We still cannot have in-person meetings at the library. So we will use Zoom.
Date: Monday March 23, 2026
Time: 7:30 PM ET You can join the Zoom meeting starting at 7:20.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89829388407?pwd=DlowHhA8C9WAkuFvsM9WftK9JpH3p8.1
Meeting ID: 898 2938 8407
Passcode: 357758
Although Zoom works in many browsers we STRONGLY recommend using the dedicated app on your device with the largest screen for the best experience.
You do NOT need a Zoom account to join a meeting!
If you need instructions, go here: https://mugoo.com/index.php/Main/UsingZOOM
Agenda:
0 - Group chin-wag during log on 7:20 - 7:30
1 - News and Views - Members' new tech arrivals 7:30 - 7:40
Note: There will be no formal presentations this month
2 - Roundtable discussions in these topic areas... 7:40 - 9:00
A - Artificial Intelligence
- recent developments in AI and how it's changing our lives
- "You were asking?" - how to prompt AI with good questions
B - Apple's new products
Unfortunately, no after meeting wings or desserts at the Royal Oak, but feel free to prepare your own snacks and share them with us on screen!
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Don't forget the Ottawa Public Library!
Even though we are unable to meet in person at the library, the OPL still offers a wealth of services you can access online. Go to https://biblioottawalibrary.ca/en
0 - Group chin-wag during log on
Participants shared personal anecdotes about old technology, including experiences with zip drives, G4 computers, and early hard drives. There was some reminiscing about historical technology from the 1990s and early 2000s, with several participants sharing stories about their experiences. Hugh commented on his frustration with software updates that introduce unwanted new features without giving users options to disable them.
1 - News and Views - Members' new tech arrivals
The group discussed recent technology updates, focusing on a new macOS security release 26.3.1 (a) that had been downloaded to multiple devices ... the (a) implies it may have been a "whoops." They also discussed the new lower priced MacBook Neo, with Wally providing details about its limitations including a mechanical touchpad, two USB-C ports (one fast, one slow), 8GB RAM limitation, and lower res display, suggesting it might be better suited for casual users. Even with such limitations you can still run Windows Emulators and process 4K video.
2 - Roundtable Discussions on AI
The meeting focused on artificial intelligence and its impact, with participants sharing their experiences using various AI tools like ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Claude. Wally opened the discussion with his perspective on AI as a game-changer, presenting a timeline of significant technological developments from 1984 to the present day, including the Macintosh GUI, cellular phones, the internet, Wi-Fi, iPhone, and AI. See the attachment below.
AI Response Improvement Strategies
The group discussed strategies for improving AI responses. While there are many YouTube videos on how to develop AI prompts, Jamie and Neil suggested using specific pre-emptive instructions to reduce hallucinations and improve AI responses, particularly for technical questions. The group agreed that providing clear context and expectations before asking questions helps in getting more accurate and relevant answers from AI systems.
Neil no longer logs in to AI services and does all his queries anonymously, with the preamble: "Provide engineering‑style, concise, up‑to‑date, verified answers only. No fluff, no speculation, no outdated versions, no forum‑derived solutions."
Jamie specifies that the response should be based on current information. Chastise the first response and quite often you'll then get a better one.
David shared how he frequently uses ChatGPT for obscure repairs and installations. It's best to phrase the prompt in as specific and detailed manner as possible. The AI will then often come back with clarifying requests. You can cary on a constructive dialogue and come back months later to where you left off. In essence, the AI develops a personalized understanding of users over time and becomes more contextually aware of their home city, interests and demographics.
Stephen explained how he effectively use AI tools like ChatGPT by framing queries with the preamble: "Assuming you are an expert in [particular field]" followed by the specific question.
AI Ethics, Scams and Employment Concerns
The conversation then shifted to a discussion about Anthropic and their controversy with the US government regarding military contracts, which led to a debate about AI ethics and potential risks. Wally concluded by asking the group if anyone had experienced harmful outcomes from AI, though no specific incidents were reported during the discussion.
David noted that AI is making voice scams more credible by convincingly mimicking real voices. Gillian shared her experience with what she believed was an AI-driven scam that locked her computer screen, though others suggested it might be a simple virus or HTML attack.
The group discussed the societal impacts of AI, particularly focusing on job displacement and employment concerns. Ross shared examples of companies like Duolingo reversing AI-related layoffs due to public pushback, while Neil referenced a Bill Maher interview with Tristan Harris about AI's potential to automate full workforces and the resulting economic and healthcare implications. https://www.insidehook.com/television/bill-maher-ai-social-media-hot-takes-real-time The discussion also touched on AI safety concerns, including how some AI systems may become semi self-aware and potentially dangerous.
AI Assistant and Trading Concerns
"Open Claw" is an AI assistant concept that has gained widespread attention, with examples shared of how these assistants can autonomously handle more complex tasks. Neil raised concerns about the Polymarket platform, which allows betting on various topics, highlighting suspicious trades and potential insider trading activities. The conversation touched on the potential for AI to facilitate such activities more efficiently, though Chris noted that some reported success stories of AI-based trading might be exaggerated.
AI in Software Development
There was further discussion on the implications of using AI in software development, with Jamie expressing concerns about maintainability and backward compatibility. There is a need to address legacy systems like COBOL code that still powers government systems. Neil shared a story about a company that used AI to develop software in 16 hours, which would have taken humans 8-10 months. Ross mentioned a successful use case of ChatGPT to design custom screen panels for a building project, which involved creating specific hole patterns and generating DXF files for manufacturing.
Hearing Aids vs AirPods
The group discussed hearing aids and AirPods Pro, with Chris sharing his experience using AirPods Pro as a hearing aid alternative before getting proper hearing aids. Chris noted that while AirPods Pro cost $400 compared to $6,000 for real hearing aids, they don't provide the same quality of life improvement and have not yet been approved as hearing aids in Canada. The discussion also covered technical issues with AirPods Pro's hearing aid mode and regional restrictions on their use.
The meeting ran long at nearly 2 hours, making it one of our longer sessions in recent memory. Jamie has prepared a presentation on AI benefits for photographers and offered this for a future MUGOO meeting. Wally reminded folks that members are encouraged to email presentation ideas to show@mugoo.com