ChatGPT may have sparked the surge in relational AI, but it has now been integrated into various production platforms to streamline daily workflows.
Distinctive Feature
When people hear about “AI in the workplace,” they often fear being replaced. However, the tools I mention here are not meant to replace you; instead, they enhance your productivity at work.
These AI tools help with essential daily tasks, saving time in the long run. This allows you to focus less on administrative duties and more on tasks that add value to your job.
I have been exploring and testing various AI tools for ZDNET even before the current AI boom. I found it hard to stop using some tools once I realized their value. Consequently, these tools have become an integral part of my daily routine.
Here are the top AI tools I frequently use, with only one being a physical robot.
1. Bing Chat
Starting with the most popular AI tool, the chatbot, Bing Chat remains my preferred AI chatbot after trying out many others. Here’s why.
Bing Chat offers a wide range of features in one place for free, including AI image technology and web-based answers. The key differentiator from subscription-based competitors like ChatGPT is the complimentary perks.
I primarily use Bing Chat as a voice search engine in my workflow. When I have a query, I turn to Bing Chat more often than Google. Bing Chat provides a direct verbal response that addresses my query without the need to sift through numerous search results, unlike Google.
Moreover, Bing Chat lists the sources from which it derives its responses, allowing me to verify the information provided.
Even without a specific question, I prefer using Bing Chat to delve deeper into a topic. Unlike Google, Bing Chat narrows down the available sources to help me find relevant information efficiently.
For example, if I ask Bing Chat, “Help me find recent studies on the impact of coffee on sleep,” it will highlight relevant research in the response and offer additional details. In contrast, Google yields numerous results that can be challenging to navigate.
If you prefer Google, you could opt for Google Bard instead of Bing Chat. However, based on my experience, Bing Chat, powered by GPT-4, OpenAI’s advanced language model, performs admirably. Additionally, Bing Chat offers features like direct image creation and a choice of conversation styles, unlike Google Bard.
Bing Chat aids in grammar checking, text rewriting, and even content creation, although I personally don’t utilize these features.
2. Utilizing Canva Pro
For creative design, Canva offers a plethora of AI tools, including its AI image engine. If you engage in visual content creation daily, the stylized output of an AI image generator may not be necessary. Instead, you require tools that simplify and expedite the creation of social media posts, invitations, flyers, and presentations, which Canva Pro excels at.
Canva Pro was already a staple in my daily design toolkit due to its array of creative design tools. However, with the introduction of its AI-powered Magic Studio, its offerings have become even more impressive.
Magic Studio’s suite of tools automates most of your design needs, including Magic Switch, Magic Media, Secret Design, Brand Voice, Magic Morph, Magic Grab, and Magic Expand.
Among these tools, Canva’s AI Background Remover stands out as my go-to and most frequently used feature. While seemingly basic, removing objects from images using traditional software like Photoshop can be time-consuming or yield inaccurate results. With Canva, isolating an image is as simple as pressing a button, consistently delivering precise results. I leverage this feature for product images, hero illustrations, and social media posts.
A Canva Pro personal account includes a free trial and costs $120 annually.
3. Otter.ai
Manually transcribing speeches can be tedious and time-consuming. Otter.ai, an AI-powered tool, is available to assist students, professionals, and interviewers in transcribing conversations swiftly and accurately.
With Otter.ai, you can upload a voice recording for quick and precise transcription, complete with speaker identifications and timestamps.
As a writer, I engage in conversations regularly as part of my work. Reviewing audio recordings of these conversations, ranging from 15 minutes to 90 minutes, can be time-intensive. Otter.ai simplifies this process by swiftly transcribing uploaded audio files.
Otter.ai stands out as the most accurate transcription service I have used. For individuals requiring extensive and precise transcriptions, Otter.ai offers a monthly subscription of $8.33, a worthwhile investment considering the time saved.
4. ChatPDF
ChatPDF, a free AI tool, exemplifies how AI can optimize workflows rather than replace human effort. This tool proves invaluable for students and professionals alike, simplifying the comprehension of complex PDF documents.
Reading scientific journals and research papers, often laden with technical jargon, can be time-consuming. ChatPDF can summarize any document and address queries you may have.
After analyzing a document, ChatPDF can provide detailed explanations and answer questions, aiding in clarifying complex topics and enhancing understanding.
As a reporter covering AI advancements, I frequently utilize ChatPDF to verify my interpretations of research findings. By seeking clarifications and confirmations from ChatPDF, I can ensure the accuracy of my conclusions.
5. Grammarly
Since its inception, Grammarly has incorporated AI to enhance its services, offering comprehensive grammar, spelling, and conciseness checks in daily writing.
The Grammarly for Chrome extension is a favored tool, seamlessly detecting errors in the background as you write.
While I am adept at avoiding grammatical mistakes due to my journalism background, Grammarly proves useful for catching minor errors in quick emails or messages.
In addition to standard grammar checks, Grammarly’s relational AI integration provides advanced features like word suggestions, writing flaw identification, tone adjustments, and concise response generation.
Although I do not utilize all features in my workflow, Grammarly’s write and rewrite functions can significantly benefit others in their daily writing tasks.
