There’s always something insightful worth hearing when Google Executive Chairman Eric Schmidt starts talking, and his presence today at the annual FT Innovate conference in New York is no exception…
Interviewed by Financial Times Editor Gillian Tett, Schmidt discussed a variety of topics today, including Google Glass, artificial intelligence, college education, the necessity of programming experience and more.
Google Glass has apparently not been abandoned, based on comments given today. Schmidt says that Google knew the device would take a significant amount of time before ever reaching the masses, and that it will be released “when it’s ready.” According to tweets of the interview, Schmidt seemed to speak of Glass as if it will be reimagined from the ground up in its next iteration.
Schmidt also took a stance today on the issue of whether or not the advancement of artificial intelligence is something to be concerned about, saying that if AI somehow took over the human race it would have to happen “behind our backs.” “Last time I checked, we had the power cord in our hand,” said Schmidt.
He also touched on programming and college, saying that all college students should learn basic programming and basic data science. Specifically, Schmidt says “every college student should have a coding course under their belt.”
Keep reading for a slew of tweets from the conference, and check this post later as there will likely be video available of the whole interview.
Asked by @gilliantett when Glass will finally launch, he says: "We knew it would take a while." It will go on sale "when it works – soon"
— RichardWaters (@RichardWaters) December 9, 2014
He also described it as "Glass 2.0". Sounds like there's been a rethink going on.
— RichardWaters (@RichardWaters) December 9, 2014
People in driverless cars have 20 minute "shock value" before they relax: "We're Google, we measure everything"
— RichardWaters (@RichardWaters) December 9, 2014
Schmidt on the lack of political will in Europe make innovation work better: "We know how to solve these problems…
— RichardWaters (@RichardWaters) December 9, 2014
… we just choose not to do it."
— RichardWaters (@RichardWaters) December 9, 2014
Is tech industry risking a backlash? There's certainly no shortage of arrogance, says Schmidt, that's a characteristic of entrepreneurs
— RichardWaters (@RichardWaters) December 9, 2014
Schmidt on why warnings about AI taking over are overdone: "this would have to occur while we're not watching…
— RichardWaters (@RichardWaters) December 9, 2014
… last time I checked, we had the power cord in our hand" #FTinnovate
— RichardWaters (@RichardWaters) December 9, 2014
Q: do you back emerging companies? @ericschmidt: Yes #FTInnovate
— Kelly Hoey (@jkhoey) December 9, 2014
Venture capital has performed worse than cash over the last 20 years. @ericschmidt #FTInnovate
— Kyle Westaway (@kylewestaway) December 9, 2014
High margins have given google the ability to experiment more. @ericschmidt #FTInnovate
— Kyle Westaway (@kylewestaway) December 9, 2014
Eric Schmidt says all college students should learn basic programming and basic data science. #FTInnovate
— Eleanore Hopper (@EleanoreHopper) December 9, 2014
'Innovation hubs need to be run by managers with good judgment, smarts, energy' @ericschmidt #FTInnovate
— Kelly Hoey (@jkhoey) December 9, 2014
"@FTLiveDigital: "Every college student should have a coding course under their belt" – @ericschmidt #ftinnovate" cc @irmaangeles @adu_ang
— Álex Ángeles (@alex_angeles) December 9, 2014
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