AI tools for everyday innovation

Is it beginning to feel a little like Spring where you live? We love new beginnings!

In this week’s edition, we’re taking a look at AI travel planning, beautifully designed business presentations, an AI couples coaching app (you’ll want to take our poll), and delightful desserts to celebrate National Pi Day.

If you’ve been enjoying our newsletter, we have a favor to ask: please share it with a friend or family member. Better yet, post it on your social channels using the icons above. Together, we can gain knowledge and grow our AI-curious community. Now, let’s dive in!

AI Travel Planning

Dreaming of your next getaway but dread the hassle of finding the best flights for your budget?

Online travel site Kayak has introduced an innovative AI feature to its mobile app, called PriceCheck, to streamline your search. Simply upload a screenshot of any flight option you're considering, even from a competitor's site, and PriceCheck promptly initiates a comparison across hundreds of sites to secure optimal pricing for you.

At the core of PriceCheck is computer vision AI technology. Here's a quick rundown:

• Screenshot Analysis: The AI extracts essential details from your screenshot, such as flight times and airlines.

• Comprehensive Search: Using these details, it searches the internet extensively, according to your preferences, such as your preferred airline.

• Optimal Price Assurance: If a more competitive offer exists, PriceCheck identifies it, ensuring optimal outcomes.

Our demo: We compared prices with a flight we found on Delta’s site. The non-stop round-trip flight (April 6-11) from Atlanta to San Francisco was $900. We took a screenshot, uploaded it to Kayak, and quickly received over 70 flight options with competitive pricing starting at $280. Using the filter function, we sorted by the fastest route and found a similar non-stop Delta flight saving us $200 compared to our initial find.

Kayak's continuous improvement extends beyond flights. With the Ask Kayak chatbot, powered by ChatGPT, travel planning using natural language is more streamlined. Whether you're interested in discovering the most budget-friendly weekend getaways or seeking a hotel in New York for under $300, Ask Kayak delivers tailored, immediate guidance.

Currently available in the US, the UK, and Canada, Kayak has plans for global expansion, and is quickly becoming an essential tool for travelers everywhere.

AI Business Presentations

If you’re like us, you know the pain of sitting through a dull business presentation with never-ending slides full of small text. AI-powered tools are coming to the rescue, making it easy for anyone to create a beautifully designed desk.

Gamma.app is tailored for a professional audience and offers a seamless experience with three distinct starting points: "Paste in text” (create presentation from existing notes), “Generate” (create presentation from a one-line prompt) and "Import” (transform an existing presentation). For inspiration, there are also plenty of completed slide decks and templates.

Justin put Gamma.app's "Generate" feature to the test by aiming to craft a polished "Unveiling AI" presentation in under an hour. The app exceeded expectations in both quality and timing. 

You can view his finished product here and judge for yourself! Justin was notably impressed that without prompting, Gamma.app included a slide in the presentation covering the pitfalls of AI and privacy. With subscription tiers ranging from complimentary to $20/month, Gamma.app offers extra pages, features, and personalization capabilities.

For those interested in exploring alternatives, there are several options:

• Beautiful.ai has a DesignerBot able to generate complete slides with images and content. Fast Company, Forbes and Fortune have all written about it.

• Prezi, a longtime player in the space, has an AI presentation maker tool that closely resembles the functionality of Gamma.app’s templates.

• SlidesGo has similar tools available and boasts a large library of images and icons to choose from for slide customization. We thought that SlidesGo had the most whimsical aesthetic and looked more appropriate for an elementary school lesson.

Although AI-driven presentation tools are not without their limitations, Gamma.app and its competitors are emerging as essential resources, significantly reducing time and effort, while saving our sanity one slide at a time.

AI Couples Coach

Ever wondered if there’s an easier way to navigate the complexities of a relationship? What if you had access to a 24/7 relationship coach dedicated to keeping your love life on track? With couples waiting six years on average before seeking therapy, the need for accessible relationship support is undeniable.

Maia is an AI-powered app that leverages the principles of relationship science, offering tailored coaching and activities designed to enhance the connection and happiness shared by partners. The brainchild of Claire Wiley and Ralph Ma, who both have firsthand experience with the challenges of divorce, Maia launched last October and is now available on the Apple store.

What makes Maia effective? Here's the lowdown:

• Date Planning: Say goodbye to indecisiveness about plans. Maia offers customized date ideas to facilitate memorable experiences together.

• Conflict Mediation: Navigate the choppy waters of disagreements with Maia's guidance, promoting understanding and finding common ground.

• Conversation Starters: Transform ordinary conversations into opportunities for deeper connection with thought-provoking prompts.

Maia also features a solo chat option, providing a space for individual reflection on your relationship. This confidential area encourages the exploration of personal feelings with guided exercises and neutral perspectives aimed at helping you sort through your emotions.

As we embrace the era of AI in various aspects of our lives, why not employ a little technological help to ensure our relationships aren't just surviving but thriving? What do you think?

Tasty AI Pie

Today marks the celebration of National Pi Day, a day dedicated to the mathematical constant π (pi) - 3.14159…, a number that continues infinitely without repetition or pattern, symbolizing the endless pursuit of knowledge and the profound mysteries of the cosmos.

March 14th (3.14) is not just a day to appreciate the wonders of math; it’s an invitation to blend the joy of baking with the elegance of numbers, facilitated by the latest in AI technology and your digital kitchen companion, ChatGPT.

In the spirit of innovation and culinary exploration, ChatGPT suggests a few unique pie recipes to celebrate: (ChatGPT can provide the full list of ingredients and baking instructions)

1. Avocado Lime with a Tequila Kick: Picture a pie that captures the essence of a margarita, featuring a creamy avocado and lime filling with a hint of tequila, all nestled in a crisp crust. It’s like enjoying the essence of summer, anytime.

2. Blue Cheese Pear Fusion: A bold choice for those looking to experiment, this pie combines the robust flavor of blue cheese with the gentle sweetness of pear, all wrapped in a flaky pastry. It’s a nod to the adventurous foodie.

3. Sweet Potato and Marshmallow Meringue Pie: Experience a delightful surprise with this pie, merging the smooth taste of sweet potato with a fluffy marshmallow meringue topping, lightly browned to perfection. A modern take on traditional flavors, designed to pique curiosity and satisfy the taste buds.

For the best results from ChatGPT, mention the type of pie you want and any dietary restrictions like gluten-free or vegan needs. Indicate if you're looking for a simple or more complex recipe, include or exclude specific ingredients, and ask for any tips or tricks for making the pie, especially if you're seeking advice on making a perfect crust.

For instance, you might ask, "Could you give me a simple XXXX pie recipe that's vegan and doesn't require a lot of time? Also, if there are any tips for making the crust flaky and delicious without butter, that would be great!"

So, this Pi Day, let ChatGPT take your pie baking skills from predictable to phenomenal. Wishing you an enjoyable a very tasty Pi Day!

AI in the News (in case you missed it)

• Five of this year’s Pulitzer finalists are AI-powered. Read here.

• AI-powered bionic arm aims to be a leader in prosthetic accessibility. Watch here.

• Can you tell which piece of audio was made by AI? Listen here.

• Mayo researchers invented a new class of AI to improve cancer research and treatments. Read here.

• AI-generated “Digital Marilyn” converses in dead icon’s “signature” voice and style. Read here.

Did you receive this from a friend, colleague, or family member? Please subscribe.

Have you tried a new AI-powered product? Let us know what you think.

Know anyone who might like our newsletter? Forward it , and help grow our community!

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