Yeah, not buying it. Once again, we have a primary example of the media misrepresenting the actual truth.
First off, it wasn't a computer...it was a chatbot that passed the 30% requirement (IIRC, Cleverbot did it with an over 50% reliability).
Secondly, it was one test...one, and it was done with judges that the event organizer got to pick. It needs to be peer reviewed and then it needs to be repeated. Science is not science unless it's repeatable. I can say that I've created cold fusion until I'm blue in the face, but if no one can repeat my experiments, then my claim is false.
Lastly, and most importantly in my mind, the event was organized by Kevin Warwick. For those who are unfamiliar with him, Warwick is a sensationalist who has been caught on numerous occasions for making ridiculous claims that are then sopped up by the media. For example, back in 2000, he implanted a microchip into his arm and then claimed he was the world's first cyborg. People now not-so-affectionately refer to him as Captain Cyborg.
If you're curious, here's an interesting site that discusses Warwick. It's archived, but you'll get the gist:
https://web.archive.org/web/20040829131505/http://www.kevinwarwick.org.uk/
First off, it wasn't a computer...it was a chatbot that passed the 30% requirement (IIRC, Cleverbot did it with an over 50% reliability).
Secondly, it was one test...one, and it was done with judges that the event organizer got to pick. It needs to be peer reviewed and then it needs to be repeated. Science is not science unless it's repeatable. I can say that I've created cold fusion until I'm blue in the face, but if no one can repeat my experiments, then my claim is false.
Lastly, and most importantly in my mind, the event was organized by Kevin Warwick. For those who are unfamiliar with him, Warwick is a sensationalist who has been caught on numerous occasions for making ridiculous claims that are then sopped up by the media. For example, back in 2000, he implanted a microchip into his arm and then claimed he was the world's first cyborg. People now not-so-affectionately refer to him as Captain Cyborg.
If you're curious, here's an interesting site that discusses Warwick. It's archived, but you'll get the gist:
https://web.archive.org/web/20040829131505/http://www.kevinwarwick.org.uk/