AI and the March of Progress (Such As It Is)

People worry about money flowing into artificial intelligence. They always worry. It’s a human habit, like breathing or misplacing car keys. But companies are trying to make it work for them, which is what they’re supposed to do. So it goes.

Investors, if they’re feeling ambitious, might look at these companies. Just a thought. Don’t say I told you to.

Here are three, anyway. Three big ones playing with the future, or at least trying to. They’re not necessarily going to win, but they’re certainly spending money.

1. Netflix

Netflix. They used to mail you DVDs. Remember that? A quaint time. Now they use algorithms to guess what you’ll watch next. It’s efficient, I suppose. They call it machine learning. It’s just guessing, really, but sophisticated guessing. They’re even using AI to make actors look younger in sequels. A sad commentary on our collective vanity, if you ask me.

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They’re using it for ads now, too. More efficient persuasion. It’s all about maximizing eyeballs, isn’t it? It’s a business. They’re good at it. So it goes.

2. Nike

Nike. Shoes. They sell a lot of them. They’re down a bit from their peak, as most things are. Peaks are temporary. They’re throwing money at AI, naturally. Personalizing shopping, managing supply chains, the usual. It’s all about optimization.

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They have a project called Nike A.I.R. They’re letting AI design shoes. Futuristic shoes. It’s a bit like asking a machine to dream. Shareholders are hoping it works. Hope is a dangerous thing, but we all need a little bit of it. So it goes.

3. Uber Technologies

Uber. They get you from point A to point B. Or deliver your lunch. They have a big chunk of the ride-sharing market. It’s convenient, I suppose. They’re using AI to match riders with drivers, set prices, find efficient routes. It’s all about squeezing every last drop of efficiency out of the system.

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They’re selling AI tools to other companies now. Uber AI Solutions. It’s a platform. Everything is a platform these days. It’s a way to diversify. A way to make even more money. So it goes.

These companies are trying. They’re adapting. They’re not resting on their laurels, which is more than you can say for some things. It’s a constant process of upgrading, optimizing, and hoping for the best. It’s the march of progress, such as it is. And it will continue, regardless of our worries or our hopes. It just will.

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2026-02-01 15:23