Another Crazy Day in AI 82/110

Another Crazy Day in AI: Google transforms search into an educational journey

Nov 8, 2024
4 min read

Hello, AI Enthusiasts.

It’s Friday night—how’s your week going? Before you switch into weekend mode, take a quick look at what’s new in the tech and AI world.

Google has launched "Learn About"—a new experimental platform that’s set to change how we interact with online information. 🔍💬

In other news, Chainlink is using AI and blockchain to streamline data handling in financial institutions. And, Higher Logic’s recent report shows that job boards and community digests are a major factor in boosting member activity in associations. 📊

Enjoy a restful weekend! 🌙

Here's another crazy day in AI:

Inside Google’s new AI-powered learning companion
Financial giants turn to AI and blockchain to solve data inefficiencies
Association Insights: job boards and digests enhance engagement
Some AI tools to try out

TODAY'S FEATURED ITEM: Google's New AI Learning Tool: A Closer Look

Image Credit: Wowza (edited with Canva)

How do you transform a simple Google search into an interactive learning adventure?

Google’s latest project, “Learn About,” aims to reshape the way we interact with information online. Amanda Caswell’s recent feature on Tom’s Guide explores this new tool, which turns basic searches into immersive experiences. Designed for learners of all ages and interests, “Learn About” combines AI-driven responses with interactive resources, offering users a richer way to explore their questions, whether they’re asking about cooking, outer space, or even koi fish care.

What Google’s “Learn About” experiment brings to the table:

Custom Learning Paths: With AI-generated responses that adjust to different knowledge levels, users can choose a simple overview or a more detailed breakdown.
Enhanced Exploration Tools: Interactive elements, from images and videos to guided prompts, help users dive into topics in a hands-on way.
Easy Access: Anyone with a Google account can try it out. The main screen invites questions or lets users browse suggested topics.
Engaging Follow-ups: Quizzes, questions, and suggested prompts keep the learning process dynamic, encouraging users to explore more deeply.

In her trial, Caswell found the tool easy to navigate and was particularly impressed with its ability to adapt to different learning levels. She appreciated the depth of information available, from basic to advanced, and noted the encouragement to explore through prompts and interactive aids. However, she also encountered occasional redirections to e-commerce sites when asking for simplified answers, which detracted from the otherwise seamless experience. While these redirects could be distracting, Caswell’s overall impression was positive, especially with the flexibility to dive deeper without interruptions.

Google’s experiment may still have a few kinks to work out, particularly in avoiding commercial interruptions. However, the “Learn About” platform shows real potential as an adaptable, interactive space where learning feels more personalized and engaging. For those interested in new ways of accessing information, it offers an insightful look at where educational tools might be headed. As Google continues refining it, this tool could become a unique companion for those wanting to expand their knowledge across diverse subjects, all in a way that respects individual learning styles.

Read the full article here.

Check out her hands-on experience here.

OTHER INTERESTING AI HIGHLIGHTS:

Financial Giants Turn to AI and Blockchain to Solve Data Inefficiencies

/Lawrence Wintermeyer, Forbes

As financial institutions face costly inefficiencies from fragmented data, a new initiative led by Chainlink is applying AI and blockchain to streamline data handling and corporate actions. Major players like Swift, Euroclear, and Franklin Templeton are collaborating with Chainlink’s oracle technology to create a unified, real-time “golden record” on blockchains. By using AI to clean and validate data, and oracles to synchronize it across systems, the initiative aims to reduce manual processes, save on costs, and bring improved accuracy to complex financial transactions.

Read more here.

Association Insights: Job Boards and Digests Enhance Engagement

/Mark Athitakis, Associations Now

Higher Logic’s new report on association engagement finds that job boards and community digests significantly increase member activity. Based on data from 1,500 associations, the report reveals that job boards can boost logins by 88% and spark more discussions, while digest emails keep members connected by delivering relevant content directly to their inboxes. The findings suggest that autosubscription to community digests and adding resources like mentoring programs can effectively enhance member involvement in online communities.

Read more here.

SOME AI TOOLS TO TRY OUT:

PodBooster - AI that listens to your podcast and generates all your marketing content.
CopilotKit - Add AI-powered chat assistants to any React app with minimal code.
Pathlit - Manage emails with ease, speak to send, auto-sort, and receive daily summaries.

That’s a wrap on today’s Almost Daily craziness.

Catch us almost every day—almost! 😉

EXCITING NEWS:

The Another Crazy Day in AI newsletter is now on LinkedIn!!!

Leveraging AI for Enhanced Content: As part of our commitment to exploring new technologies, we used AI to help curate and refine our newsletters. This enriches our content and keeps us at the forefront of digital innovation, ensuring you stay informed with the latest trends and developments.

Another Crazy Day in AI: Association blind spots

Nov 7, 2024
4 min read

Hello, AI Enthusiasts.

As Thursday night sets in and we look forward to the weekend, here are some must-know insights in the world of AI, business leaders, and associations! 🤝

A recent eye-opening report from Momentive Software reveals a significant disconnect between what association members value and what association professionals think they value.

In other news, a new report from TeamViewer reveals that 80% of U.S. business leaders view their AI adoption as mature, with a majority now demanding practical applications over hype. Meanwhile, some companies are increasingly adopting AI to address workforce skills gaps and support employee development.

Dive into these findings and get inspired for the weekend! 📈

Here's another crazy day in AI:

Research finds associations lag in adopting AI for members
Business leaders demand real AI results, study finds
Employers use AI to boost skills and keep talent
Some AI tools to try out

TODAY'S FEATURED ITEM: Associations Overlook Members’ Tech Needs

Source: Media from Wix

What if your association is overlooking a vital opportunity to enhance member engagement and satisfaction?

A recent report by Momentive Software, highlighted by Mark Athitakis in Associations Now, reveals a surprising divide in priorities between association members and the professionals who serve them. In A New Era of Associations: The Transformational Power of Technology, Momentive’s survey shows that while members place a high value on career development resources—like training, mentorship, and job opportunities—many association leaders remain focused on events and meetings. This misalignment may suggest that associations are missing out on significant ways to drive member satisfaction and engagement.

Findings from the Survey:

Member Preferences: Members rate job opportunities, professional training, and mentorship as top needs, but these aren’t always prioritized by associations.
Tech and AI Gaps: Around 48% of members use AI weekly, yet only 18% of association professionals say they use it, and few associations have an AI policy.
Generational Differences: Younger members, especially Gen Z, are regular AI users, indicating their expectations around tech adoption may differ significantly.
Innovation and Satisfaction: Associations seen as early tech adopters report an 81% member satisfaction rate, suggesting innovation aligns closely with retention.

Screenshot by Wowza (from Associations Now)

This report points to an essential question for associations: Are they adapting to members’ changing expectations for professional development and ongoing learning?

With members now looking for flexible, just-in-time learning opportunities, the traditional model that relies heavily on annual conferences and in-person events may be showing its age. Many members seek year-round access to resources that support their professional growth, and the ability to learn at their own pace and convenience.

Furthermore, the significant gap in AI use between members and association professionals suggests a missed opportunity for associations to engage members who are already integrating AI into their work. Associations that stay up to date with tech trends and adopt tools like AI can position themselves as forward-thinking and responsive to the evolving professional landscape. Ultimately, Athitakis’s article reminds us that associations willing to align with members’ needs for career development, innovation, and flexibility can strengthen their value proposition—and, in turn, boost long-term engagement and loyalty.

Read the full article here.

OTHER INTERESTING AI HIGHLIGHTS:

Business Leaders Demand Real AI Results, Study Finds

/Press Release, Dark Reading

A new report from TeamViewer reveals that 80% of U.S. business leaders view their AI adoption as mature, with a majority now demanding practical applications over hype. The study highlights that 81% of decision-makers use AI weekly, citing tangible benefits like increased efficiency and improved financial outcomes. TeamViewer’s latest AI-powered Session Insights is part of this trend, offering IT teams enhanced capabilities for quicker, data-driven support. As AI adoption grows, business leaders increasingly trust the technology for high-stakes decision-making and anticipate improved career advancement and workplace equality.

Read more here.

Employers Use AI to Boost Skills and Keep Talent

/Bethan Staton, Financial Times

Companies are increasingly adopting AI to address workforce skills gaps and support employee development. Organizations like Johnson & Johnson and DHL are using AI-driven tools to assess skills, recommend training, and create personalized development plans, fostering internal mobility and retention. For example, Bank of America’s AI simulations allow employees to practice sensitive client interactions, enhancing real-world skills. However, experts advise caution: AI tools are best used as supplementary assessments, with human oversight needed for complex decision-making in talent management.

Read more here.

Screenshot by Wowza (from Financial Times)

SOME AI TOOLS TO TRY OUT:

Redacto - Instantly redact sensitive info from documents.
RenderLion - Turn links, words, and photos into animations with just a URL or prompt.
Orbit AI by Nifty - Automate project workflows with AI-powered tools.

That’s a wrap on today’s Almost Daily craziness.

Catch us almost every day—almost! 😉

EXCITING NEWS:

The Another Crazy Day in AI newsletter is now on LinkedIn!!!

Another Crazy Day in AI: Classic tools get clever

Nov 6, 2024
4 min read

Hello, AI Enthusiasts.

How’s your week shaping up so far? It’s Wednesday, and we’re officially at the midpoint!

Microsoft’s new Windows 11 update is bringing AI enhancements to classic apps like Notepad and Paint, streamlining those familiar tasks with a modern twist. 🖍️

In other news, AI expert Kurt Kendall discusses how leadership success will rely on enhancing human roles with AI, not replacing them. And CNET’s Carly Quellman explores the Rebind platform, an AI-powered tool for a deeper, more enriching experience with classic literature. 📚

Here's another crazy day in AI:

Microsoft upgrades old favorites: Notepad and Paint
Expert tips for real business value (conversation)
Using AI as a reading companion for classic novels
Some AI tools to try out

TODAY'S FEATURED ITEM: Microsoft Adds AI to Notepad and Paint

Image Credit: Wowza (created with Ideogram, edited with Canva)

Have you ever wished for a simple tool that could take your words and make them more compelling, or even clean up an image without breaking your creative flow?

Microsoft has recently introduced AI-powered updates to some of its oldest tools, Notepad and Paint, breathing new life into these familiar apps for Windows 11 users. In an article by Sergiu Gatlan on BleepingComputer, we get a closer look at how Microsoft is thoughtfully enhancing Notepad and Paint with AI capabilities to make writing and image editing more adaptable and intuitive. These updates are currently being tested with Windows Insiders in the Canary and Dev Channels.

Here’s a look at what’s new in Notepad and Paint:

AI-Powered “Rewrite” in Notepad: This feature helps users rephrase sentences, adjust tone, and alter length for more polished content, offering flexibility for different writing needs.
Generative Fill and Erase in Paint: Users can now make creative edits by adding or removing elements in an image, with AI ensuring these changes blend naturally.
Background Remover in Paint: Quickly isolates the main subject by removing the background, ideal for easy cutouts and quick image adjustments.
Modern Improvements to Notepad: Other recent additions include spell check, line numbering, autosave, and support for various text encodings, making Notepad more versatile than ever.
Initial release limited to US, UK, Canada, France, Italy, and Germany
Paint's Cocreator uses DALL-E technology for image generation
Features accessible only with a Microsoft account login

What stands out in these updates is how Microsoft is upgrading apps that have remained largely unchanged for years, adding intelligent tools without losing the simplicity that made them so popular in the first place. The ability to refine your writing with Notepad’s “Rewrite” feature or quickly edit images in Paint with AI-driven tools gives these programs an unexpected versatility. They’re simple enough for casual users but now more powerful for those who want to do a bit more with them.

The changes Microsoft is making may signal a shift in how we use everyday tools. Rather than reinventing the wheel, these updates show that small, thoughtful improvements can bring new life to classic software. By making these features available through familiar apps, Microsoft is allowing users to tap into AI-powered capabilities without the need for complex new programs or steep learning curves.

Read the full article here.

OTHER INTERESTING AI HIGHLIGHTS:

Expert Tips for Real Business Value (Conversation)

/Billee Howard, Senior Contributor on Forbes

AI has become a transformative force across industries, and according to AI expert Kurt Kendall, success will depend on leaders’ ability to use AI to enhance rather than replace human roles. Kendall emphasizes that clear, business-focused use cases are key to achieving real ROI, especially in customer experience and marketing. He also warns against "AI washing" — the trend of overpromising on AI's capabilities — which can damage trust and hinder long-term adoption. Strategic use of AI to drive growth, he says, will come from collaborative efforts and a balanced approach to risk and reward.

Read more here.

Using AI as a Reading Companion for Classic Novels

/Carly Quellman, Contributor on CNET

CNET’s Carly Quellman shares her experience using Rebind, an AI-powered platform that enhances the reading of classic literature. With interactive tools like video commentary and AI-guided discussions, Rebind allows readers to explore books like Heart of Darkness in a whole new way. Quellman describes how AI commentary and annotations helped her engage more deeply with the text, offering insights that elevated her understanding. While Rebind is a digital alternative to traditional reading, it combines expert guidance with AI to create an immersive literary experience.

Read more here.

SOME AI TOOLS TO TRY OUT:

ScalerX.ai - Custom AI chatbots for sales, support, and FAQs on Telegram.
Alta 2.0 - AI writing tool for human-like, personalized content creation.
Melies - AI filmmaking software that brings your ideas to life with stunning visuals.

That’s a wrap on today’s Almost Daily craziness.

Catch us almost every day—almost! 😉

EXCITING NEWS:

The Another Crazy Day in AI newsletter is now on LinkedIn!!!