Driving up to the Arizona Biltmore, I wasn’t quite certain what to expect. All I knew was I was supposed to get a glimpse of Sprint’s rollout of its new 5G network in Arizona. Cutting edge up close? You don’t have to ask me twice.
Zylstra describes AI as the simulation of human intelligence processes by machines – especially computer systems. “These processes include learning (the acquisition of information and rules for using the information), reasoning (using rules to reach approximate or definite conclusions), and self-correction.” In simpler terms, according to Zylstra, AI is considered the development of computer systems and programs that carry out tasks that usually require human interaction. This includes, but is not limited to: facial recognition, decision-making, and language translation.
While artificial intelligence, the next wave in cellular network technology, and the Internet of Things are just becoming established now, they really will become as common as the word “internet” in our vernacular. Add to the list smart cities and urban air mobility, which refers to on-demand and automated passenger or cargo-carrying air transportation services.
Arizona CEOs, presidents and business owners recently escaped the heat and headed north for the Arizona Technology Council’s annual CEO Leadership Retreat. This two-day event at the historic Hassayampa Inn in Prescott provided innovative speakers, interactive workshops, keynotes, golf, behind-the-scene tours and networking.
It’s not often we get the opportunity to be on the ground floor of something that will help shape all our lives. I encourage you to join me and contact your members of Arizona’s congressional delegation to ask them to support the Blockchain Promotion Act of 2019. This is our defining moment.
If “sandbox” and “blockchain” are new terms for you, they won’t be after reading this issue of TechConnect. As you’ll learn inside, public policy efforts are very much part of helping bring about the success that FinTech is experiencing in Arizona. Of course, there are other examples of FinTech progress that we’ll explore in these pages.
Steve Zylstra’s travels take him throughout the state, to the nation’s capital and at times outside the United States. He obviously can’t provide a debrief of everything that he does, but he can share the highlights as he takes you behind the scenes and at times behind the headlines.
The future is really about alternatives. More specifically, that means renewable energy. And that’s not just me talking.