Mark Zuckerberg envisions smart glasses as the next evolution of mobile devices, and it seems plausible.
In the ever-evolving world of technology, Mark Zuckerberg's recent warning suggests a significant shift in how we interact with Artificial Intelligence (AI). The idea of AI glasses as a potential smartphone replacement is gaining traction, but for Zimbabwe, the question is whether this new wave will include support for local languages like Shona and Ndebele.
Currently, AI tools struggle with understanding these local languages. Google's Gemini, ChatGPT, Alexa, and other AI assistants fail to comprehend spoken Shona, leaving a significant gap in their usefulness in corporate settings where Shona often sneaks into discussions, meetings, and negotiations.
The affordability of AI glasses, priced at $199, is a promising step. However, this price point is still high for many people in Zimbabwe who do not own basic smartphones. Moreover, the availability of these glasses is not just about cost but also infrastructure, internet accessibility, and electricity availability.
The "cognitive disadvantage" Zuckerberg warned about extends beyond not wearing glasses; it also encompasses whether your language is recognized by the AI powering them. While there is significant investment and progress in AI for African languages, including those spoken in Zimbabwe, no authoritative sources confirm that AI-powered glasses explicitly targeting local Zimbabwean languages are being developed.
The Masakhane African Languages AI Hub, funded by Google.org, is one such effort. This initiative aims to develop datasets, translation models, and voice technologies for over 40 African languages, supporting language inclusion in AI development. However, it does not specifically focus on glasses but rather various formats.
A TikTok video references smart glasses capable of translating over 100 languages, including Zimbabwean languages. Yet, this is a social media post and does not confirm an active development project specifically for glasses tailored to Zimbabwe's local languages by major companies or researchers.
The lack of understanding of local languages in AI assistants could lead to another layer of exclusion. As the world moves towards a more AI-driven future, it is crucial for Zimbabwe to prepare to participate and not be left behind. This challenge presents an opportunity for innovation and investment in AI technologies that cater to local languages, ensuring inclusivity and equal access to the benefits of this revolutionary technology.
As the world moves towards an AI-driven future, the inclusion of local languages like Shona and Ndebele becomes increasingly important in Zimbabwe's preparation for participation. Despite the advancements in AI technology and the affordability of AI devices, a gap remains regarding support for these local languages, potentially leading to another layer of exclusion. Innovation and investment in AI technologies that cater to Zimbabwe's local languages could be key to bridging this gap, ensuring equal access to smart-home-devices, gadgets, and other aspects of the modern lifestyle that technology enables.
