Best AI tools for search, productivity, fun and work
In the past week, I’ve used AI to analyze a loved one’s health care records, create replies for a bunch of emails and map out two weeks in Europe. I used it to make a pic of me look better, too.
I know the wide world of AI tools is overwhelming, so I’m breaking it down today. Consider what’s below your primer on where to start if you’re brand new to the AI game or want to try out some new tools.
💸 FYI, almost all these tools offer at least some free access when you make an account. I never pay for an app or service until I try it out and make sure I truly like it.
Smarter search
Google slaps AI results at the top of its search pages now, but their AI stinks. Try these instead when you’re looking for info:
- ChatGPT: I use it as a brainstorming buddy. Type in what you need and it can help you generate ideas, break down tasks, clean up your writing, fix your spreadsheets — whatever.
- Perplexity: It’s built for research and learning, and it’s my go-to for questions like “How do black holes work?” or “Explain the Ninth Amendment.”
- Poe: Try dozens of AI models, each with its own “personality” and specialty. StableDiffusionXL is A+ for creating art, and Claude-3-Haiku is popular for creative writing. You can make your own bots, too. Heads-up: Full subscription access to Poe costs a lot — $200 a year.
Get stuff done
My favorite part about AI is all the time it saves. Another perk is correcting its occasionally wrong answers. 💁♀️ Always double-check the results if you’re using AI for something super important, OK?
- Google NotebookLM: I’m super impressed by this one. Upload audio, notes, documents or any other files, then you can search them, find citations (from your own docs) or even produce a snazzy podcast based on your files.
- Revamp your resume: For free options, check out NovoResume, Teal or Rezi. Try them all, then pick your favorite or do a little testing and apply to jobs with all three!
- Canva’s Magic Studio: Create graphics, presentations or your family Christmas card. Easy to use and there are a ton of templates that look great.
For a little fun
Feeling creative? I’m no artist and still have a lot of fun playing around with these.
- Riffusion: This app lets you upload a picture and get a whole song about it. Here’s mine about an owl hanging out by my pool. Get it here for Apple and Android.
- Sonoteller.ai: Type in an artist and song (or drop in a YouTube link) for a full analysis of the lyrics and music. Today, I learned “Uptown Girl” is in E major.
- Make a video about anything: Synthesia.io and Hypernatural.ai both offer a few free videos to try out their services.
