Artificial Intelligence: how machine learning will shape the next decade by Matt Burgess, reviewed

We look at the latest in the new pocket book series by Penguin Random House and Wired. This one is about AI and is by Matt Burgess, deputy digital editor at Wired. 

Artificial Intelligence reviewed

This is part of the new series by Penguin & Wired, and the third that we have reviewed. All of them are pocket sized, and short in length too. At the same time in this book Burgess manages to cover all the key AI trends and developments over the last 60 years. Having recently reviewed the Cade Metz book on the same topic this one would be very much a primer for the deeper dive of the other book.

That said the aim of this book is to give you a solid briefing in what AI has achieved so far, what it can and can not do. It does succeed in this goal and delivers an informative and readable guide to all the main events that have taken place to date. It is a good idea overall for the topics and issues these books cover. We found this one helpful for a new or general reader and would recommend it to those looking for a good place to start in this field.

More about the book

The past decade has witnessed extraordinary advances in artificial intelligence. But what precisely is it and where does its future lie?

In this brilliant, one-stop guide WIRED journalist Matt Burgess explains everything you need to know about AI. He describes how it works. He looks at the ways in which it has already brought us everything from voice recognition software to self-driving cars, and explores its potential for further revolutionary change in almost every area of our daily lives. He examines the darker side of machine learning: its susceptibility to hacking; its tendency to discriminate against particular groups; and its potential misuse by governments. And he addresses the fundamental question: can machines become as intelligent as human beings?

More about the author

I am a British journalist and author working for WIRED magazine in the UK – based in central London. In my role as deputy digital editor I help coordinate, commission and edit all articles published on WIRED.co.uk. I write news and features for the website, contribute to the magazine, produce the weekly podcast and assist with the curation of WIRED events. My personal interests include: cybersecurity; internet rights; privacy; transparency; and data – although, I cover stories across science, technology, business and culture.

Outside of WIRED, I am available for freelance writing. I have contributed to Business Life, British Airways magazine; The Economist; Creative Review; Modus and more.

In 2012, I created the website FOI Directory – which contains lists and contact details of more than 10,000 public authorities. I have written and talked about the UK’s Freedom of Information laws, openness and transparency.

My previous experience includes writing for trade magazines and the national UK newspapers as a news reporter, while being based at a press agency.

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