AI tools for writers

58keys William Gallagher
15 May 202417:21

TLDRWilliam Gallagher, host of the 58 Keys show, discusses the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on writing tools. He shares his experiences with various AI tools that have become integral to his writing process, including AI transcription for interviews, image enhancement with pixel Pro's super resolution feature, and the use of Perplexity DoAI for research and information gathering. Gallagher emphasizes the importance of maintaining audio recordings alongside AI transcriptions for accuracy and accountability. Despite some inaccuracies and limitations, he finds Perplexity particularly useful and anticipates upgrading to its Pro version. The video also touches on the potential future integration of AI tools into Siri and the upcoming Apple WWDC event, suggesting that specific AI tools will be the future of productivity.

Takeaways

  • 📝 The author, William Gallagher, discusses the integration of AI tools in writing and how they have been used for a long time without being explicitly recognized as AI.
  • 🔍 William highlights that AI is not going to replace writers, but rather enhance their capabilities with tools that are already in use, such as auto-correction and email categorization.
  • 🎤 He shares his experience with AI transcription tools, emphasizing the importance of keeping the original audio recording for accuracy and verification purposes.
  • 🚫 William is against using AI solely for transcribing interviews, preferring to use an AI tool like Whisper after recording with a different app to maintain control over the process.
  • 📱 He mentions the use of AI to enhance image resolution, such as with Pixel Pro, which has been a part of his writing business for over five years.
  • 🤔 The video transcript reveals that William uses an AI tool called Perplexity DoAI for research and fact-checking, finding it more efficient than traditional search engines like Google in certain cases.
  • 💬 Perplexity DoAI provides a summary of information and sources directly, which William appreciates for its transparency and ease of verification.
  • 📉 William acknowledges that AI tools like Perplexity DoAI are not perfect and can sometimes provide incorrect information, which is why he still cross-references with other sources.
  • 🔍 The author suggests that AI tools are becoming increasingly useful for writers, as they can process and summarize information more quickly and accurately than manual methods.
  • 📅 William anticipates that future AI tools, possibly introduced at Apple's WWDC on June 10th, will be more focused on helping users get things done rather than general chat applications.
  • 🔑 He concludes by recommending Perplexity DoAI, despite its imperfections, for its utility in changing how he conducts certain aspects of his writing business.

Q & A

  • What is the main topic of discussion in the video?

    -The main topic of discussion is the use of AI tools for writers, specifically how they are already integrated into the writing process without the user necessarily realizing it.

  • What is the speaker's opinion on using AI for transcribing interviews?

    -The speaker is against using AI solely for transcribing interviews. They prefer to record the interview and then use an AI tool to transcribe it afterward, ensuring they always have the original audio recording for reference.

  • What is the name of the AI transcription app the speaker uses?

    -The speaker uses an AI transcription app called Whisper.

  • How does the speaker feel about AI tools in general?

    -The speaker acknowledges that while AI tools can be incredibly useful and have already been integrated into many aspects of writing, they also have limitations and should be used in conjunction with, not as a replacement for, human judgment and skills.

  • What is the name of the AI tool that the speaker finds has replaced Google for most of their searches?

    -The speaker mentions using an AI tool called Perplexity for most of their searches.

  • What is the speaker's stance on the future of AI tools for writers?

    -The speaker is optimistic about the future of AI tools for writers. They believe that once the hype dies down and the true impact on jobs and writing is understood, writers will be left with useful tools that enhance their work.

  • Why does the speaker prefer to keep the audio recording of an interview even when using AI for transcription?

    -The speaker prefers to keep the audio recording as a backup in case the AI transcription is incorrect or confusing. It allows them to verify what was actually said and provides a recourse if an interviewee disputes the quoted content.

  • What is the Wayback Machine used for in the context of the video?

    -The Wayback Machine is used to retrieve old images, such as a 2010 image of the iPad from Apple's website, which the speaker then enhances using an AI tool with super resolution features.

  • How does the speaker describe the process of using AI for image enhancement?

    -The speaker describes it as similar to the process shown in TV shows where an image is zoomed in and enhanced to reveal more detail. They use an AI tool called Pixel Pro for this purpose.

  • What is the name of the AI tool that the speaker uses to enhance low-resolution images?

    -The speaker uses an AI tool called Pixel Pro for enhancing low-resolution images.

  • What is the significance of the Apple WWDC event mentioned in the video?

    -The Apple WWDC event is significant because it is rumored to introduce new AI tools that are specific to helping users get things done, potentially including AI features for Siri in future versions of iOS.

  • What is the speaker's final recommendation regarding Perplexity?

    -Despite acknowledging some inaccuracies and failures, the speaker recommends Perplexity as a useful AI tool that has changed how they conduct certain tasks for the better.

Outlines

00:00

📅 Live Episodes and AI in Writing Tools

The speaker, William Gallagher, proposes hosting monthly live episodes called '58 Keys' to discuss topics related to writing, particularly those involving AI. He invites audience suggestions for topics and emphasizes the prevalence of AI in everyday writing tools, such as autocorrect and email categorization, which are often used without recognizing them as AI. He introduces a new AI writing tool in his business and reflects on the integration of AI in his work, including the replacement of Google with an AI tool for certain tasks.

05:02

🎤 AI Transcription and Interview Recording

Gallagher discusses his approach to recording interviews, emphasizing the importance of keeping the original audio recording rather than relying solely on AI transcription. He mentions using the Whisper transcription app on his Mac after recording interviews with any audio app. Despite some clunky experiences with the app, he has become entirely dependent on AI for transcription tasks. He also shares an anecdote about how iOS automatically labeled a voice memo recording with an unexpected but accurate location name, demonstrating AI's utility in small tasks.

10:02

🖼️ Image Enhancement and Research with AI

The speaker talks about using AI for image enhancement and research assistance. He mentions using an AI tool called Pixel Pro to upscale images for modern high-resolution screens. Additionally, he discusses using an AI research tool called Perplexity DOAI for quick and detailed information retrieval, comparing its effectiveness to Google searches. He provides examples where Perplexity provided comprehensive answers, including public transport options and company membership details, which were not easily found through traditional search engines.

15:03

🚀 Embracing AI Tools for the Future of Writing

Gallagher expresses confidence in AI tools, particularly Perplexity, despite acknowledging its occasional inaccuracies. He asserts that AI tools have improved his workflow and will continue to be valuable for writers once the hype around AI settles. He also teases upcoming AI developments from Apple, which are rumored to be announced at the WWDC on June 10th. The speaker concludes by reiterating his recommendation of Perplexity and looking forward to a future where AI tools are an integral part of the writing process.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡AI tools for writers

AI tools for writers refer to software applications that utilize artificial intelligence to assist in the writing process. In the video, these tools are discussed as being increasingly integrated into the writing workflow, offering functionalities like transcription, image enhancement, and search optimization. They are portrayed as essential companions to writers, enhancing productivity and accuracy.

💡Transcription

Transcription is the process of converting spoken language into written form. The video highlights the use of AI for transcription, particularly in the context of interviews. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining the original audio recording alongside the AI-generated transcript to ensure accuracy and verifiability.

💡Whisper Memos

Whisper Memos is an app mentioned in the video that transcribes speech in real-time. It is used to capture thoughts or spoken words as text, which can be particularly useful for writers who wish to have a written record of their spoken ideas or conversations. The app is part of the broader discussion on how AI aids in the writing process.

💡Pixel Pro

Pixel Pro is an application that uses AI to enhance the resolution of images, making them suitable for use on modern high-resolution screens. In the context of the video, it is used to upscale older, lower-resolution images for contemporary use, showcasing how AI can breathe new life into old visual content.

💡Perplexity DoAI

Perplexity DoAI is an AI-powered search tool that is positioned as a more effective alternative to traditional search engines like Google for certain tasks. The video discusses how it can provide detailed and specific information directly, rather than just a list of sources. It is highlighted as a tool that has changed the way the speaker conducts research.

💡AI recording app

An AI recording app is a type of software that uses AI to transcribe audio in real-time. In the video, the speaker expresses concerns about relying solely on AI for transcription during interviews due to the potential for inaccuracies and the lack of an original audio record for verification.

💡Voice Memos

Voice Memos is a standard application on iOS devices that allows users to record audio. The video mentions a feature where Voice Memos automatically labels recordings with the location name, which is an example of AI's ability to add metadata to files based on context.

💡AI and job impact

The impact of AI on jobs is a significant theme in the video. It discusses the potential for AI to change the job landscape, particularly for writers, but also acknowledges that many AI functionalities are already integrated into everyday tools without being explicitly labeled as AI.

💡Super resolution

Super resolution is a technology that enhances the quality of images beyond their original resolution. The video uses the example of Pixel Pro to illustrate how AI can upscale images for modern use, which is particularly useful for writers who need high-quality visuals for their articles or publications.

💡AI writing tool

An AI writing tool is software that assists in the writing process through AI capabilities, such as grammar correction, style suggestions, or content generation. The video discusses the integration of AI writing tools into the speaker's writing business, highlighting how they have become an essential part of the writing process.

💡WWDC

WWDC stands for Worldwide Developers Conference, an annual event held by Apple where they announce new software and technologies. The video mentions WWDC in the context of anticipating future AI tools that may be introduced to help writers and developers.

Highlights

The speaker, William Gallagher, discusses the integration of AI tools in writing and their potential impact on the future of writing jobs.

AI tools are already being used in everyday writing tasks, such as spelling correction and email categorization, without being explicitly recognized as AI.

Gallagher has recently added a specific AI writing tool, 'Fullon AI', to his writing business.

The importance of keeping an audio recording during interviews, alongside AI transcriptions, to ensure accuracy and accountability.

The use of AI transcription apps like Whisper Memos for transcribing thoughts and interviews, with the caveat of not relying solely on AI for crucial interviews.

Gallagher's preference for transcribing audio recordings using AI after the fact, ensuring he retains the original audio for verification purposes.

The discovery that iOS's Voice Memos app uses AI to automatically label recordings with location names.

The utilization of AI in image enhancement, specifically mentioning the use of Pixel Pro's super resolution feature to upscale older images for modern use.

The speaker's reliance on an AI tool called 'Perplexity' for conducting research and searches, often finding it more effective than traditional search engines like Google.

Instances where Perplexity provided detailed and accurate information that was not easily found through conventional search methods.

Gallagher's critique of Perplexity's occasional inaccuracies and the importance of cross-referencing information.

The mention of a Pro version of Perplexity and its current free-to-use status, with Gallagher considering an upgrade for better functionality.

A discussion on the potential future integration of AI tools like Perplexity with other systems, such as Apple's Siri, to enhance user experience.

The upcoming Apple WWDC event on June 10th, which is anticipated to reveal new AI tools specific to aiding productivity.

Gallagher's assertion that, despite the hype, AI tools have been and will continue to be beneficial in the writing industry once the initial excitement subsides.

The assurance that AI will not replace writers, but rather enhance their capabilities and efficiency in their craft.

An invitation for viewers to comment on the type of live episodes they would like to see and the topics they are interested in discussing.