The Internet and smartphone are just the latest in a 250-year- long cycle of disruption that has continuously changed the way we live, the way we work and the way we interact. The coming Augmented Age, however, promises a level of disruption, behavioural shifts and changes that are unparalleled. While consumers today are camping outside of an Apple store waiting to be one of the first to score a new Apple Watch or iPhone, the next generation of wearables will be able to predict if we’re likely to have a heart attack and recommend a course of action. We watch news of Google’s self-driving cars, but don’t likely realise this means progressive cities will have to ban human drivers in the next decade because us humans are too risky. Following on from the Industrial or machine age, the space age and the digital age, the Augmented Age will be based on four key disruptive themes—Artificial Intelligence, Experience Design, Smart Infrastructure, and HealthTech. Historically the previous ‘ages’ bought significant disruption and changes, but on a net basis jobs were created, wealth was enhanced, and the health and security of society improved. What will the Augmented Age bring? Will robots take our jobs, and AI’s subsume us as inferior intelligences, or will this usher in a new age of abundance? Augmented is a book on future history, but more than that, it is a story about how you will live your life in a world that will change more in the next 20 years than it has in the last 250 years. Are you ready to adapt? Because if history proves anything, you don't have much of a choice.

An authority on creativity introduces us to AI-powered computers that are creating art, literature, and music that may well surpass the creations of humans. Today's computers are composing music that sounds “more Bach than Bach,” turning photographs into paintings in the style of Van Gogh's Starry Night, and even writing screenplays. But are computers truly creative—or are they merely tools to be used by musicians, artists, and writers? In this book, Arthur I. Miller takes us on a tour of creativity in the age of machines. Miller, an authority on creativity, identifies the key factors essential to the creative process, from “the need for introspection” to “the ability to discover the key problem.” He talks to people on the cutting edge of artificial intelligence, encountering computers that mimic the brain and machines that have defeated champions in chess, Jeopardy!, and Go. In the central part of the book, Miller explores the riches of computer-created art, introducing us to artists and computer scientists who have, among much else, unleashed an artificial neural network to create a nightmarish, multi-eyed dog-cat; taught AI to imagine; developed a robot that paints; created algorithms for poetry; and produced the world's first computer-composed musical, Beyond the Fence, staged by Android Lloyd Webber and friends. But, Miller writes, in order to be truly creative, machines will need to step into the world. He probes the nature of consciousness and speaks to researchers trying to develop emotions and consciousness in computers. Miller argues that computers can already be as creative as humans—and someday will surpass us. But this is not a dystopian account; Miller celebrates the creative possibilities of artificial intelligence in art, music, and literature.

45 artists from around the world were invited to explore the possibilities of Augmented Reality Art: An art form that allows digital art to superimpose physical art. The book is both a showcase of the art form and a historical document that captures the first wave of Augmented Reality Artists.

"LLMs: From Origin to Present and Future Applications" by Ronald Legarski is an authoritative exploration of Large Language Models (LLMs) and their profound impact on artificial intelligence, machine learning, and various industries. This comprehensive guide traces the evolution of LLMs from their early beginnings to their current applications, and looks ahead to their future potential across diverse fields. Drawing on extensive research and industry expertise, Ronald Legarski provides readers with a detailed understanding of how LLMs have developed, the technologies that power them, and the transformative possibilities they offer. This book is an invaluable resource for AI professionals, researchers, and enthusiasts who want to grasp the intricacies of LLMs and their applications in the modern world. Key topics include: The Origins of LLMs: A historical perspective on the development of natural language processing and the key milestones that led to the creation of LLMs. Technological Foundations: An in-depth look at the architecture, data processing, and training techniques that underpin LLMs, including transformer models, tokenization, and attention mechanisms. Current Applications: Exploration of how LLMs are being used today in industries such as healthcare, legal services, education, content creation, and more. Ethical Considerations: A discussion on the ethical challenges and societal impacts of deploying LLMs, including bias, fairness, and the need for responsible AI governance. Future Directions: Insights into the future of LLMs, including their role in emerging technologies, interdisciplinary research, and the potential for creating more advanced AI systems. With clear explanations, practical examples, and forward-thinking perspectives, "LLMs: From Origin to Present and Future Applications" equips readers with the knowledge to navigate the rapidly evolving field of AI. Whether you are a seasoned AI professional, a researcher in the field, or someone with an interest in the future of technology, this book offers a thorough exploration of LLMs and their significance in the digital age. Discover how LLMs are reshaping industries, driving innovation, and what the future holds for these powerful AI models.

Artificial intelligence (AI) has deeply impacted our understanding of creativity and the human ability to generate creative outputs. New applications for creative tasks are rapidly evolving, and new tools are constantly being developed with much greater optimal capabilities. Importantly, the success of implementing such tools for creative tasks is still heavily dependent on human supervision and input. Therefore, it is vital to understand and critically reflect on the nature of co-creative processes between humans and AI. This book addresses such issues and provides insights into how humans can augment their capabilities for generating creative and innovative outputs by successfully co-creating with AI. The book is intentionally divided into three main parts to allow for a comprehensive and holistic perspective on human and AI co-creation for creative tasks. The sections are divided as follows: Part 1: “Principles of AI and Creativity”, Part 2: “Critical Issues on Artificial Co-Creation”, and Part 3: “Industry-Specific Discussions”. Consequently, the book provides a holistic insight on the topic, covering various issues and perspectives and enabling an accessible read to a broad audience. For example, chapters cover examples across different industry sectors, including music, arts, science, and management. Furthermore, the book covers critical questions involving copyrights, ethical concerns, relationship with algorithms, and context-based issues. Only by critically reflecting on the intrinsic issues of AI and learning how to work with it effectively for creative purposes will we be able to benefit from its full potential to augment human creative abilities in an appropriate manner. This novel, edited collection is an essential read for scholars working on the intersection of AI, creativity, arts, and management.

Augmented Reality (AR) blurs the boundary between the physical and digital worlds. In AR’s current exploration phase, innovators are beginning to create compelling and contextually rich applications that enhance a user’s everyday experiences. In this book, Dr. Helen Papagiannis—a world-leading expert in the field—introduces you to AR: how it’s evolving, where the opportunities are, and where it’s headed. If you’re a designer, developer, entrepreneur, student, educator, business leader, artist, or simply curious about AR’s possibilities, this insightful guide explains how you can become involved with an exciting, fast-moving technology. You’ll explore how: Computer vision, machine learning, cameras, sensors, and wearables change the way you see the world Haptic technology syncs what you see with how something feels Augmented sound and hearables alter the way you listen to your environment Digital smell and taste augment the way you share and receive information New approaches to storytelling immerse and engage users more deeply Users can augment their bodies with electronic textiles, embedded technology, and brain-controlled interfaces Human avatars can learn our behaviors and act on our behalf