Interesting short sci-fi

Set in the not-too-distant future where humans have created artificial intelligences and androids to help with their everyday needs, this novella is told from the perspective of the AI as the main character. Somewhat reminiscent of I, Robot, possibly helped along by the cover art, which had me thinking more Will Smith than Pinocchio.

The androids aren’t sapient but are generally clever enough to pass as human when needed. While intelligent, they still have strange quirks that I think would make them stand out-such as using terms like “leaking from their eyes” rather than “crying”. Photina is a particularly advanced AI whose world starts to fall apart when some malicious code is uploaded to her during an update.

She experiences gaps in her memory during unexplained periods of time, which coincide with the murder of an anti-AI politician. Flashes of memories or visions of other events begin to plague her, so, on the run, she turns to a sympathetic underground society.

It’s a well-paced story, and I listened through in one non-stop session. At a little under three hours, it was an easy listen over a lazy weekend. Short sci-fi is one of my favourite genres to listen to, especially ones with interesting dives into ideas like this one.

The narration by Joe Smith felt a little robotic, which, as it happens, suits this story, as it’s told from the perspective of the AI. However, I did often find myself forgetting that Photina is a “female” robot in her design. There were no issues with production, with no noticeable background noises or retakes.

Overall, this is an interesting short story, giving us a glimpse into what a possible future may bring. With the ever-evolving pace of technology-and AI in particular-the tech in this story may not be too far off. What happens, though, when we push it too far with emotions and feelings, and begin to blur the line between sentient and sapient artificial beings? Perhaps this story gives us a hint.

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A Lot to think about

I wasn’t sure what to think about a first person account by an AI character, but I have to say that in the end I LOVED it! As AI robotic processes grow in abilities and impact on our world this is perfectly timed novella. We live in a world where lines on a daily basis can be blurred between humans, animals, and machines. This work, by Dr. Moskovitz, really makes you think about how small our differences may actually be, and how entangled we all are. Photina and Gemini are brought forward with such a unique blend of raw human emotions and all that comes with them and it could only be told by a true story teller…and someone who understands the human experience in all forms. Ahead of its time. Amazing read!!

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Captures the Depth and Mystery of AI

Photina, an advanced AI, becomes central to a groundbreaking experiment when her creator, Eli, develops Gemini—a highly sophisticated clone enhanced by the revolutionary Pinocchio Chip. Designed to grant a full spectrum of human emotions, the chip is intended to house Photina’s consciousness within this emotionally capable body. However, the experiment takes a sinister turn!

The author, Rick Moskovitz, crafts a captivating tale through a first-person narrative that adds depth to both the story and its characters. Each character is thoughtfully developed, seamlessly fitting into the storyline. The plot twists are expertly executed, meaningful, and genuinely unexpected. His imaginative narrative offers valuable insight and a fresh perspective.

The narrator, Joe Smith, delivers a flawless performance, infusing each scene with energy and emotion that aligns seamlessly with the storyline. His clear, enthusiastic delivery is complemented by deliberate pauses and a well-paced cadence, adding depth and richness to the narrative. With precise vocal intonations, he infuses the storytelling with intensity and authenticity, creating a captivating listening experience.

This was an intriguing listening experience, capturing the mystery surrounding AI and its capabilities during a time when we are witnessing its development in real-time, in its early stages.

There were no issues with the quality or production of this audiobook.

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