welcome to the machine

The voices are no longer just in your head - things are talking to you more and more. I particularly like the one that says "the moving walkway is ending" at the airport. I have visions of people tumbling over at the end if the voice didn't warn them. (Yes, I know it is helpful for blind people.)

The voices are just the audio component of the machine that we speak to and interact with more and more and more. You know, the automated taxi reservation system, customer service, all the rest - it's more and more rare to get to an actual human being who has more brainpower than the computer program and might actually be able to help you with your problem.

But humans - even humans in India - cost more than a piece of software and a few taped messages. So get used to the voices, and welcome to the machines.