I asked ChatGPT if AI will be the future of tech reviews. This is what it said:
Artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to significantly impact the way that technology and gadgets are reviewed and featured in the future. AI can be used to analyze large amounts of data and provide insights that can help to inform reviews and features. For example, AI could be used to analyze user feedback, usage patterns, and performance data in order to identify trends and common themes that might not be immediately apparent to human reviewers.
Additionally, AI could be used to automate certain aspects of the review process, such as summarizing technical specifications and identifying key features. This could help to streamline the review process and make it more efficient.
However, it is important to note that AI is not a replacement for human reviewers and writers. While AI can help to provide additional insights and automate certain aspects of the process, it is ultimately up to human reviewers to interpret and analyze the data, and to use their expertise and judgment to provide a comprehensive and insightful review.
A few years ago I was having a conversation with some of the senior editors at Manila Bulletin and we were trying to figure out more efficient ways to churn out specific types of articles — namely sports scores, stock market, and the weather. These were “fill in the blanks” templated articles that were there to be low-effort clicks, “Team X beat team Y with a score of A-B. This is game number Z.” The problem was that it was too expensive to implement, but also, ironically, difficult to train the old guard to make sense out of this. With respect, even I would have misgivings because there are certain nuances that would be lost. For instance, I read sports not just for the scores, but for the color commentary, and some sports writers just go with the snark so well: “In this rematch, he connected with Manny Pacquiao’s fist, which was his strongest-ever reconnection over the holidays.”
But then I decided to put the AI to the test and review my current phone, an Oppo A9 2020. Wowzers (GhatGPT cannot reference anything past 2021). Have a read below and compare it to my review from 2020.
The Oppo A9 2020 is a mid-range smartphone that was released in September 2019. It features a 6.5-inch HD+ display with a resolution of 720 x 1600 pixels, and is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 665 processor with 4GB or 8GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage (expandable via microSD).
In terms of camera, the Oppo A9 2020 has a quad-camera setup on the back, consisting of a 48-megapixel main camera, an 8-megapixel ultra-wide-angle camera, a 2-megapixel depth sensor, and a 2-megapixel monochrome sensor. On the front, it has a 16-megapixel camera for selfies.
One of the key features of the Oppo A9 2020 is its large 5,000mAh battery, which is claimed to provide up to 15 hours of continuous video playback. It also supports fast charging, with Oppo’s proprietary VOOC 3.0 technology.
Overall, the Oppo A9 2020 is a solid mid-range smartphone that offers good value for money. It has a decent processor, ample storage and RAM, and a capable camera setup. The large battery and fast charging support are also notable highlights. However, the HD+ display may not be as sharp as some users would prefer, and the design is somewhat generic. Overall, it is a good choice for those who are looking for a budget-friendly smartphone with decent performance and features.
