Thursday, February 17, 2011

Watson vs. the Humans; It's Elementary My Dear Watson

We came one step closer to the Terminators SKYNET or the Battlestar Galactica - Cylon invasion and subsequent destruction of the planet yesterday as IBM's Watson defeated two of Jeopardy's most famous human contestants: Brad Rutter, the highest money-earner in the game show's history, and Ken Jennings, the contestant with the longest streak of game wins.

Watson's final winnings after the two-game competition totaled $77,147--more than three times the next highest score. Jenning's came in second with $24,000 and Rutter finished third with $21,600.

Jennings, showing his good sportsmanship, wrote the following 'Simpsons' quote on his video screen after losing: "I for one welcome our new computer overlords."

IBM created the supercomputer as part of its Great Mind Challenge. According to the LA Times, the company hopes to sell the question-answering technology for use in hospitals and call center help desks. And so it begin.... (enter Terminator movie or BSG opening credits music)

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