We've truly reached a peak interest in artificial intelligence (AI), evidenced by Oprah Winfrey hosting a special on the topic. AI has permeated many aspects of life, and we will all engage with it—whether through usage, development, governance, or companionship. AI encompasses more than chatbots; it involves a broad range of capabilities, captured in what we call the "capabilities stack. " This stack consists of seven types of abilities, progressing in complexity: recognition, classification, prediction, recommendation, automation, generation, and interaction. 1. **Recognition**: At the foundational level, AI identifies patterns from large datasets, enabling functions like facial recognition and license plate detection. This technology plays a significant role in various fields, such as healthcare for identifying cancer in scans. 2. **Classification**: Building upon recognition, AI can categorize these patterns. For instance, photo apps organize images by individuals or identify skin lesions. In New Zealand, AI has been used to classify recordings to support the revival of the indigenous Te Reo Māori language. 3. **Prediction**: Trained on historical data, AI can forecast future events, such as flight arrivals and potential project overruns, aiding in operational efficiency for airlines and government projects. 4.

**Recommendation**: Predictions can lead to actionable recommendations. For example, during a large concert, AI was employed to ensure crowd safety through real-time data analysis. Similarly, many platforms use AI to tailor suggestions based on user behavior. 5. **Automation**: AI can facilitate complete automation, as seen in wind turbine operations that protect wildlife or smart public transportation systems that optimize bus schedules. 6. **Generation**: AI can also create new data based on learned patterns across various media. Technologies allow for image manipulation, video creation from text prompts, and even synthetic voice generation, raising both innovative and ethical considerations. 7. **Interaction**: Finally, generative AI enables human-like interactions through virtual assistants that can engage in scheduling, respond to queries, and entertain. As AI technology advances, its integration into daily activities will deepen, impacting how we communicate and manage tasks. Overall, while generative AI garners much attention, it's essential to recognize the broader implications of AI and its potential to enhance everyday processes beyond surface-level applications.