[Tweeters] (Correct Link)-Well Tweeters, what do think of this?: “World's first-ever smart binoculars can identify 9,000 birds thanks to built-in AI | Digital Camera World”

[N D]

Correction: Let's NOT widen the gap between birders and non birders! (Heh)

On Thu, Jan 18, 2024 at 13:25 N D <drisseq.n at gmail.com> wrote:


> Hi Tweets,

> After reading the entire article, it's important to realize the potential

> benefits of this equipment instead of a knee-jerk reaction.

>

> Consider overall how we are only at the beginning of the AI age. There

> are many potentials to this tech:

>

> Birders easily slam down 2-5K on camera equipment; these binoculars might

> be a much better choice.

>

>

> They will prevent folks from missing birds while trying to ID using a

> phone app or book. One will INSTANTLY be able to get photos to document the

> species, and this equipment will probably evolve into containing an actual

> guide app teaching features and ID marks to birders. Peterson will not turn

> but jump for joy in his grave as his publication evolves! Merlin is not

> Swarovski. Merlin is free for a reason.

>

>

> Everyone could have access to become a master birder, in their own time.

> Isn't this what technology is already allowing us to do? Work from home,

> work out own hours, have more independence...

>

>

> For those in rural areas or with no access to teachers, those with medical

> conditions and disabilities who are unable to join groups, it's a game

> changer.

>

> Those who find birding a huge challenge on it's own.

>

> Imagine being on a pelagic with this.

>

> It's hard to take photos on a boat! (Btw you don't have to have the ID

> part on to use them.)

>

>

> With a built-in camera, a magnification that is better/as good as a

> telephoto lens, and a retail price cheaper than many birders spend on

> equipment; Hopefully a SCOPE with the same specifications will be on the

> way! That, many would buy, if it was accurate, I argue.

>

>

> More people would be out looking for cool birds! More rare WA birds will

> be identified by less experienced birders; Thus bringing more birders

> into the field, Thus bringing higher, new (and non-new) species totals to

> the state.

>

>

> I imagine now our esteemed WBRC secretary must be close to losing it with

> excitement! In fact, I know he is! ;)

>

>

> Seriously, it can be the inability to ID birds that stops some people from

> birding or from becoming better birders. How many give up after buying the

> wrong binoculars or the wrong book or after having a bad experience after

> their accurate ID has been put down?  With photos and AI, the playing field

> is leveling and it's going to get more even. And when we get the amount

> of data from a Nat Geo onto this...

>

>

> Sure they're taking a short cut but if that's the price for having more of

> the population into birding, and therefore more folks understanding that

> development and skyscraper lights kill birds, then perhaps these issues

> will have more impact so that they can be ameliorated.

>

> One mustn't assume that self-teaching technology will turn the world into

> autonomous idiocracy.

>

> Sometimes people don't scope or bird on their own because they can't id

> the birds on their own even with an app or book!

>

> I look at all the Facebook questions for IDs on female RWBL and I say to

> you all; surely this is better than a Facebook group ID? It's faster and we

> don't have to spend time answering the same ID questions.

>

> I have observed and discussed with friends (ok, with Raphael) that birders

> prefer to bird together at Discovery Point because they help each other or

> spur each other on, but if there's no one else there, then they tend to go

> home sooner and probably miss rarities. This could be the equivalent of a

> birding buddy.

>

> Experienced birders may condescend at this new tech because it took them

> 500 years to learn birding, but what if this AI eventually teaches greener

> birders HOW to ID what they're looking at AND FASTER? The only difference

> between this and having a Sibley ID guide app could be that it is faster

> and you won't miss birds by having a nose in a book/app.

>

>

> Classes can still be taught but field trips will be better with these bins

> becoming functional aids that trip leaders can employ to teach the ways of

> ID, and so they can spend more time teaching!

>

>  Many folks can't afford a trip to PR and a guide and photographic

> equipment. But they can choose a hotel, and bird on their own if this AI

> improves to include geographical information.

>

> Let's remove any negative attachment to technological progress and see

> with wider awareness what this equipment can truly evolve into and do for

> birding and for our community.

>

> While this invention may not help those who can't afford them, one hopes

> that individuals with wealth will be more drawn to birding and devote more

> financial and political contribution to helping birds.

>

> I welcome our new AI binocular overlords.  Let's widen the gap between

> birders and non birders. Let's draw down the social barriers that cause

> superiority as opposed to equanimity.

>

> Let's use our imagination positively and this will empower those pathways

> to manifestation.

>

> Swarovski are not just making sales. They're making great equipment and

> also changing the rules for a reason.

>

> And hopefully these will come down in price too.

>

> N Drisseq

>

> (Former research molecular biologist, now retired)

>

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