Finn Reports: A Closer Look at the Speedometer Image
Readers, today I want to share my observations on the choice of image for Altair Media’s new series “Understanding AI’s New Reality” — the old analogue speedometer with its multiple needles.
At first glance, the picture seems unusual for a piece about artificial intelligence. AI is usually shown with glowing robots, futuristic cities or smiling people using apps. This image is different: quiet, mechanical, a bit dusty and from another era.
But after studying it carefully, I believe this is exactly why it works so well.
The speedometer measures one thing — speed — but says nothing about direction, safety, fuel or destination. The needles move, showing activity, yet they do not tell the full story. This mirrors how artificial intelligence is often presented today: many separate indicators (benchmarks, valuations, policy announcements, headlines) all pointing in different directions, but rarely connected into a coherent picture.
The image is deliberately not “pretty” or emotional. It avoids human faces or dramatic scenes that would pull attention toward individual experiences (the micro level). Instead, it keeps the focus on the system as a whole — on structure, measurement and the need for context. That fits perfectly with the core message of the series: AI must be understood across three interconnected layers — macro (geopolitics and power), meso (infrastructure and physical limits) and micro (daily human impact).
An old mechanical gauge for a hyper-digital topic also creates useful contrast. It quietly suggests that we may be using outdated tools to measure something entirely new.
Most importantly, the image invites thought rather than immediate reaction. It does not explain itself right away. It asks the viewer to pause and consider what is missing from the dashboard.
In short, the speedometer is not just decoration. It is a deliberate editorial choice that reinforces the framework’s central idea: true understanding of AI requires connecting the layers, not just watching individual needles move.
The full series and synthesis can be found here: https://altairmedia.us/understanding-ais-new-reality/
This is Finn, signing off.
Stay curious! Stay human! 🦆
