Siri pulls a HAL

Remember in 2001: A Space Odyssey when HAL refused to provide assistance? Looks like Siri has a similar problem when it comes to helping women who need emergency health services.

Via Think Progress:

“What may I help you with?” So begins Siri — the unique voice-activated assistant of the iPhone 4s that promises to deliver accurate and tailored answers for your every need. Unless you’re a woman in search of health services like birth control, emergency contraception, abortion, or even mammogram tests. Then the interactive search wizard draws a blank.

[snip]

More disturbingly, Siri would not respond to pleas for help for sexual assault or rape clinics, and services for emergency contraception.

Apparently, however, it's quite adept at locating escort services...

Progress!

R.I.P. Steve Jobs

Yeah, yeah, yeah, the iPod, the iPhone, the iPad, Pixar, but let's dial it back a bit. I started using computers in 1977 -- yeah, no Apple, no Windows. I never felt fully comfortable or competent on them. Then, in the late 80s, I got a job at an ad agency -- all Apples. What a revelation! The very definition of user-friendly. Sure, my programmer and systems friends insisted that Apples were not computers -- which I guess meant that anyone could use them.

Flashforward to the early 90s. I was working at a media start-up. I recommended we get MACs. When the IT guy came from the store to open the boxes and install the software he seemed completely flummoxed by the simplicity. I merrily went along and set up all the MACs without him.

Sadly, from 1998 until now I've been on PCs. But, if I had my druthers, I'd be typing this on a MAC.

R.I.P. Steve Jobs