Lecture Notes: Seven AI Tools for Productivity and Automation

Introduction

• Discussing the importance of practical AI tools over mere tech demos.
• Presentation covers seven AI tools for everyday productivity plus five bonus tools.

Main AI Tools Discussed

1. Arc Browser

• Key Features:
  • Vertical sidebar for bookmarks and tabs.
  • AI-powered tab organization.
  • Split view windows.
  • Picture-in-picture for videos.
  • Renames downloaded files and shows link previews.
  • Built-in easel for notes and drawings.
  • Highly customizable.
• Integration: Perplexity as default search engine for faster and more accurate searches.

2. Perplexity

• Function: Advanced search engine that provides summarized answers instead of links.
• Features:
  • Uses retrieval-augmented generation for accuracy.
  • Links to sources and related media.
  • Optional advanced LLMs in paid version.
• Use Case: Primary search tool over Google and ChatGPT.

3. Notion

• Role: Central hub for information storage and organization ("second brain").
• Features:
  • AI-integrated for notes, scripts, and content creation.
  • Collaborate on pages; share as websites.
  • Organize research and resources.
  • Automations and customizable workflows.
• Use Case: Content creation, idea management, and productivity tracking.

4. Texts.com

• Function: Unified inbox for messages from various social media and messaging platforms.
• Features:
  • AI for drafting responses, summaries, and translations.
  • End-to-end encryption for privacy.
• Note: Limited free plan; $15/month for full features.

5. Missive

• Function: AI-powered email assistant.
• Features:
  • OpenAI integration for drafting, replies, grammar checks, and translations.
  • Team collaboration features for shared prompts and email management.
  • Robust free version.

6. Canva

• Function: Graphic design tool for social media, presentations, infographics, etc.
• Features:
  • AI tools for resizing, Magic Eraser, Magic Replace, and more.
  • Extensive template library; some templates in Pro Plan.
• Use Case: Content creation for videos, social media, and marketing.

7. ChatGPT

• Primary Use: Brainstorming and idea generation.
• Other Uses: Critiques, content creation, and various other tasks.

Bonus Tools

1. Forms.app

• Function: Create forms, surveys, and quizzes.
• Features:
  • AI-generated forms and quizzes.
  • Customizable themes and fields.
  • Various sharing options and integrations.

2. Otter

• Function: AI meeting assistant for transcription and note-taking.
• Features:
  • Records and transcribes meetings.
  • Searchable transcripts with audio playback.
  • Highlight key points and slide capture.

3. Humata

• Function: Summarizes and extracts information from complex documents.
• Features:
  • Summarizes, compares, and searches within files.
  • Provides citation links and insights from documents.

4. Recast

• Function: Converts online articles into audio summaries.
• Features:
  • Generates conversational format summaries.
  • Useful for listening on the go and better retention.

5. Gamma

• Function: AI-generated presentations, documents, and web pages.
• Features:
  • Generates text, images, and designs from prompts.
  • Fully customizable; publish on various platforms.
• Use Case: Quick website creation for non-designers.

Additional Resource

• Futurpedia.com: Weekly AI tool recommendations and newsletter.

Conclusion

• Summary of discussed tools and their impact on productivity and automation.
• Encouragement to explore and integrate these tools into daily workflows.