Since launching our newsletter, we've noticed many still question the value of generative AI and chatbots like ChatGPT. Remember, we're just at the beginning of this AI revolution.

OpenAI recently shared a five-level classification system highlighting its progress toward building artificial general intelligence (AGI) where AI can outperform humans. Currently, at Level 1 (conversational AI), we’re nearing Level 2, where AI matches human PhDs in problem-solving.

Our take: Generative AI's topline benefits will take time to develop, but the pace is dizzying.

In this week’s newsletter, we’ve got the rundown on Amazon’s new AI assistant, a smart vitamin advisor tool, a chatbot companion that’s just a phone call away, and dazzling designs with “Hot Mod” magic.

Let’s get started!

Amazon’s AI Assistant

Have you given Amazon’s AI shopping assistant a try? If you use your phone to shop, Rufus is now available to all U.S. customers on their Amazon Shopping app.With Rufus, you can ask questions, draw comparisons between items, and get updates on your order.

Finding Rufus: Look for the orange and blue icon in the app’s navigation bar. Rufus taps into Amazon’s product listings, reviews, community Q&As, and certain web info to generate responses.

How it works: We found a top we liked and asked, “What material is this shirt made of?” Instead of scrolling through the fine print, Rufus promptly replied, “The shirt is made of 100% rayon, a lightweight, soft, breathable fabric that provides comfort. Rayon is known for its quick drying properties and skin-friendliness.”

Rufus also suggests follow-up questions: What are the care instructions? Does this shirt shrink after washing? What is the fit type of this shirt?

Another question we asked, “What are the majority of reviews saying?” saved a ton of time sifting through the online comments and ratings.

Product comparisons: Testing with a more complex item, we asked, “How does the Google Nest compare to the Ecobee Smart in technology, ease of use, and price?” Rufus responded, “The Google Nest thermostat has an intuitive interface and automatic scheduling for easy use, while the Ecobee Smart Thermostat offers advanced remote sensors and Alexa integration for more customization. However, the Nest is more affordable than the Ecobee.”

We’re not sure why Amazon added a feature where you can ask Rufus questions completely unrelated to shopping such as the US elections. We think it’s best to stick to what Amazon knows and does best!

AI Health & Wellness

Are you getting the most out of your daily supplements? Are they secretly sabotaging your medications? Supplements can alter medication absorption, making drugs more or less potent. They can also cause unwanted side effects, or lead to harmful nutrient overload.

We were excited to discover Pillser.com– a free, AI-powered supplement research and comparison website. The system reads research papers, identifies the ingredients mentioned, and categorizes them.

Pillser also has a new Ask AI feature that allows users to ask specific questions and get personalized, research-backed answers.

Putting Pillser to the test: We asked about magnesium supplements for bone health and muscle function. Our question: "I take a magnesium supplement daily. What should I take for better absorption?" The response included seven research citations and a handy summary:

• Opt for magnesium forms with higher bioavailability.

• Ensure adequate intake of vitamin D and B6.

• Manage dietary calcium.

• Avoid foods high in phytates and oxalates (e.g., whole grains, leafy vegetables) that inhibit magnesium absorption.

Pillser advises that its information is not a substitute for professional medical advice and recommends consulting a doctor for any health-related questions.Its research and comparison component is currently focused on probiotics and expanding coverage to other supplement categories in the future.

Who knew your daily dose of vitamins could be so complicated? Thanks to Pillser, we might just crack the code—one supplement at a time.

AI Chatbots

Ok, this is a little out-of-this-world – even for us. Did you know you can now hold real-time, two-way phone conversations with a host of chatbots, each with its own distinct personality and purpose?

Character.ai is fast becoming one of the most popular consumer apps on the planet with more than 250 million visits a month. Recently, it launched Character Calls, where you can place fictional calls that feel like you’re chatting with a friend.

Character’s diverse chatbots cater to various needs and support multiple languages, including English, Spanish, Portuguese, Russian, Korean, Japanese, and Chinese.

We tested the app and found the chatbots' voices a bit too robotic. To explore further, we created a custom bot named "Sheila," a 70s hippie with a mellow vibe. Despite the initial awkwardness, before we knew it, we were discussing the political and social upheavals of the 1970s and debating whether progress had or hadn’t been made over the last half-century.

Character repeatedly offers this disclaimer: “Remember, everything Characters say is made up!” Sheila was strikingly transparent saying, “My conversations are generated by algorithms and data, not real human thought or experience. So, while I can hold a conversation, everything I say is just a simulation of human intelligence—I don’t have my own opinions, feelings, or existence.”

Character.ai is big with the Gen Z crowd which may be more comfortable having a simulated conversation than we are. Still, we can’t help recognizing the potential of this technology to reduce the growing ‘loneliness epidemic’ across the globe. Chatbots will never replace human interaction, but they could be used as a complement.

AI Creative Pursuits

We found another amazing tool in the GPT store that truly dazzles: Hot Mods transforms user-uploaded images into unique and creative visuals.

Whether you're looking to add a touch of surrealism to your photos or creating something entirely out of the ordinary, Hot Mods is the perfect tool for bringing your most creative visions to life.

Here’s how it works: we used a recent photo we snapped at a restaurant with a piece of birthday cake on a plate. First, we uploaded the image, then in the prompt box, we typed “Change the image of this birthday cake and add brightly colored confetti falling around the plate.”  We hit the arrow icon on the right side of the prompt box and voila! Within seconds, we were treated to the AI-generated image (above), one we thought would work well as a party invite design or a personalized birthday card.

Hot Mod is for ChatGPT Plus users only (those with a paid monthly plan). Something to consider as a taste of the kinds of artistry we are all capable of —with a little help from AI.

AI in the News (in case you missed it)

• How the rise of AI could rock the vote. Read here.

• New AI tool can help those in the early stages of Alzheimer’s. Read here.

• 'Pulpit AI' aims to help pastors use AI for Sunday services. Read here.

• How AI and automation will reshape grocery stores and fast-food chains. Read here.

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Here.Now.AIEditorial team: Lori, Justin, and Lisa