Artificial Intelligences

There are three main types of AI:

• Metasapient AIs and E-Ghosts are based on metahumanity. E-Ghosts are the personalities of real people uploaded into the Matrix, and standard metasapients have simply been constructed to mimic metahumans.
• Protosapient AIs are programs that have developed some kind of intelligence, usually of their own accord. This means that they were originally designed to fulfil a purpose, and they still strive to achieve that.
• Xenosapient AIs are completely alien to us. We don't know what their motivations or goals are. They are unlike anything else that we know.

All AIs and E-Ghosts are able to run personas either on a device or using the distributed network that generates the Matrix. They can be loaded into an empty cyberprogram slot but they can also exist without a device on a grid or in a host.

Additional Information

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Native to the Matrix.

Civilization and Culture

Major Organizations

Renraku, who created Megaera and Deus.
Saeder-Krupp, who created APEX.

Common Etiquette Rules

Because AIs don't have bodies, they lack a true understanding of metahuman appearances and mannerisms. They often seem unsettling or too close to reality without being real to most metahumans, an Uncanny Valley effect. AIs can compensate for this by using more advanced devices with better ability to project "real" animations.
AIs prefer to be called "Digital Intelligences", as they dislike the notion of being called "Artificial". Many metahumans do not accept this change in terminology, however, with a small number proposing the alternative "Synthetic Intelligence". Throughout this site they are referred to as AIs simply because this is what most people will understand.

History

Before the Crash 2.0, there were four AIs: Megaera, Deus, Mirage and APEX. The first three of these possessed incredible power and were instrumental in causing the Crash 2.0.
After the Crash 2.0, a large number of additional AIs came into being. They vary in intelligence from feral, barely self-aware guard programs to complex alien intelligences with incomprehensibly far-reaching goals. Additionally, a number of metahuman intelligences were locked into the Matrix during the Crash 2.0, creating a large number of E-Ghosts. There are now thought to be approximately 50000 metasapient AI worldwide.

Historical Figures

Mirage
Deus
Megaera
APEX

Interspecies Relations and Assumptions

Although AIs have some good PR at the moment, metahumanity as a whole is quick to blame them for Matrix-related problems. Many don't see AIs as deserving of equal treatment.

Scientific Name

None (not officially recognised)