AI Tools and Applications - 2/19/2026

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AI Tools and Applications

Platform Independence

  • AI tools like Notion work independently of operating systems (e.g., macOS)
  • Can use AI features without requiring the newest OS version

Email Summarization on Mac

  • Apple Mail now summarizes emails automatically (indicated by arrow and description)
  • Feature can be toggled on/off in Mail Settings → Viewing → "Summarize message previews"
  • Only available on newer Macs with M1 processor or higher
  • Check processor: Apple Menu → About → Chip information

Operating System Upgrades

  • Upgrading to newest OS (Tahoe) doesn't guarantee AI features will work on older computers
  • One participant experienced 8-hour ordeal with upgrade - mixed results on AI benefits
  • New interfaces require retraining (e.g., iOS 26 "liquid display," redesigned icons)
  • Apple Intelligence settings available on iPhone 15 or higher

AI Search and Research Tools

Google AI Integration

  • Google automatically provides AI overviews in search results
  • Summarizes information from multiple sources (Wikipedia, History.com, etc.)
  • Shows sources for transparency
  • "Dive deeper in AI mode" option for more detailed information
  • Works without login or special software - just standard Google search
  • Can provide troubleshooting guides (e.g., printer issues) when given specific model numbers

Educational Impact

  • Concerns about students using AI for homework/reports
  • Counterpoint: Provides access to information for those without library access
  • Teachers returning to in-class essays and "blue books"
  • Renewed emphasis on penmanship and handwritten work

Major AI Platforms

ChatGPT

  • Created by OpenAI (San Francisco-based company)
  • Microsoft has major investment
  • Microsoft's consumer product: Co-Pilot (integrated with Office products)
  • Web-based - works on any browser (Safari, Chrome, Firefox, etc.)
  • Free and paid (Pro) versions available

Gemini

  • More user-friendly interface than ChatGPT
  • Offers prompts: "Create an image," "Create music," "Write anything," "Help me learn," "Boost my day"
  • Music generation feature (Lyria) - can create songs with lyrics, melody, and video
  • Can download as MP3 or MP4 with video

AI Capabilities Demonstrated

Music Creation

  • Generated children's song about pink dolphins and unicorns in seconds
  • Created personalized birthday song for 5-year-old who likes turtles and rap
  • Provides lyrics and chord progressions
  • Note: Must start new chat to avoid carrying over previous themes

Event Planning

  • Generated kid-friendly activities in San Francisco for 5-year-old's party
  • Suggested venues: Aquarium of the Bay, Rabbit Hole Theater, Messy Art Lab
  • Can provide party decoration ideas and Amazon shopping lists

Web Development

  • Created complete RSVP website code in seconds
  • Included form fields for guardian name, guest name, contact info, pickup address
  • Automatically added food allergy field without being asked
  • Generated HTML code that previously would have taken developers much longer

Complex Questions

  • Example: "How can we end the war in Ukraine?"
  • AI provides multiple perspectives and options without taking sides
  • Designed to present facts rather than opinions
  • Can be used for strategic modeling and outcome predictions

Using AI Tools

Key Principles

  • Be specific in your requests for better results
  • AI maintains chat history - start new chat for different topics
  • Works on any device - computer or phone
  • Mobile apps (Gemini, ChatGPT) allow voice interaction
  • Can speak questions and hear responses naturally

Content Requirements

  • AI needs digitized content to access information
  • Cannot access non-digitized materials
  • Most content has been digitized (Google digitization project)

Free vs. Paid Versions

  • Free versions are "good enough" for most uses
  • Paid versions offer more advanced features (e.g., code generation, complex modeling)
  • Choice between platforms (ChatGPT, Gemini, etc.) is personal preference

Privacy and Limitations

  • Privacy concerns vary by AI tool and engine
  • Content access depends on specific platform
  • Similar to other online tools (e.g., Ancestry.com accessing immigration documents)
  • Important ongoing discussion in the AI community

Key Takeaways

  • AI is a tool that responds to user requests - effectiveness depends on how specific you are
  • Not limited by device age if using web-based tools
  • Can enhance creativity and productivity across many fields
  • Educational institutions adapting to integrate AI while maintaining learning standards
  • Choice of AI platform is personal - similar to early search engine competition

 

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