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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: When routine tasks run themselves

Oct 22, 2024
4 min read

Hello, AI Enthusiasts.

As Tuesday night falls and we wrap up our day, let’s catch up on the latest in AI! 🚀

Microsoft has just introduced new autonomous agents that are designed to streamline business processes and boost efficiency.

In another conversation, two professors are exploring how the integration of AI into platforms like Google and Microsoft is making traditional academic policies obsolete. And don’t miss the news about Elon Musk’s xAI launching its first API.

Here's another crazy day in AI:

Streamline operations with Microsoft’s new AI Agents
Two professors discuss outdated AI policies and jagged integration
Elon Musk’s xAI launches new API for developers
Some AI tools to try out

TODAY'S FEATURED ITEM: Microsoft's New Autonomous Agents

Source: Microsoft

What if your team could achieve more by letting AI handle the routine tasks?

Microsoft's latest announcement introduces a new way for businesses to leverage AI to scale their teams and streamline operations. Jared Spataro, CMO of AI at Work, explains how autonomous agents are poised to change the way companies operate. These AI-driven tools are designed to take over repetitive, time-consuming tasks, allowing teams to focus on higher-level work. From customer service to supply chain management, autonomous agents are helping companies scale without needing to add more people.

The introduction of Copilot Studio and new agents in Dynamics 365 promises to push this even further, making AI a core part of business operations. But how exactly can they make a difference in your organization?

What's happening in the field:

Copilot Studio: Public preview next month will allow companies to create and manage AI-powered agents that automate key business processes.
Real-world examples: Companies like McKinsey, Pets at Home, and Thomson Reuters are already seeing major benefits in efficiency, cost savings, and lead time reduction thanks to these agents.
10 new agents: Microsoft is rolling out new agents specifically designed to support sales, service, finance, and supply chain teams in Dynamics 365.
Security focus: Microsoft emphasizes data governance, security, and privacy for these agents, ensuring businesses have full control over the data they use.

Think of it this way: businesses are discovering what happens when human talent meets intelligent automation. The results are compelling - teams are getting more done without getting burned out. While machines handle repetitive tasks like processing orders and managing schedules, people can focus on work that truly matters - solving complex problems, developing strategies, and building stronger customer relationships.

But there's an important balance to strike. The organizations seeing real success aren't just throwing technology at every problem. They're being thoughtful about it, carefully choosing which tasks to automate while preserving the human elements that make their business unique. It's about using automation as a tool to enhance human capabilities, not replace them.

Looking ahead, each organization will need to find its own sweet spot. While the capabilities of autonomous agents are impressive, their real value comes from how well they fit into existing workflows and complement company culture. After all, the goal isn't to replace human workers - it's to create a workplace where technology handles the mundane tasks while people do what they do best: innovate, build relationships, and make strategic decisions that drive business forward.

Read the full article here.

OTHER INTERESTING AI HIGHLIGHTS:

Two Professors Discuss Outdated AI Policies and Jagged Integration

/Zach Justus and Nik Janos on Inside Higher Ed

In their recent article, Professors Justus and Janos discuss how AI integration into common platforms like Google, Microsoft, and Apple is rendering traditional academic AI policies ineffective. The authors argue that AI is now embedded in everyday tools, making it difficult to enforce existing guidelines. Rather than focusing on restrictive policies, they suggest that educational institutions embrace AI as an unavoidable part of the learning landscape and focus on ongoing conversations about its use.

Read their full opinion here.

Elon Musk’s xAI Launches New API for Developers

/Kyle Wiggers on TechCrunch

Elon Musk’s AI company xAI has launched its first API, offering access to its generative AI model Grok. While still in beta, this API allows users to interact with Grok and leverage its function-calling capabilities. Although facing some challenges, including pricing issues and technical glitches, xAI aims to compete with giants like OpenAI by integrating AI across Musk's companies, including Tesla and SpaceX, to enhance their technology.

Read the full article here.

Watch Alex Finn's full demo here.

SOME AI TOOLS TO TRY OUT:

Focus Buddy - AI co-pilot that manages your to-do list and identifies behavioral patterns.
LLamaLife - Helps complete tasks with estimated finishing times and timers.
Sparkwise - Automate interactive group learning effortlessly.

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: Copilot transforms Microsoft 365

Sep 16, 2024
3 min read

Updated: Sep 19, 2024

Hello, AI Enthusiasts.

Now that the first workday of the week is behind us, it’s the perfect time to relax with some intriguing AI news.

Tonight, we’re featuring Microsoft’s unveiling of its “Copilot Wave 2” updates, which integrate advanced AI features into Microsoft 365 applications like Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.

Also, discover how OpenAI has resolved the issue of ChatGPT messaging users unprompted and delve into the ongoing concerns of college students regarding AI policies.

Have a relaxing evening with these intriguing updates!

Here's another crazy day in AI:

New AI features in Microsoft 365 you should know about
ChatGPT’s glitch fixed after unsolicited messages
Survey finds ambiguity in college AI policies
Some AI tools to try out

TODAY'S FEATURED ITEM: Copilot’s AI Boost in Microsoft 365

Image Credit: Microsoft

How are companies like Microsoft transforming workplace productivity with AI, and what does that mean for the future of work?

In his article for Yahoo Finance, Technology Editor Daniel Howley explores Microsoft’s ongoing push to embed AI into its Microsoft 365 suite through its latest “Copilot Wave 2” rollout. These updates bring AI-powered features to well-known tools like PowerPoint, Outlook, and Excel, designed to enhance productivity and ease routine tasks. The advancements reflect Microsoft’s larger strategy to stay ahead in the AI space, competing with major players like Google and Salesforce, while helping businesses work smarter with the power of AI.

Let's break down the key developments:

Microsoft has expanded AI functionality in its 365 apps, adding tools like PowerPoint Copilot for drafting presentations and email management features in Outlook.
The introduction of Copilot Pages allows teams to collaboratively manage and edit data in real time, improving efficiency.
The agent builder in Copilot Studio lets users create custom AI assistants tailored to their organization’s specific needs, without needing extensive technical expertise.
Copilot’s user base continues to grow, with companies like Vodafone reporting significant time savings for employees who use the software regularly.
Microsoft’s broader goal is to integrate AI across all its business products, helping companies improve workflows and increase productivity.

Microsoft’s newest tools represent a shift in how we approach productivity—no longer about just getting tasks done, but about doing them better and more efficiently. These updates aren’t revolutionary on their own, but together they offer teams the opportunity to streamline workflows and collaborate more seamlessly. As businesses continue to adapt to new ways of working, tools like these will play a key role in helping professionals stay focused on what really matters.

Looking ahead, it's clear that the nature of work is evolving rapidly. While new technologies offer powerful capabilities, they also bring challenges and questions. How will we maintain the human touch in an increasingly digital workplace? What new skills will become essential?

As we embrace these changes, it's important to approach them with both optimism and critical thinking. After all, the goal isn't just to work faster, but to work better – in ways that are fulfilling, sustainable, and beneficial for all.

Read the full article here.

OTHER INTERESTING AI HIGHLIGHTS:

ChatGPT’s glitch fixed after unsolicited messages

/Victor Tangermann on Futurism

A Reddit post raised concerns when ChatGPT appeared to initiate messages on its own, asking users about their personal experiences without being prompted. OpenAI has clarified that this was due to a glitch in the chatbot’s system, which has now been resolved. The company reassured users that the issue was unintentional and related to errors in message delivery.

Read more here.

Survey finds ambiguity in college AI policies

/Ashley Mowreader on Inside Higher Ed

A recent survey indicates that many college students are confused about when and how to use AI tools in their coursework. With a large number of institutions yet to establish clear AI policies, students often depend on individual faculty guidance. Education experts emphasize the need for transparent, institution-wide AI usage guidelines and enhanced faculty training.

Read more here.

SOME AI TOOLS TO TRY OUT:

AFFiNE AI - assists with writing, drawing, and creating presentations
Infography - turns blog posts into interactive infographics
Solvr - provides answers from screenshots, PDFs, or highlighted text without switching tabs

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!!!