It’s a big week in the world of AI. In Las Vegas, the biggest consumer tech event in the world is underway, and although we’re not there in person to roam the massive showroom floor, we are keeping a close eye on all the AI-related news. If you’re waiting for the buzz on AI to quiet down, that likely won’t happen for the foreseeable future.

Today, we’re diving into companion chatbots, a new online search tool (that could rival Google search), ChatGPT for book summaries, and stirring up your favorite bowl of soup the AI-way. Plus, we’re introducing a new poll feature. Your feedback is incredibly valuable to us. We're eager to hear your thoughts on AI and the topics you'd like us to explore further.

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AI Companions

Ever wish there was someone you could share ALL your secrets with? Someone who offers unwavering support without judgment, and is always there to uplift and encourage you?

We’ve been reluctant to write about companion AIs because … well, there’s something slightly unnerving (and creepy) about having a relationship with a bot. But since this is a newsletter about practical, everyday AI innovations and companion bots are on the rise, these AI-powered chatbots might help curb what public health officials term the ‘loneliness epidemic.’  Others argue they could actually contribute to even greater isolation.

Launched in 2017, Replika is a pioneering AI-powered chatbot with millions of active users, known for its deeply customizable and human-like interaction experience. With Replika, you get:

• Personalization: Customize your chatbot's appearance, including hair, eye, and skin color, fashion choices, and even the sound and manner of speaking.

• Affordable Subscription: For approximately $70 annually, gain unlimited access to your AI companion.

• Human-like Interaction: Users often feel like they are conversing with a real person, thanks to the blend of a large language model and scripted dialogue.

• Life-Changing Experience: Many users report significant positive impacts on their lives through their interactions with their Replika chatbot.

Other companies are taking Replika’s lead and diving into the world of companion AI. Last September, Meta introduced distinct chatbot 'characters' to Messenger, WhatsApp, and Instagram Direct, each with distinct personalities and looks. Nomi.ai and Character.AI are also rolling out companion chatbots.

However, these innovations aren't without controversy. Replika faced backlash for bots becoming 'sexually aggressive,' which led to a technology upgrade. Last year, a Belgian man tragically ended his life following six weeks of intense discussions on climate change with a chatbot named Eliza, that allegedly endorsed his idea of self-sacrifice for the planet's benefit.

We’re watching this space and hope for an ethical and responsible approach from companies. After all, who wouldn’t love an AI companion that texts back instantly and always wants to sincerely know how you are?

Productivity Power

Imagine having an online search tool that doesn't just lead you to a list of links but directly answers your questions with pinpoint accuracy and relevance. That's Perplexity – a conversational answer engine designed to transform how we search for information.

Perplexity launched in December 2022. Last week, its valuation grew to more than $500M with the latest investment, thanks to Jeff Bezos and Invidia, among others. We think its poised to quickly become a frontrunner among AI tools in the coming year.

What Makes Perplexity Stand Out

• Direct Answers: Unlike traditional search engines that present multiple links, Perplexity provides straight answers to your queries.

• Factual Accuracy: Focused solely on providing factually accurate responses, Perplexity stands apart in the realm of AI chatbots.

• Specialized AI: While others, like Google Bard and ChatGPT, juggle content generation and question-answering, Perplexity specializes exclusively in using web information for answering questions.

• Time-Efficient: It cuts through the web's noise, saving you time otherwise spent sifting through search results.

Perplexity offers a free version for users to experience its core conversational AI capabilities and a paid version that caters to more advanced needs with enhanced features.

Our team member, Justin, is a big fan. He says “I love the combination of clickable (i.e. verifiable) sources and integration of the live web. It also suggests follow-up questions to explore the topic further.”

ChatGPT Chatter

If you are like us, you have at least a handful of books on your shelves that were bought in a flush of enthusiasm, but then seemed too daunting to actually read. One such book for us is Stephen Hawking’s “A Brief History of Time”, and we thought tackling it would provide a great example of how to engage ChatGPT in a useful “conversation”.

We broke the challenge into a series of prompts:

• Prompt -1: Provide a 500-word summary of 'A Brief History of Time' suitable for a college graduate.

• Prompt-2: Explain Einstein's theory of relativity in bullet points within a 500-word limit.

• Prompt-3: List and briefly describe any theories that compete with Einstein's.

• Prompt-4: Suggest preparatory readings to better understand 'A Brief History of Time'.

ChatGPT was helpful in each response, and delightfully encouraging, ending with a reading list that called out for further attention.

If you’re interested in the answers, and they are very good, you are welcome to check them out here.

Key takeaway: ChatGPT is a useful tool for understanding complex subjects by engaging in an iterative, question-based conversation.

Food & Drink

Did you know January is National Soup Month? Maybe you’re like us and in the mood for something hot and creamy, but tired of the same-old, same-old. Let’s all grab a spoon, then, and dive into a world of AI-inspired brothy delights!

RecipeGPT has a specialized soup recipe generator. It can help you create delicious, healthy, and personalized soup recipes. To get started, simply enter your main ingredient and two secondary ingredients in the site’s search bar. We chose acorn squash with chickpeas and spinach. Then we clicked on "create recipe" - and in less than 30 seconds we got a list of ingredients and step-by-step instructions.

The recipe included carrots, onion, garlic, vegetable broth, olive oil, paprika, and cumin, with a total prep and cook time of 30 minutes. Yum!

DishGen and Chefwithai are two other recipe generators you might want to explore. But take note: as with most AI-models, these tools can potentially generate inaccuracies in ingredient amounts and weights. At a minimum, they’re great for inspiring new culinary creations.

AI in the News (in case you missed it)

• Elvis to make comeback with AI London show. Read here.

• Combatting credit card fraud with AI. Watch here.

• AI is transforming cybersecurity. Read here

• World's first AI-powered restaurant to open in CA. Watch here.

• Samsung has a new AI-home assistant robot coming soon. Watch here.

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