Age of AI: Everything you need to know about artificial intelligence

To begin with, let’s just make sure we’re all on the same page: what is AI?

Artificial intelligence, also called machine learning, is a kind of software system based on neural networks, a technique that was actually pioneered decades ago but very recently has blossomed thanks to powerful new computing resources. AI has enabled effective voice and image recognition, as well as the ability to generate synthetic imagery and speech. And researchers are hard at work making it possible for an AI to browse the web, book tickets, tweak recipes and more.

Oh, but if you’re worried about a Matrix-type rise of the machines — don’t be. We’ll talk about that later!

Our guide to AI has three main parts, each of which we will update regularly and can be read in any order:

• First, the most fundamental concepts you need to know as well as more recently important ones.
• Next, an overview of the major players in AI and why they matter.
• And last, a curated list of the recent headlines and developments that you should be aware of.

By the end of this article you’ll be about as up to date as anyone can hope to be these days. We will also be updating and expanding it as we press further into the age of AI.