AI's Growing Reach: From Reverse-Engineering to COBOL

Artificial intelligence (AI) has been making waves in various sectors, from tech to finance, with its ability to learn, adapt, and innovate. Recent developments have showcased AI's growing reach, with applications in reverse-engineering, coding, and even COBOL, a programming language used in critical systems.

One notable example is the AI-powered reverse-engineering of Rosetta 2, Apple's binary translation technology. A comprehensive effort to understand and document Rosetta 2 has been underway, with the goal of creating a Linux version. This project highlights AI's ability to analyze complex systems and replicate their functionality.

In another instance, AI was used to build a Wi-Fi driver for an old MacBook Pro running FreeBSD. The laptop's Broadcom BCM4350 Wi-Fi chip was not supported by FreeBSD, but an AI-generated driver was able to provide a working solution. This demonstrates AI's potential to fill gaps in software support and breathe new life into old hardware.

However, AI's growing capabilities have also raised concerns about job displacement. Anthropic's Claude, an AI model, has been making headlines with its ability to learn and adapt to new tasks. Its latest update has taken on COBOL, a programming language used in critical systems, including finance and government. COBOL's widespread use and the dwindling number of experts who understand it have created a challenge for industries that rely on it. Anthropic's Claude has found a way to parse and understand COBOL code, potentially disrupting the industry.

IBM, a company heavily invested in COBOL, has seen its stock prices plunge following the announcement. This highlights the potential impact of AI on industries that rely on legacy systems and the need for companies to adapt to changing technological landscapes.

While AI-generated solutions have the potential to disrupt industries, they also offer opportunities for innovation and growth. The use of AI in coding and software development can streamline processes, improve efficiency, and reduce costs.

In a separate development, the entertainment industry is also seeing the impact of AI-generated content. Dropouts, a streaming platform, has featured AI-generated shows, including Game Changer, which will be making a cameo appearance on ABC's police procedural show The Rookie. This crossover highlights the growing intersection of AI-generated content and traditional media.

As AI continues to evolve and expand its reach, it is essential to consider its implications on industries, employment, and society as a whole. While AI-generated solutions have the potential to disrupt, they also offer opportunities for growth, innovation, and improvement.

Sources:

• AI-generated replies really are a scourge these days
• AI-powered reverse-engineering of Rosetta 2 for Linux
• FreeBSD doesn't have Wi-Fi driver for my old MacBook. AI build one for me
• IBM Plunges After Anthropic's Latest Update Takes on COBOL
• Dropouts Game Changer stars cameo on The Rookie next week. Here's the first look.