns heads while staying practical. They create a bold focal point in any room, whether youre styling a living room, office, or even a hallway.Against a light or neutral wall, black shelves offer striking contrast and make whatever you displaybooks, plants, or decorative piecespop. To keep the look balanced, mix in lighter items like white ceramics or woven baskets.LED strips or recessed lights under the shelves can highlight your displayed items while adding a warm glow to the room. Pairing black shelves with metallic accents, such as gold or brass bookends, creates a sophisticated vibe, while natural elements like wooden sculptures or greenery lend a softer, more inviting touch.13. Classic Charm of Black and White TilesImage Source: Full Circle CeramicsTheres something undeniably timeless about black and white tiles. Whether its a checkerboard floor in the entryway or a herringbone backsplash in the kitchen, this pairing feels both classic and fresh.Black and white tiles are bold without being too loud, making them a perfect choice for almost any room. Want a retro vibe? Go for large checkerboard tiles. Prefer something more subtle? Try a smaller, intricate mosaic pattern. To keep the look warm and inviting, layer in natural elements like wooden cabinets or brass fixtures.The beauty of black and white tiles is in their versatilitythey allow you to experiment with textures, colors, and dcor elements without overpowering the space. Whether you style them with antique brass fixtures or minimalist black hardware, they remain a timeless, stylish choice that always feels just right.Finishing NotesAt Home Designing, were all about helping you create spaces that feel stylish, functional, and uniquely yours. Black accents are a powerful tool in any designers arsenal, and theyre easier to work with than you might think. So why not take a bold step and experiment with a little black magic in your next design project? Whether its a statement piece of furniture or a simple black-framed mirror, the results can transform your space into something truly spectacular.For more design inspiration and tips, explore our collection of expertly curated ideas at Home Designingyour go-to source for turning your house into a home youll love.

Media intelligence can analyse thousands of clips in just seconds.

Plus 8 other Adobe swaps to help move your workflow onto the cloud.

Need to send some money without getting scammed or robbed? Follow this advice.

MacworldIn the U.S., its possible to store a digital version of your driving licence in Apple Wallet on your iPhone. (Provided your state permits this: currently just 10 do, while a further nine have promised to do so in the future.) But there are few signs of this becoming an option for iPhone owners in the rest of the world.There is some good news on that front for U.K. readers, however, because the British government has announced that it will launch a digital wallet of its own and that it will be possible to use this to store a digital driving licence and other important documents. Granted, this doesnt have quite the same appeal as a single storage point for all your bank cards, IDs, and tickets. But its somethingand remember that, in the absence of a national ID card, your driving licence can be used to prove your age when buying age-restricted items both online and in person.Science Secretary Peter Kyle made the announcement on January 21. The wallet app, which will be available for Android as well as iOS, will launch later this year, and the digital driving licence will also be piloted in 2025. Other elements of the scheme may take longer to fall into place, but all government services, ministers insist, will be required to offer a digital alternative alongside paper or card credentials by the end of 2027.Along with CDs, the Walkman and flip phones, the overflowing drawer rammed with letters from the government and hours spent on hold to get a basic appointment will soon be consigned to history, Kyle said. GOV.UK Wallet will mean that every letter or identity document you receive from the government could be issued to you virtually.The government also announced a new GOV.UK app designed to make it easier (and more in tune with modern life) to use public services such as reporting lost passports, and plans to use tech in the public sector.

Fair warning: This isnt your average article about whats happening with all the newfangled AI hullabaloo in this weird and wild world of ours.Nope therell be no oohing and ahhing or talk about how systems like Gemini and ChatGPT and their brethren are, like, totally gonna revolutionize the world and change life as we know it.Instead, I want to look at the state of these generative AI systems through as practical and realistic of a lens as possible focusing purely on how they work right now and what theyre able to accomplish.And with that in mind, my friend, theres no way around it: These things seriously suck.Sorry for the bluntness, but for Googs sake, someones gotta say it. For all their genuinely impressive technological feats and all the interesting ways theyre able to help with mundane work tasks, Googles Gemini and other such generative AI systems are doing us all a major disservice in one key area and everyone seems content in looking the other way and pretending it isnt a problem.Thats why I was so pleasantly surprised to see that one tech giant seemingly isnt taking the bait and is instead lagging behind and taking its time to get this right instead of rushing it out half-baked, like everyone else.Its the antithesis to the strategy were seeing play out from Google and virtually every other tech player right now. And my goodness, is it ever a refreshing contrast.[Get level-headed insight in your inbox with my Android Intelligence newsletter. Three new things to know and try each Friday!]The Google Gemini Bizarro WorldI wont keep you waiting: The company thats getting it right, at least in terms of its process and philosophy, is none other than Amazon.Ill be the first to admit: Im typically not a huge fan of Amazon or its approach. But within this specific area, it really is creating a model for how tech companies should be thinking about these generative AI systems.My revelation comes via a locked-down article that went mostly unnoticed at The Financial Times last week. The reports all about how Amazon is scrambling to upgrade its Alexa virtual assistant with generative AI and relaunch it as a powerful agent for offering up complex answers and completing all kinds of online tasks.More of the same, right? Sure sounds that way but hang on: Theres a twist.Allow me to quote a pertinent passage from behind the paywall for ya:Rohit Prasad, who leads the artificial general intelligence (AGI) team at Amazon, told the Financial Times the voice assistant still needed to surmount several technical hurdles before the rollout.This includes solving the problem of hallucinations or fabricated answers, its response speed or latency, and reliability.Hallucinations have to be close to zero, said Prasad. Its still an open problem in the industry, but we are working extremely hard on it.(Insert exaggerated record-scratch sound effect here.)Wait what? Did we read that right?!Lets look to another passage to confirm:One former senior member of the Alexa team said while LLMs were very sophisticated, they came with risks, such as producing answers that were completely invented some of the time.At the scale that Amazon operates, that could happen large numbers of times per day, they said, damaging its brand and reputation.Well, tickle me tootsies and call me Tito. Someone actually gives a damn.If the contrast here still isnt apparent, let me spell it out: These large-language-model systems the type of technology under the hood of Gemini, ChatGPT, and pretty much every other generative AI service weve seen show up over the past year or two they dont really know anything, in any human-like sense. They work purely by analyzing massive amounts of data, observing patterns within that data, and then using sophisticated statistics to predict what word is likely to come next in any scenario relying on all the info theyve ingested as a guide.Or, put into laymans terms: They have no idea what theyre saying or if its right. Theyre just coughing up characters based on patterns and probability.And that gets us to the core problem with these systems and why, as I put it so elegantly a moment ago, they suck.As I mused whilst explaining why Gemini is, in many ways, the new Google+ recently:The reality is that large-language models like Gemini and ChatGPT are wildly impressive at a very small set of specific, limited tasks. They work wonders when it comes to unambiguous data processing, text summarizing, and other low-level, closely defined and clearly objective chores. Thats great! Theyre an incredible new asset for those sorts of purposes.But everyone in the tech industry seems to be clamoring to brush aside an extremely real asterisk to that and thats the fact that Gemini, ChatGPT, and other such systems simply dont belong everywhere. They arent at all reliable as creative tools or tools intended to parse information and provide specific, factual answers. And we, as actual human users of the services associated with this stuff, dont need this type of technology everywhere and might even be actively harmed by having it forced into so many places where it doesnt genuinely belong.That, mdear, is a pretty pressing problem.Allow me to borrow a quote collected by my Computerworld colleague Lucas Mearian in a thoroughly reported analysis of how, exactly, these large-language models work:Hallucinations happen because LLMs, in their in most vanilla form, dont have an internal state representation of the world, said Jonathan Siddharth, CEO of Turing, a Palo Alto, California company that uses AI to find, hire, and onboard software engineers remotely. Theres no concept of fact. Theyre predicting the next word based on what theyve seen so far its a statistical estimate.And there we have it.Thats why Gemini, ChatGPT, and other such systems so frequently serve up inaccurate info and present it as fact something thats endlessly amusing to see examples of, sure, but thats also an extremely serious issue. Whats more, its only growing more and more prominent as these systems show up everywhere and increasingly overshadow traditional search methods within Google and beyond.And that brings us back to Amazons seemingly accidental accomplishment.Amazon and Google: A tale of two AI journeysWhats especially interesting about the slow-moving state of Amazons Alexa AI rollout is how its being presented as a negative by most market-watchers.Back to that same Financial Times article I quoted a moment ago, the conclusion is unambiguous:In June, Mihail Eric, a former machine learning scientist at Alexa and founding member of its conversational modelling team, said publicly that Amazon had dropped the ball on becoming the unequivocal market leader in conversational AI with Alexa.But, ironically, thats exactly where I see Amazon doing something admirable and creating that striking contrast between its efforts and those of Google and others in the industry.The reality is that all these systems share those same foundational flaws. Remember: By the very nature of the technology, generative-AI-provided answers are woefully inconsistent and unreliable.And yet, Googles been going in overdrive to get Gemini into every possible place and get us all in the habit of relying on it for almost every imaginable purpose including those where it simply isnt reliable. (Remember my analogy from a minute ago? Yuuuuuup.)In doing so, its chasing short-term market gains at the cost of long-term trust. All other variables aside, being wrong or misleading with basic information 20% of the time or, heck, even just 10% of the time is a pretty substantial problem. Ive said it before, and Ill say it again: If something is inaccurate or unreliable 10% of the time, its useful precisely 0% of the time.And to be clear, the stakes here couldnt be higher. In terms of their answer-offering and info-providing capabilities, Gemini and other such systems are being framed and certainly perceived as magical answer machines. Most people arent treating em with a hefty degree of skepticism and taking the time to ask all the right questions, verify answers, and so on. Theyre asking questions, seeing or hearing answers, and then assuming theyre right.And by golly, are they getting an awful lot of confidently stated inaccuracies as a result something that, as we established a moment ago, is likely inevitable with this type of technology in its current state.On some level, Google is clearly aware of this. The company had been developing the technology behind Gemini for years before rushing it out into the world following the success and attention around ChatGPTs initial rollout but, as had been said in numerous venues over time, it hadnt felt like it was mature enough to be ready for public use.So what changed? Not the nature of the technology nope; by all counts, it was just the competitive pressure that forced Google to say screw it, its good enough and go all-in with systems that werent and still arent ready for primetime, at least with all of their promoted purposes.And that, my fellow accuracy-obsessed armadillo, is where Amazon is getting it right. Rather than just rushing to replace Alexa with some new half-baked replacement, the company is actually waiting until it feels like its got the new system ready with reliability, yes, but also with branding and a consistent-seeming user experience. (Anyone whos been trying to navigate the comically complex web of Gemini and Assistant on Android and beyond can surely relate!)Whether Amazon will keep up this pattern or eventually relent and go the good enough route remains to be seen. Sooner or later, investor pressure may force it to follow Googles path and put its next-gen answer agent out there, even if it in all likelihood still isnt ready by any reasonable standard.For now, though, man: I cant help but applaud the fact that the companys taking its time instead of prematurely fumbling to the finish line like everyone else. And I cant help but wish Google would have taken that same path, too, rather than doing its usual Google Thang and forcing some undercooked new concept into every last nook and cranny no matter the consequences.Maybe, hopefully, thisll all settle out in some sensible way and turn into a positive in the future. For the moment, though, Googles strategy sure seems like more of a minus than a plus for us, as users of its most important products and especially in this arena, it sure seems like getting it right should mean more than getting it out into the world quickly, flaws and all and at any cost.Get plain-English perspective on the news that matters with my free Android Intelligence newsletter three things to know and try in your inbox each Friday.