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Our Here.Now.AI newsletter hit a major milestone: our one-year anniversary! When we started, we weren’t sure if there would be enough practical AI advancements to fuel a weekly publication. Turns out, we were way off the mark.

As we kick off year two, we’re still amazed at how generative AI is seeping into all aspects of our lives – at work, home, and play. 

One thing is clear: the “AI divide” is widening between those embracing new AI tools and those who simply don’t have the time, interest, or confidence.

As we strive to make Here.Now.AI even better, we’d value your input. Please take just two minutes to share your thoughts in our quick survey — your feedback will help shape the future of AI education for our community of 18,000+ readers.

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AI Productivity

OpenAI’s rivalry with Google is heating up. ChatGPT now has web access, delivering real-time answers and direct links to sources. Instead of toggling to a search engine, you can now get news, stock updates, and more right from your chat. The web search feature is currently accessible for ChatGPT’s paid subscribers, with plans to extend it to free users soon.

How it works:

• ChatGPT decides when to search the web based on what you ask, or you can prompt it yourself using the “Search the web” globe icon.

• A new “Sources” button lets you review references in a sidebar.

• Responses are enriched with clickable source links, so you can easily explore the original articles or blog posts.

We gave web search a ‘test drive’ with this prompt: “What are the top real estate markets for investing in residential investment properties with a 10-year ROI?” but found the quality of the three sources listed disappointing. ChatGPT gave us the NY Post, Doorloop and Norada real estate. We tried a second time with: “What is the best performing index fund of 2024?”  For this one, ChatGPT gave us just one source: US News & World Report.

We think the search function has room for improvement. We still prefer Perplexity, another AI search tool offering a similar experience. When we asked our first question about real estate markets, Perplexity offered nine sources with follow-up questions for a deeper dive.

Our recommendation: Until search quality improves, get specific with your AI queries. Want reliable medical news? Tell ChatGPT to pull from credible sources like the National Institutes of Health, Harvard Health, or Mayo Clinic as part of your prompt.

Right now, it's a search world where AI is still figuring out how to play in the big leagues.

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AI Navigation

While we often spotlight new AI apps, sometimes the most exciting developments happen when artificial intelligence enhances the tools we already know and love. Case in point: Google Maps, which just announced a game-changing AI integration. 

Here's a mind-boggling stat: Google Maps updates its data over 100 million times daily! Now, with the integration of Google's AI chatbot Gemini, the platform is becoming even more dynamic and intuitive.

The new AI-powered features transform how you interact with Maps. Want to know if that café's patio is suitable for a sunny breakfast? Just ask naturally, as you would a local friend. Gemini will analyze reviews, weather data, and location information to give you a helpful response. The AI also provides concise summaries of reviews, helping you make quick, informed decisions. The updated driving interface can now: 

• Suggest interesting landmarks and scenic spots along your route

• Provide clearer safety information about lane markers and road signs

• Offer detailed walking directions from your parking spot to your final destination

We think the new Immersive View is the most exciting. By combining map data with photo imagery, AI creates a realistic preview of your destination. It's like getting a sneak peek before you arrive, helping you navigate unfamiliar places with confidence.

The new enhancements for Google Maps will be available for Android and iOS in about 30 major U.S. metro areas with wider expansion coming over the next few months. And there's more to come – Google-owned Waze, another of our favorite navigation apps, will soon be rolling out its own AI enhancements.

Whether you're exploring a new neighborhood or planning your daily commute, these AI-powered updates make getting around easier than ever. The future of navigation is here, and it speaks your language.

AI & Government

Last year, President Biden issued a major Executive Order on AI with a clear goal: to position the U.S. as a leader in reaping AI’s benefits while managing its risks. Since then, federal agencies have been working to promote AI that is safe, ethical, and keeps the U.S. competitive globally.

The White House recently released a comprehensive fact sheet showcasing key accomplishments. Among the highlights harnessing AI for good:

• AI Research Boost: Over 150 research teams across 34 states received access to resources through the National AI Research Resource (NAIRR) pilot, advancing work in areas like deepfake detection, medical diagnostics, and environmental science.

• AI Talent Pipeline: The Department of Energy (DOE) and the National Science Foundation (NSF) are ramping up AI education. DOE is training 500 researchers by 2025, while NSF’s EducateAI funds AI education from K-12 to undergrad levels, especially in underrepresented communities.

• Industry Innovation: A $100 million competition aims to accelerate AI-driven research on sustainable semiconductor materials, supporting U.S. tech leadership.

• New Research Hubs: Two National AI Research Institutes are developing AI tools for astronomy and other sciences, while NSF’s 10 new Regional Innovation Engines focus on advancing AI across various regions and sectors.

• Clean Energy & AI: DOE issued reports detailing how AI can drive clean energy growth in the near and long term, with goals in energy resilience and efficiency.

This past year marked significant steps in responsibly expanding AI’s reach. Let’s hope the U.S. remains at the forefront of AI-driven innovation and global leadership.

AI Creative Pursuits

Ready to dazzle the world with your very own jewelry designs? Now you can with just a few words and a touch of AI magic.

Arcade is the world’s first AI product marketplace, combining generative AI with a network of top artisans to make your vision a reality — from custom jewelry to one-of-a-kind heirloom pieces. Mariam Naficy, the visionary behind Arcade, is also the founder of cosmetic brand Eve, and Minted, a design marketplace. She’s long been a passionate supporter of independent artists.

How does Arcade work? Start by creating an account and then:

• Express your vision: Enter details like the type of item (earring, necklace, bracelet), the material (gold, silver), and any design inspiration (think: a winged lion).

• More visual?: Upload an image for reference. Arcade AI ensures designs aren't exact replicas to respect copyrights.

• Click "Dream": Watch as the AI generates four versions of your idea, paired with profiles of artisans who can create it and estimated prices.

Costs vary by materials and complexity (e.g., 14k gold costs more than vermeil). Refine designs using Variations and Magic Editor tools and share your creations on social media to inspire others.

Want to sell your design and pocket a little profit? Users can earn a 2.5% commission when their designs sell. To become a seller, you need 100 followers and sales of either three items or $500.

Arcade is considering expanding to other categories, possibly adding accessories, apparel, leather goods, and more. We’ll keep an eye out for future updates on this growing makers’ space.

AI in the News (in case you missed it)

• Embracing the AI-Driven Evolution of Work. Read here.

• AI Medical Diagnosis: Faster, But Not Necessarily Better. Read here. 

• Robert Downey Jr. Refuses to Let Hollywood Create His AI Digital Replica. Read here.

• How the tiny Caribbean island of Anguilla has turned the AI boom into a digital gold mine. Read here.

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