ai chatbot | Wowza

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!!!

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: Writing help at hand

Oct 28, 2024
3 min read

Hello, AI Enthusiasts.

We hope you had a refreshing weekend! Now that Monday is coming to a close, let’s check out the latest happenings in the AI world.

Gmail’s 'Help me write' feature, powered by Gemini AI, is expanding to the web after its successful mobile launch, assisting users with everything from quick messages to professional correspondence. ✉️

Plus, learn to prompt like a pro with Google’s new five-step course. And check out how xAI, Elon Musk’s AI company, has enhanced its chatbot Grok with image understanding.

Here’s to a productive and enlightening week ahead! ✨

Here's another crazy day in AI:

Gmail expands AI features to assist with email writing on the web
Learn to prompt like a pro 5 steps with Google’s new course
xAI’s Grok adds visual understanding for X users
Some AI tools to try out

TODAY'S FEATURED ITEM: Gmail's Writing Assistant Goes Web

Image Credit: Wowza (created with Ideogram)

How many times have you stared at a blank email, trying to find the right words?

After successfully launching on mobile, Gmail's "Help me write" feature is now making its way to the web version. Emma Roth from The Verge reports on this Gemini AI-powered addition that aims to assist users with email composition, whether you're crafting a quick response or a detailed business message.

With Gemini AI powering it, “Help me write” allows Google One AI Premium subscribers and Workspace users with the Gemini add-on to draft and refine emails effortlessly. Whether you’re starting from scratch or polishing a draft, this feature provides quick editing support that can help you tailor emails to fit various tones and lengths.

What's coming to your Inbox:

AI-assisted drafting and editing: Generate, polish, or refine emails with ease, right within Gmail.
Tone adjustments: Options to formalize, elaborate, or shorten content depending on the context.
“Polish” shortcut on the web: In drafts with over 12 words, users can now refine content quickly with a click or by pressing Ctrl + H.
Refined mobile experience: The “polish” function on mobile now replaces “Refine my draft,” offering an automatic refinement when you swipe.

Writing emails has always been about finding the right balance - professional yet personable, clear yet concise. While AI assistance can help streamline this process, the essence of good communication still relies on human judgment and understanding of context. This feature isn’t just about drafting faster; it’s about adding flexibility to communication. You decide whether you need a concise update or a polished, professional email.

As email continues to be our primary method of professional communication, tools like these reflect how technology can support our daily tasks. However, it's worth remembering that the most impactful emails often come from genuine human insight and understanding - something no AI can fully replicate. Whether this feature becomes part of your regular workflow will likely depend on your writing habits and how you prefer to craft your messages.

Read the full article here.

Check out Google Workspace Updates here.

OTHER INTERESTING AI HIGHLIGHTS:

Learn to Prompt Like a Pro 5 Steps with Google’s New Course

/Lisa Gevelber, VP of Grow with Google

Google’s new course, Prompting Essentials, guides users on maximizing AI’s potential with five clear steps, requiring no prior experience. Designed by AI experts, the course equips learners with techniques to adapt AI prompts for real-world tasks, from summarizing documents to analyzing data. Participants will also gain a reusable prompt library and receive a certificate upon completion, enhancing their skills for everyday and professional applications. Published by Google.

Read more here.

xAI’s Grok Adds Visual Understanding for X Users

/Ivan Mehta, TechCrunch

Elon Musk's AI company, xAI, has added image understanding to its chatbot, Grok, allowing users on X to upload images and ask related questions. Musk announced this new capability, hinting at rapid improvements. Initially released with text and image generation abilities, Grok is evolving quickly, with upcoming updates aimed at document comprehension. This expansion is part of X’s goal to add valuable features for its Premium+ subscribers. Published by TechCrunch.

Read more here.

SOME AI TOOLS TO TRY OUT:

PreCog - Smartly selects the best AI model to answer your questions.
Moonbeam - AI-powered tool for crafting essays, stories, articles, blogs, and more.
Loomos - Instantly convert screen recordings into polished videos, editing transcripts and enhancing engagement. Here's an example result.

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: Claude for iPad—and new features

Oct 18, 2024
4 min read

Hello, AI Enthusiasts.

Cheers to Friday night! 🌙 How has your week been?

Before you dive into your weekend plans, take a look at Anthropic’s latest updates to Claude AI, featuring new enhancements for better accessibility and customization—and a dedicated iPad app! 📱

And there’s more! A recent study from Apple reveals that while large language models (LLMs) excel at pattern recognition, they often struggle with complex reasoning tasks. Plus, be sure to check out Perplexity’s latest additions: Internal Knowledge Search and Spaces.

Enjoy your weekend! ✨

Here's another crazy day in AI:

Claude AI now adapts to you with new features
Apple’s study reveals AI’s flaws in critical thinking
Perplexity unveils powerful knowledge tools for teams
Some AI tools to try out

TODAY'S FEATURED ITEM: Claude AI Now on iPad with Enhanced Features

Image Credit: Wowza (edited with Canva; Claude logo + app for ipad)

What if your AI assistant could adapt to your unique needs, making your daily tasks easier and more efficient?

Anthropic just announced a major update to its Claude AI platform, and this one brings a lot to the table for both iOS and Android users. Amanda Caswell from Tom’s Guide dives into the details, highlighting how these new features can improve productivity and personalization. One of the biggest updates is the introduction of Claude AI's first-ever iPad app, a move that opens new possibilities for users who prefer working on tablets.

But that’s not all. The update also brings improvements to how users interact with Claude AI, including the ability to search past chats and input more specific information, allowing for a more customized and tailored experience. Whether you’re managing personal tasks or juggling professional projects, Claude AI now offers more ways to fit into your workflow.

Here’s what’s new with Claude AI:

Searchable past chats: You can now revisit previous conversations, making it easier to find and reuse important information.
Custom instructions: Users can input specific details, enabling Claude AI to better tailor responses and suggestions to individual needs.
iPad app launch: The new app enhances the user experience, making it easier to work across devices and platforms.
Improved productivity: The new features help users manage multiple projects more efficiently by providing greater flexibility and control.

These updates position Claude AI as a more versatile tool for users who need to manage a variety of tasks, whether in personal or professional settings. The searchable chat history alone is a practical feature for anyone who needs to quickly revisit past instructions or project details, saving time and boosting efficiency. The ability to add custom instructions gives users more control over the AI’s responses, making it a more reliable assistant for tailored tasks, like planning a routine or adapting to specific personal circumstances.

The release of a dedicated iPad app is also a game-changer for many. While Claude AI was previously only available on smartphones or desktops, this new app makes it more accessible to those who rely on tablets for their day-to-day work. It’s a welcome addition, especially for those who prefer the larger screen and increased portability of an iPad over other devices.

In the broader picture, these updates reflect Anthropic’s commitment to making Claude AI an adaptable and accessible tool for its users. While the new features add convenience and flexibility, they’re also part of a larger effort to refine how AI can support people in their daily lives, no matter the task or platform. With more improvements likely to come, Claude AI continues to evolve into a practical assistant for both personal and professional use.

Read the full article here.

Check out Anthropic's announcement here.

OTHER INTERESTING AI HIGHLIGHTS:

Apple’s Study Reveals AI’s Flaws in Critical Thinking

/David Gewirtz, ZDNET

A recent study from Apple reveals that large language models (LLMs) struggle with complex reasoning tasks, even though they excel in pattern recognition. Researchers found that while LLMs can handle simple arithmetic and familiar datasets, accuracy significantly drops as problem complexity increases. Apple's new dataset, GSM-Symbolic, challenges models like OpenAI's GPT-4, showing their limitations in true reasoning—raising caution for businesses relying too heavily on AI for critical decision-making.

Read the full article here.

Read Apple's full paper here.

Perplexity Unveils Powerful Knowledge Tools for Teams

/Perplexity Team

Perplexity introduces two new features: Internal Knowledge Search and Spaces. These tools aim to revolutionize how teams collaborate and access information. Internal Knowledge Search allows users to query internal data sources with the precision of AI, while Spaces create dedicated environments for sharing insights across teams. These innovations are designed to boost productivity by simplifying the retrieval of vital company knowledge and fostering seamless collaboration.

Read more here.

SOME AI TOOLS TO TRY OUT:

Echo - Note-taking app that converts voice notes into organized and searchable topics.
Height - AI project management tool that provides smart insights to projects and workflows.
Feta - AI-powered tool for smooth standups, sprints, and syncs with automatic documentation and workflows.

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!!!