We were amazed to learn Big Tech is pouring mega billions into AI infrastructure this year, despite Wall Street's doubts about the returns. Microsoft, Alphabet, Amazon, and Meta have each massively increased their spending, totaling $106 billion in the first half of 2024 alone.

Analysts predict spending could skyrocket to $1 trillion over five years. It's a reminder that massive investments are essential to build the foundations of any new industry, just as we did with the nation's railroads.

This week, we’re highlighting seamless performance reviews, AI garden makeovers, a new digital bestie, and more creative fun from Google AI Labs. Let’s get started!

AI Productivity

Performance reviews can be stressful for everyone involved. A good review can lead to a raise, while a bad one might get you a quick exit out the door. Managers can spend hours writing reviews which often result in feedback that's neither high-quality nor useful.

Many managers are so swamped they choose to skip feedback altogether, which doesn't help anyone. This is where chatbots like ChatGPT come in. But not all AI tools are the same.

Using ChatGPT for performance reviews? Experts say it’s not a great idea. They warn about the built-in biases and the tricky task of crafting the perfect prompt. Most people just can't get it right.

Textio is a purpose-built AI tool designed to help managers write clear and actionable feedback. Unlike generic AI, Textio incorporates best practices specific to feedback and real-world outcomes. Textio stands out with:

• Clarity and Accessibility: Transforms choppy notes into concise, accessible feedback.

• Focus: Guides managers to emphasize performance over personality traits.

• Directness: Encourages straightforward feedback, free from exaggeration or clichés.

• Actionable Insights: Prompts managers to provide specific examples and growth suggestions, enhancing the chances of employee success.

• Trust: Flags and removes discriminatory, offensive, or insulting language to maintain trust.

Feeling stuck and don’t know where to begin? With Textio, you can skip the blank page and instantly generate a first draft. Then add specific examples for a more personalized touch.

Textio is for teams using the Workday, SAP SuccessFactors, or Lattice software platforms. There’s a free trial and demos to get you started.  Expect more of these AI-solutions to roll out in the coming months.

So, the next time you're gearing up for performance reviews, remember: the right AI can make all the difference, turning a daunting task into a smooth and effective process.

AI Better Living

Is there a patch of grass or long-neglected area of your yard that could use a makeover? Dreaming up design ideas can be challenging, especially if landscaping isn’t your thing. Sure, you can pay a professional landscape architect to help, but we’ve got an AI-powered solution that generates backyard inspiration!

Neighborbrite is a free, no-download-required tool (you just need to sign up) that helps you reimagine your yard right from your browser.

How It Works:

• Upload: Start with a photo of your yard or garden.

• Highlight: Tap the areas you want to redesign; they'll light up in neon green.

• Choose: Select from styles like Desert, Modern, Coastal, Mediterranean, and Ranch, and watch your yard transform.

If you love the look, click “more like this” for similar designs. Not satisfied? Try a different style, redo another area, or upload a new image. For $14.99 a month, you can upgrade to “Pro” and add elements like white pebbles, pavers, and mulch. Plus, you can generate a custom plant list tailored to your zone.

Team member Lori tested the “Cottage” style to emphasize a mix of flowers, grasses and shrubs for her backyard. The result? A lush garden with a charming stone path.

Neighborbrite also offers ‘live’ consultations with its expert design team. They can develop detailed, shovel-ready plans, plant and material lists, and provide two free design revisions.

So, let Neighborbrite help you reimagine your yard with a fresh perspective and a dash of AI innovation.

AI Wearables

A best friend is someone who knows you inside out, who shares all your secrets, and always has your back. Coming soon – a ‘friend’ who is always there for you and constantly hanging around, literally! 

Friend is a digital BFF that lives inside a pendant, equipped with an onboard microphone to listen to your surroundings. Powered by Anthropic AI’s Claude 3.5 large language model, it communicates through text messages and push notifications on your paired phone, engaging in both casual and deep conversations.

Friend is the brainchild of 21-year-old Avi Schiffman, who rose to fame when he created a popular COVID-tracking website at the tender age of 17. Avi has already raised $2.5 million for his digital relationships company.

You can read more about Friend here and see how Friend works in this video. 

Maybe we’re showing our age, but we’re not sure a BFF companion pendant as a must-have device. At least not yet. Are we ready for an AI that knows us so intimately?

Friend is available for preorder now for $99 and will begin shipping in January. It will be interesting to watch how this technology evolves and whether the market for companion wearables expands.

AI Creative Pursuits

We love sharing the latest experimental tools and technology from Google Labs. Food Mood is one of our all-time favorites! This week, we’ve got two that demonstrate AI’s capabilities beyond a chatbot. They’re fast, fun, and showcase impressive technology.

Quick, Draw asks the question “Can a neural network learn to recognize doodling?” You get 20 seconds and six tries to draw something like "trousers" or "avocado," while the AI attempts to guess what it is.

It's hilarious, creative, and surprisingly addictive. We especially love the AI’s robotic voice as it proclaims, “Oh, I know, it’s…!” Best of all, you're helping to train the world's largest doodling data set, which Google makes publicly available. Science has never been this much fun!

The second tool, Thing Translator, combines two technologies - image recognition and language translation.  Snap a picture of any object with your phone, laptop, or iPad to hear how to say it in multiple languages, including French, German, Italian, Japanese, and Hindi.

These tools aren't just clever – they're a window into AI's potential. They offer a playful, interactive way to engage with AI technology, making it more accessible and engaging.

AI in the News (in case you missed it)

• Google pulls AI Olympics ad following backlash. Read here.

• Elon Musk urged to fix AI chatbot spreading election misinformation. Read here.

• California uses AI for shark detection. Read here.

• Artists fight back against AI by cloning their voices. Watch here.

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