FREE GUIDE #137

🤖 How to use AI to do almost everything

Large Language Models (LLMs) are at the forefront of AI technology, powered by a few foundational models developed by major tech companies.

These models are accessible through chatbots like OpenAI's GPT-3.5 and GPT-4, Google's Bard, and Anthropic's Claude series. Other LLMs exist but are less user-friendly and are not covered here.

Here’s a quick rundown of major LLMs:

• OpenAI's models include GPT-3.5 and GPT-4, with Bing using a blend of both, offering capabilities like image creation and document reading via its browser integration.

• Google's Bard, powered by their latest model, PaLM 2, has been somewhat underwhelming but shows potential with recent updates.

• Anthropic's Claude 2 stands out for its large memory capacity and design that minimizes harmful outputs.

LLMs can enhance writing, from drafting various texts to improving writing quality through style diversification and content enhancement. They can also assist with routine tasks, acting as a digital intern.

Here’s how to use AI to do almost everything:

WRITE:

Free writing tools: Bing and Claude 2 offer free versions, while ChatGPT 4 or ChatGPT with plugins is a paid option, costing $20 per month.

Right now, GPT-4 is the top AI for writing. You can use it for free in Bing's "creative mode" or by subscribing. Claude is also great for writing and offers a free, limited version.

These tools are being added to popular office applications. For instance, Microsoft Office will have a GPT-powered copilot, and Google Docs will include suggestions from Bard. These developments could significantly change how we write.

Here's how you can use AI to help with writing:

• Writing drafts: AI can help draft various documents like blog posts, essays, promotional materials, speeches, interactive stories, scripts, and more. Just give the AI a prompt, and it will create the content. Though simple prompts might lead to plain results, improving your prompting skills can enhance the output.

• Improving writing: Insert your text into an AI tool and ask for enhancements or suggestions to better suit your audience. You can request multiple drafts in different styles, make your writing more engaging, or add examples. This can inspire you to improve.

• Task assistance: AI can handle tasks you may not have time for, such as writing emails, creating sales templates, or outlining business plans. This can be a big help in managing projects like product launches.

• Overcoming writer's block: If you're stuck on a task due to a challenging issue, AI can help you regain momentum and continue working.

GENERATE IMAGE

There are four main image generators you can use:

Adobe Firefly is the most transparent option since Adobe claims to only use images they have rights to. However, it doesn't match the quality of DALL-E or Midjourney.

Stable Diffusion is an open-source tool that you can run on high-end computers. It requires some learning to use effectively, particularly in crafting prompts but can yield excellent results, especially when integrating AI with other images.

Bing Image Creator uses OpenAI's DALL-E and also offers Playground, which lets you experiment with multiple models. It's the best free option available, though not as good as Midjourney.

Midjourney produces the highest quality images as of mid-2023. It's user-friendly and works via Discord. You simply type what you want to see with "--v 5.2" at the end to use the latest model. Here’s a guide on using Discord with Midjourney.

Each of these options has its own strengths, depending on what you're looking for in terms of cost, ease of use, and image quality.

GENERATE IDEAS

Best free option: Bing

Paid option: ChatGPT 4.0, though Bing might be better due to its internet access.

AI is excellent for generating ideas, despite its limitations. It's great at producing a large volume of ideas, which is essential for finding quality ones.

With the right prompts, AI can be incredibly creative. Use Bing's creative mode to explore unique idea-generation techniques, such as Brian Eno's Oblique Strategies or Marshall McLuhan's Tetrads. You can also ask for unconventional ideas inspired by random patents or your favorite superhero.

MAKE VIDEOS

The best tools for AI video tools are:

• Argil, which creates shorts of yourself in under 5 minutes with your AI clone

• D-iD, which animates faces in videos

• Runway v2, which creates videos from text.

Best voice cloning: ElevenLabs

Creating a video with an entirely AI-generated character who reads an AI-written script in an AI-generated voice is now straightforward.

However, the rise of deepfakes is a significant concern, and it's crucial to use these technologies ethically.

WORK WITH DOCUMENT AND DATA

For handling code and data, use Code Interpreter, a mode of GPT-4 that lets you upload files, run code, and download results. It's good for executing programs, analyzing data, and creating files, web pages, and games.

Although some worry about its use by those untrained in data analysis, it's gained positive feedback for its capabilities.

For more on using Code Interpreter, see this post. It can even generate games.

For text, especially large PDFs, Claude 2 is very effective.

It can summarize complex academic articles accurately, and you can ask follow-up questions to dig deeper into the content. However, be aware that these systems can still make errors, so always check their work for accuracy.

GET INFORMATION AND LEARN STUFF

Best free option: Bing.

Paid option: Bing is generally the best choice. For kids, Khan Academy's Khanmigo uses GPT-4 for AI-driven tutoring.

Using AI as a search engine isn't recommended due to the high risk of false information. Most AIs can't access the internet, which is why Bing is suggested.

Google's Bard, for example, is more prone to inaccuracies. However, a recent study shows that AI can be more helpful than search engines in certain scenarios like tech support, choosing restaurants, or seeking advice. Bing usually outperforms Google in these areas, but it's important to use it cautiously to avoid problems.

AI is also exciting for education. It can aid in teaching, make educators' jobs easier, and enhance lesson effectiveness.

AI is great for self-learning too; you can ask it to explain concepts with good results. There's a direct link to activate an automated tutor in ChatGPT. Since AI might not always be accurate, it's smart to verify important information with another source.