What is AI and how can I use it?

By Ryan Fleury

AI, or artificial intelligence, is like a super-smart computer program that can learn, think, and solve problems—kind of like a human brain, but without emotions or personal experiences. It helps machines understand things, make decisions, and even have conversations like this one! AI powers things like voice assistants (think Siri or Alexa), recommendation systems (like Netflix suggesting your next binge-worthy show), and even self-driving cars. It’s all about teaching computers to mimic human intelligence

Everyday uses for AI

AI is woven into so many aspects of daily life that you might not even notice! Here are some ways you interact with AI every day:

- Smart Assistants (like Siri, Alexa, and Google Assistant) help answer questions, set reminders, and control smart home devices.

- Streaming Recommendations (Netflix, Spotify, YouTube) analyze your watching or listening habits to suggest content you'll enjoy.

- Social Media Feeds use AI to show you posts, ads, and videos that align with your interests.

- Online Shopping sites use AI to recommend products based on your preferences and past purchases.

- Navigation & Maps (Google Maps, Waze) analyze traffic patterns to suggest the fastest routes.

- Spam Filters & Email Sorting help keep your inbox free of junk and prioritize important messages.

- Virtual Customer Service Agents handle routine inquiries before passing you to a human representative when needed.

- Smart Cameras & Face Recognition unlock your phone or tag friends in photos automatically.

- Health & Fitness Tracking (smartwatches, apps) monitor activity, heart rate, sleep patterns, and even detect potential health issues.

AI has truly become an invisible helper in everyday life! Have you noticed any AI-powered features that have made your day easier?

What are some ways AI can assist people who are Blind, Partially Sighted or Deafblind?

AI is making a huge difference in accessibility for people who are blind, partially sighted, or deafblind. Here are some ways it’s being used:

- AI-Powered Vision Assistance – Apps like Be My Eyes use AI to describe images and surroundings, helping users understand their environment.

- Wearable Navigation Devices – New AI-powered wearables can detect obstacles and provide real-time guidance using sound and vibrations.

- Smartphone-Based Visual Interpreters – Services like Aira connect users with trained professionals who provide live descriptions of surroundings.

- Text-to-Speech & Speech-to-Text – AI helps convert written text into spoken words and vice versa, making communication easier.

- AI-Powered Object Recognition – Apps can identify objects, read labels, and even recognize faces.

Which AI services are people playing with?

There are plenty of free AI tools that people are exploring for fun and productivity! Here are some popular ones:

•       Chatbots & Assistants: ChatGPT, Claude AI, Microsoft Copilot, and Gemini AI by Google are widely used for conversations, brainstorming, and answering questions.

•       AI Dungeon: A text-based adventure game where AI generates interactive storytelling based on user input.

•       Text Blaze: A tool that helps automate repetitive typing tasks with snippets and templates.

•       SeaArt: An AI-powered painting tool that lets users create high-quality images without professional skills.

These are just a few examples—there are many more AI tools available for different purposes, from writing and editing to gaming and art creation!