The computers in Star Trek are perfect: instantly available, easy to operate, and very powerful. However today, we’re still mostly restricted to entering information in a device we carry, like a phone or laptop, and to communicating complex tasks to a computer in a particular programming language, e.g. Python or Javascript.
Both changed this week.
Programming with Natural Language:
On Star Trek, engineers talk with their computers to execute complex tasks and analysis. Although modern frameworks and no-code tools help make the coding process faster and more accessible, we’ve never been able to just ask a computer to build something for itself.
In my opinion, OpenAI’s new GPT builder is the first iteration of a computer that codes itself, based on your natural language. Here’s their demo of an app being built in minutes with only data and natural language: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U9mJuUkhUzk (26 mins in)
Small, Wearable Computers:
On Star Trek, people can simply tap their chest to access a supercomputer via voice. We are addicted to our phones but given the numerous health problems they cause, I can’t imagine we will be carrying them for even another 20 years. Voice access to computers is great for dictation and limited use cases but you still need to be near to or holding a device.
Humane’s new “pin” appears to be a good first attempt at the Star Trek communicator. It responds to a tap and removes a lot of the need for a phone — video, audio, and messaging are all available, while it attempts to make good decisions about data for the voice medium. Here’s their launch announcement with some examples: https://twitter.com/Humane/status/1722668651705430154
Still need a Transporter though…
Sterling Road invests in idea stage and pre-seed B2B startups based in the US, Canada and UK.
