What Is AI?

Understanding Artificial Intelligence Without the Jargon

De: Julian Vexley

Narrado por: John Cotter

Artificial intelligence, or AI, is a phrase we hear so often that it can feel everywhere—on television, in news articles, buzzing in tech headlines, and even woven into the apps and devices we use daily. AI is now a regular part of modern life, from chatbots on customer service websites to intelligent assistants in your home. But what exactly is AI? Is it about creating super-intelligent robots like in science fiction movies? Does it mean computers that think just like humans? Or is it something much simpler—and far more useful?

The truth is, AI isn’t just about robots, science fiction, or futuristic fantasies. It’s about machines—computers, software, systems—that can perform tasks we usually associate with human intelligence. These tasks include recognising your voice when you talk to your phone, recommending a movie you might like, spotting patterns in data, or even diagnosing diseases from medical images. And while the technology behind it is complex, the concept at its heart is surprisingly straightforward: AI is about teaching machines to do bright things.

And here’s the good news: understanding AI doesn’t require a background in coding, engineering, or data science. It doesn’t even require you to be a tech-savvy person. All it takes is a bit of curiosity and a willingness to explore. In this book, we’ll do exactly that. Together, we’ll take a jargon-free journey into the world of artificial intelligence—what it is, how it works, and why it matters.

One of the biggest challenges with AI is that it often sounds more complicated than it is. That’s partly because the field contains buzzwords: machine learning, neural networks, deep learning, and natural language processing.

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The Best Intro to AI for Non-Techies

"What Is AI?" is the perfect starting point for anyone curious about artificial intelligence but intimidated by all the confusing buzzwords. The author explains complicated ideas like machine learning and neural networks in such a simple, relatable way. I finally understand how AI shows up in my daily life, from my streaming recommendations to voice assistants. This book didn’t make me feel stupid or lost—it actually made AI feel exciting and approachable. Highly recommend for beginners!

Brings AI Down to Earth

This book makes AI less scary and more exciting. It explains the difference between science fiction AI and the real-world systems we use today

The Book That Clicked

I’ve read articles and watched documentaries, but this was the first time AI truly “clicked” for me. Vexley’s style is straightforward, and the examples made sense instantly. Cotter’s narration was smooth and clear, making learning effortless. I now feel like I can actually talk about AI without second-guessing myself.

Loved the Real-Life Examples

The author uses examples from daily life like using a smartphone or watching YouTube to explain how AI algorithms work. Super relatable.

AI in Plain Words

Sometimes experts forget how to speak in plain words — but not Vexley. He explains AI concepts without making you feel lost. Cotter’s narration enhances the clarity, making it enjoyable to listen to even when discussing technical topics. It’s like having a knowledgeable friend explain AI over coffee.