Calibre adds AI "discussion" feature (lwn.net)

Calibre, the popular ebook management software, has introduced a new "Discuss with AI" feature in its recent version 8.16.0, enabling users to query various AI and language model services for book discussions and reading recommendations. This feature has sparked significant controversy among users, with many expressing their discomfort with AI integration in the platform. In response to user feedback, the software's maintainer, Kovid Goyal, has confirmed that while the feature will remain, users can opt to hide it from the interface. He emphasized that all AI features are disabled by default until users actively configure them. The significance of Calibre's move lies in the broader trend of incorporating AI functionalities into open-source projects, despite pushback from parts of their user bases. The integration of AI is intended to enhance user experience, offering capabilities like text summarization and translation. However, detractors argue that this approach undermines the essence of human interaction in literature and raises ethical concerns regarding content sourcing for AI training. As AI continues to permeate various software applications, Calibre's decision to adopt these technologies reflects a broader cultural shift within both the open-source and tech communities, prompting a reconsideration of the role of AI in creative fields.