But in the long run, creating an advanced system for understanding external big data flowing in from hundreds of systems and recognizing patterns and important events will be the engine of disruption.

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Machines are learning to think like us by recognizing patterns in our behavior, which has all been laid out quite nicely across our email, browsing behavior, web searches, app downloads and even our friends.

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For example, current mechanical methods are already capable of recognizing vocal patterns common in the early stages of Parkinson's, but the trio hopes to utilize their project for even earlier detection.

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Those three businesses have built impressive market share by recognizing how patterns of entertainment consumption are shifting away from programmed, scheduled packages and toward on-demand, a la carte snacking and making it easy for consumers to incorporate that shift into their own lives.

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