Linus Torvalds Claims: 90% of AI is Just Hype!
Artificial intelligence (AI) has been making waves globally, becoming more integrated into our daily lives. However, not everyone is as enthusiastic about its rise. Linus Torvalds, the mastermind behind the Linux kernel, recently shared his thoughts on the current state of AI at the Open Source Summit in Vienna. According to Torvalds, a whopping 90% of what we hear about AI is just clever marketing, not actual reality. Let’s take a closer look at his remarks and the context of his criticisms.
Linux vs Dominant Operating Systems
Ever since its inception in 1985, Linux has carved out a niche as an alternative to the dominant operating systems, boasting a user base of over 1.6 billion across 100 countries. On the other hand, Microsoft rules the roost in productivity applications, with Office 365 and cloud services being used by millions globally. Apple, on the other hand, maintains its loyal ecosystem with macOS, which boasts more than 100 million active users.
“90% Marketing and 10% Reality”: Torvalds’ Take on AI
During his talk in Vienna, Torvalds expressed skepticism about AI, acknowledging its potential but asserting that it’s currently overblown by marketing gimmicks. According to him, the tech industry’s approach to AI is quite flawed. He believes that most of the promises surrounding AI are exaggerated and only actually useful in a handful of specific scenarios.
The AI Bubble: Shared Industry Views
Torvalds is not the only one who’s skeptical about AI. Robin Li, the CEO of Baidu (known as the Chinese Google), also sees AI as a bubble that may burst for many companies. Li argues that only a select few companies with robust financial backing will be able to sustain and derive long-term value from AI technologies. Ultimately, only the biggest and most well-supported organizations will be able to truly harness the potential of AI.
AI in Everyday Use: ChatGPT and Other Tools
Despite the skepticism, certain AI-based tools like ChatGPT have seen a surge in popularity. Additionally, tech giants like Apple and Google are continuously working on developing and releasing AI products such as Apple Intelligence and Gemini Live, which are available on specific devices and regions.
In conclusion, Torvalds’ cautious stance on AI sheds light on a technology that, while groundbreaking, is often shrouded in excessive marketing hype. His belief is that the true impact of artificial intelligence will only become clear when practical and consistent applications start delivering tangible value to individuals and industries alike.
