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How is it the end of August already?

As we leave behind summer's slower rhythms and gear up for September, we can’t help feeling that life is about to take another leap into hyperdrive.

With AI evolving at breakneck speed, the pace isn't slowing down anytime soon. That's why we're here to cut through the noise, sharing the most practical AI tools and innovations to boost your daily productivity, enhance your well-being, and bring a bit of joy into the mix.

In this week’s edition, we’ve got a big win against fake reviews, AI’s text-to-speech tech with a celebrity twist, an AI-powered mindfulness app for personal growth, and a brilliant way to take the guesswork out of game night.

Let’s get started!

AI Online Reviews

We’ve been keeping a close eye on the growing AI applications that safeguard against negative uses of this rapidly evolving tech and increase consumer protection. Recently, we brought you news about US government action on robocalls and surveillance pricing. Now, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is taking aim at online fake or misleading reviews.

The FTC has announced a new rule that lays out exactly what counts as deceptive practices. It gives courts the power to hand out fines for violations, boosts enforcement, and sends a clear message to bad actors: deceptive behavior won't be tolerated.

The rule prohibits paid reviews or ones written by artificial intelligence. Violators can face a fine of more than $50,000 per transgression. It also bars:

Writing, selling, or buying fake reviews or testimonials, including those generated by AI.
Using fake celebrity endorsements.
Purchasing positive or negative reviews.
Failing to disclose when company executives write reviews for their own products or services.
Suppressing negative reviews.
Misleading consumers by claiming that company-owned review sites are independent.

With the rise of generative AI, it’s easier than ever to create fraudulent reviews and testimonials. Small businesses are especially vulnerable to bogus reviews, making it difficult for consumers to trust what they read online. Research shows between 30-40% of all online reviews are phony or in some way “not genuine”.

FTC Chair Lina Khan commented on the new rule, saying: “By strengthening the FTC’s toolkit to fight deceptive advertising, the final rule will protect Americans from getting cheated, put businesses that unlawfully game the system on notice, and promote markets that are fair, honest, and competitive.”

The rule takes effect on October 21, setting a new standard for integrity in the digital marketplace as generative AI reshapes our online world.

AI Voice Readers

AI text-to-speech technology (TTS) is quickly becoming one of the best alternatives to reading, offering a convenient and natural way to consume content, whether you're on the go, multitasking, or just prefer listening over the written word.

Admittedly, some AI voices still sound a bit robotic, but what if you could have Judy Garland read your daily news digest? Or Burt Reynolds voice your company’s annual report?

ElevenLabs’s Reader app can read text aloud in hundreds of different voices on both IOS and Android. This week, Reader expanded access across the world with options for voices in more than 30 languages, including Portuguese, Spanish, French, Hindi, German, Japanese, and Arabic. Sound intriguing? Check out their promo video here.

Here’s how to get started using Reader:

Download and Install: Get the app on your laptop or phone.
Create an Account: Sign up and log in.
Personalize Your Experience:
- Reader will ask how you plan to use the app.
- Select your preferred default voice.
Add Your Content:
- From the Home screen, tap the plus icon.
- Choose to upload written text, add a URL, upload a file, or scan a document.

Reader is free for the first three months. Post-trial plans range from a free version (10,000 credits per month) to a $99/month Pro version (500,000 credits).

But look out, Reader faces heavy competition from other players in the text-to-speech space. Speechify is its biggest rival, offering additional features such as document scanning, Gmail and Canvas integrations, and the ability to clone your voice for text reading.

As TTS technology grows, more media companies plan to introduce their own branded voices, increasing the competition for user attention. The rapid pace of development in TTS features means Reader will need to keep innovating to stay ahead of the pack.

AI Health & Wellness

Navigating personal challenges can be overwhelming. Rosebud, an AI-driven daily journal, offers a unique solution—an interactive platform that evolves with you, offering personalized feedback as you write.

Rosebud isn't just a journal. As it learns about your life, goals, and challenges, it transforms into a partner in your personal growth journey. Rosebud is designed to increase self-awareness, not to replace professional therapy.

Cofounders Chrys Bader and Sean Dadashi created the platform with a clear vision: to offer users a tool for self-discovery and resilience-building, developed with input from therapists and coaches.

Originally launched as a desktop product, Rosebud now has an app for easy access. Here’s how it can help:

Rosebud tracks key moments, helping you understand and reflect on your experiences.
Learn to cope with stress effectively and nurture healthier relationships.
Get regular insights into your progress with detailed weekly reports.
Share your thoughts without the worry of imposing on others.
Pinpoint your goals and overcome the barriers standing in your way.

Concerned about privacy? According to Rosebud, your data is protected with advanced encryption for complete confidentiality. You can read more about Rosebud here (Mashable)and here (Fast Company).

Rosebud offers a free trial, with monthly plans starting at $12.99. Additional features, like voice-based input, are available. Annual subscribers and eligible students or individuals with disabilities can access discounts, including a 40% reduction for those who qualify.

Rosebud offers a thoughtful, secure, and customizable approach to journaling and self-growth. If you're seeking a tool that grows with you, it might be worth giving Rosebud a try.

AI Leisure time

There’s nothing quite like the heated competition of a game night with family or friends. Whether you're battling it out in Catan or trying to win big money in Monopoly, the stakes are always high. But what happens when a rule dispute threatens to derail the fun? Now, there’s Game Time GPT, a new AI-powered game night referee in your corner.

Game Time GPT is a customized AI that takes the guesswork out of playing board and card games. If you want to explain the rules behind Scrabble to a first-time player or need a quick refresher on Risk, Game Time GPT has you covered. Just type in your game-related question, and let the AI do the rest.

What Game Time does:

Rule Explanations: Provides clear and concise explanations of game rules, tailored to the experience level of the players.
Game Setup Guidance: Walks you through setting up even the most complex games, ensuring everything is in place before the first turn.
Strategic Tips: Offers advice on game strategies, helping you or your friends up your game.
Error Identification: Spots and corrects mistakes in gameplay, so everyone plays by the book.
Visual Aids: Can interpret images of your game setup to provide specific guidance.

Game Time GPT is perfect for casual players seeking a smooth, enjoyable game night. It's also great for families with younger players who need simpler explanations, or for seasoned gamers who want to explore new strategies. Plus, it’s available for free to everyone, whether you’re an Uno newbie or a master chess champion.

So go ahead, roll the dice, and let the games (and victories) begin!

AI in the News (in case you missed it)

Perplexity AI plans to start running search ads in 4th quarter. Read here.
Boston Dynamics’ new electric Atlas robot can do push ups. Watch here.
Police officers are starting to use AI chatbots to write crime reports. Will they hold up in court? Read here.
AI reimagines Disney villains through the decades. See here.

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