Underground AI: Should This Be a Standalone App? Lecture Notes

Introduction

• Host: Unnamed presenter
• Topic: Exploring lesser-known AI tools from solo creators and smaller builders
• Series: Underground AI
• Objective: Identifying if some AI tools need to be standalone apps or if their functionalities can be covered by more popular, existing tools.

Current Issue with AI Tools

• Website: FutureTools - curates cool AI tools
• Submissions: 50-75 new tools daily
• Problem: Many tools look similar and aim to charge money for features available through free alternatives
• Goal: Feedback for developers to improve and differentiate their tools

Tool 1: Locus Extension

• Website: locusextension.com
• Pricing: Free plan and $77.50/year plan
• Issues: Good and bad points observed
  • Explainer video with no audio
  • Summarizes with GPT-3.5, which is freely available
  • Free version heavily restricted; requires sign-up
  • Comparison: Performs similar to free tools like Perplexity and Clad

Tool 2: Intellis XYZ

• Concept: Converts spoken tasks into task lists
• Pricing: $3 per month (misleading on the homepage)
• Use Case: Receives voice input and converts it into task checklists with checkable boxes
• Comparisons: Similar output achieved with free versions of ChatGPT and checklist generators

Tool 3: BlogFox

• Function: Converts YouTube videos into blog posts
• Conversion Process: Transcribes, outlines, creates a blog with featured image
• Issues: Slower processing than expected
• Comparisons: Free tools like chatGPT can replicate the process, albeit with more steps

Tool 4: GeoSpy

• Website: geos.ai
• Function: Identifies photo locations based on image context
• Testing: Successful in identifying locations for Yosemite, Maui, and Milford Sound
• Comparison: Free tools like Clad partially replicated features, but GeoSpy provided more detailed location insights

Tool 5: Recraft AI

• Website: recraft.ai
• Function: Creates AI-generated vector artwork
• Use Cases: Logos, scalable vector graphics, Canva-like interface
• Comparison: No notable free alternatives; Adobe Illustrator with Firefly AI is a paid solution

Tool 6: Brainy Docs

• Function: Converts PDFs into explainer videos
• Pricing: Various tiers, expensive & restrictive for larger documents
• Comparisons: Manual processes using free tools like Clad and 11 Labs, though more time-consuming

Fun Tool: Neal.fun

• Game: Element mixing game
• Use: Combines elements like water, fire, etc., to discover new items
• Note: Very engaging and uses AI

Summary and Conclusion

• Objective: Review and feedback on AI tools to inform viewers if these should be standalone apps or have free alternatives
• Feedback Request: Viewer opinions on the format and content of the video series
• Final Note: Acknowledgment to viewers and a call to subscribe for more AI-related content

Important Takeaways

• Many AI tools can seemingly be replaced by free, existing solutions saving money for users.
• The emphasis for builders should be on creating unique, differentiated features.
• Viewer engagement sought to improve future content.