Navigating the AI techscape

A weekly newsletter created by inquisitive minds for inquisitive minds.

2024 is shaping up to be a year where the buzz over generative AI is far from fizzling out.  And, if you’re like us, the steady stream of AI news is beginning to feel like one big blur, especially with so many chatbots on the scene. We’re here to calm the chaos.

In this week’s edition, we’ll help you better understand these chatbot tools and why you might choose one vs. the other.

For all you job seekers, we’re sharing AI-powered ways to ace any interview. Plus, home companion robots and AI’s connection to mystical worlds. 

Let’s dive in!

Chatbot Chatter

We use ChatGPT a lot, especially to demonstrate examples of how to ‘prompt’ to get the best out of generative AI. After all, ChatGPT was the first large language model to arrive on the public scene, giving almost everyone the ability to spark their creativity, write code, and work more productively.  

But last week when Google unveiled Gemini, its own upgraded generative AI product, we knew it was time to revisit the most popular conversational AI chatbots and clear up any confusion.  Here’s a quick breakdown:

• ChatGPT: created byOpenAI. The market leader by adoption. Offers a voice chat mode that tech experts say is superior to others.

• Microsoft Copilot: available standalone or integrated into the Microsoft 365 suite of tools (Word, Excel, Powerpoint, etc.). Uses the same Open AI engine, so content should be very similar to ChatGPT, but users like the direct implementation in 365.

• Google Gemini (until very recently called Google Bard): based on a proprietary Google-designed AI system. Comparable to ChatGPT but with impressive early reviews. Gemini can also access the internet for up-to-date information.

• Claude is a ChatGPT competitor created by Anthropic. Claude is notable for its emphasis on safety and greater accuracy.

Pricing: All the chatbots above offer a free version with plenty of capabilities, plus a (faster/better) pro version for $20/month. If you want to add Copilot to your Word, Excel, etc., you already need to have a paid 365 subscription.

More Focused Natural Language Chatbots

• Perplexity AI: the standout candidate here. Think Google search, but smarter. Also has a pro version for $20/month.

• Elicit AI: intended for deep-dive research papers with this academic-focused bot. Free, or $10/month for heavy users.

Remember, all chatbots are still currently prone to making mistakes. Consider checking important information. We’d love to know — which chatbot is your favorite?

My favourite AI chatbot is:

Career Building

You’ve just lined up an interview for your dream job and you’re already feeling that combination of excitement and dread. Let’s face it, interviews can be nerve-wracking, but now there’s a smart way to boost your interview success and land that dream job using AI! 

AI tools can help you prepare for the big day by offering insights, practice, and personalized feedback to tackle interview questions with confidence. We found five AI tools worth sharing so you can master the skills you need:

• ChatGPT: with the free (3.5)version, simply copy and paste the job description into Chat’s message bar and use this prompt: “Generate interview questions for each bullet point. Analyze the job description for the top ten keywords.” Then, incorporate those keywords into your practice interview responses.

• Yoodli: another free to try platform that can analyze users' presentations, offering constructive feedback on clarity, eye contact, and gestures. Connect with professional coaches and share with friends for external feedback. If you like it, plans start at $8/month.

• Huru: offers unlimited practice sessions, instant feedback, and access to over 20,000 curated questions, aiming to enhance candidates' interview skills. Customized question generation based on job descriptions from popular platforms. Pricing starts at $10/month.

• RightJoin: provides practice sessions based on uploaded resumes and job postings, featuring personalized mock interviews, multiple interview formats, and comprehensive performance assessments. Warmup platform is free. Pricing tiers start at $10/month with a 7-day free trial.

• My Interview Practice: The Interview Simulator accurately mimics real interview scenarios, generating questions with specified response times based on your chosen position and interview type. For one-month access, it’s $49, but a lifetime membership will cost you $169.

Hot tip: If you’re interested in learning more about interview prep tools and want more options, Geekflare has this article that’s chock full of information. Happy job hunting!

Jetsons and ElliQ

AI Home Companions

Remember Rosey, the lovable housekeeper robot from the TV series The Jetsons? While we're not quite there yet with robots cooking our meals or tidying our homes, the era of advanced AI companion robots has arrived.

ElliQ is a companion robot tailored specifically for seniors and designed to enhance well-being and independence. ElliQ looks less like a robot and more like a compact table lamp with a head that illuminates and rotates. No eyes or mouth, just a friendly presence. You can watch a video of how ElliQ works here.

ElliQ isn't just another voice-operated gadget; it offers companionship and empathy at a time when social isolation and loneliness, particularly with our senior citizens, are serious public health issues. What can ElliQ do? Here's a rundown of its features:

• Personalized Interaction: ElliQ remembers your interests and past conversations, tailoring future chats accordingly. Whether discussing the meaning of life or sharing the latest horoscope, ElliQ keeps it engaging.

• Entertainment: ElliQ tells jokes, plays music, offers inspirational quotes, and provides virtual tours of cities and museums through an accompanying video screen.

• Health Support: ElliQ leads exercises, checks in on your health, and gives reminders for medications and hydration.

• Connectivity: ElliQ facilitates video calls and messaging, and will contact relatives, friends, or doctors in emergencies.

The company that makes ElliQ, Tel-Aviv basedIntuition Robotics, says all conversations remain private, with none of the data transmitted to the company.ElliQ’s latest upgrade (ElliQ 3) is now more capable of remembering past details and can paint and create poems. It’s a shining example of how technology, when harnessed thoughtfully, can truly make a difference in people's lives.

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Astrology AI

Ready to take a cosmic journey into the world of AI-powered astrology and mysticism?

Imagine having your very own spiritual advisor who can decode the secrets of the universe and connect you to another dimension.  Well, now you can with ‘gifted’ personality-driven AI chatbots offering a guiding hand in love, finances, and your life’s purpose.

Astrology.com was created more than 25 years ago and acquired by San Francisco-based media company Ingenio in 2015. They turned to AI to add cutting-edge technology to the ancient arts. Here’s how it works:

• Meet your AI spiritual guides: including Avalon for money and career, Providence for personal life, Julie for dreams, Atlas for love, and Marie for a blend of science and spirituality.

• Choose from 15 advisor categories, including tarot and astrology readings.

• Enjoy group chats: rope in your friends for a group chat session.

Try it free: you get five free questions per guide before you hit the sign-up requirements and pricing kicks in.

With so many guides to tap into, we had a blast interpreting our dreams and seeking career guidance. But truth be told it’s more of an amusing digital distraction than something to take seriously.

Still, as the technology evolves and we inch closer to voice-driven interactions, we think personality-driven chatbots will definitely become a thing. It doesn’t hurt to give it a try!

AI in the News (in case you missed it)

• OpenAI CEO Sam Altman wants to raise trillions for AI. Read here.

• AI-powered four-legged robot that could replace guide dogs. Read and watch here.

• Can AI predict heart attacks? Read here.

• Despicable Me’s Minions make fun of the quirks of AI art. Watch here.

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Here.Now.AI Editorial team: Lori, Justin, and Lisa