From Prophet to Product: AI's Humble Return to Earth
A Year of Lofty Promises and Inconvenient Research
In 2025, the tech world witnessed a significant shift in the way AI was perceived and utilized. Gone were the days of exaggerated promises and unrealistic expectations. Instead, AI became a tool, a software solution that catered to real-world problems.
The year began with a plethora of AI-powered solutions being touted as the next big thing. From AI-driven dating apps to AI-powered chatbots, the possibilities seemed endless. However, as the year progressed, it became clear that these solutions were not living up to the hype.
According to a recent article on Ars Technica [1], the AI industry's overpromising and underdelivering had reached a boiling point. The article highlights how AI companies were struggling to deliver on their promises, and how this was affecting the industry as a whole.
The Rise of Practical AI
So, what changed? Why did AI go from being a prophet to a product? The answer lies in the industry's shift towards practicality. AI companies began to focus on solving real-world problems, rather than trying to revolutionize the world.
This shift was evident in the way AI was being used in various industries. From healthcare to finance, AI was being used to improve efficiency, accuracy, and decision-making. The article on Ars Technica notes that AI companies were now focusing on developing software solutions that catered to specific needs, rather than trying to be a jack-of-all-trades.
The Future of AI
As we look to the future, it's clear that AI will continue to play a significant role in various industries. However, it's also clear that the industry has learned from its past mistakes. AI companies will continue to focus on developing practical solutions that cater to real-world problems.
The article on Ars Technica concludes by saying that AI has come back down to earth, and that's a good thing. By focusing on practicality, AI companies can deliver on their promises and make a real impact.
Sources
[1] From prophet to product: How AI came back down to earth in 2025