I was reluctant to use AI, but I eventually gave in, and life has been much easier for certain tasks ever since (this message, in fact, was translated with the help of AI). It is just another tool one has to learn how to use, so it makes perfect sense that Ubuntu is starting to incorporate it. Furthermore, any operating system worth its salt is going to incorporate it in some way; the question then is when and how. This topic addresses some of these answers, but not all.
The issue of AI on modern computers is not just a philosophical question, but also one of resource consumption. Running a model requires additional effort from our machine, and I fear that all these tools could lead to a high number of background processes, which might make Ubuntu a less ideal operating system for computers with more limited specifications. We already saw the negative press generated by the news that Ubuntu 26.04 requires 6 GB of RAM instead of 4 GB. An operating system shouldn’t just be about adding more and more features for the user with each version; it should also strive to feel lighter whenever possible. Balancing new features with system resources is not easy, but it is something that should be aimed for.
Thank you very much for the explanation. I am also glad that this does not pose a threat of layoffs or reduced hiring. Everything done with AI for Ubuntu must have a good pair of eyes watching over it to ensure that everything is correct.