Fun, free AI tools to try
I’m not an artist. My brain just does not work that way. I tried to learn Photoshop but gave up. Now, I create fun images using AI — like the potato at the bottom of today’s newsletter.
Some AI tech is kind of freaky (like this brain-powered robot), but many of the new AI tools out there are just plain fun. The ones I found for you below are awesome to try and free!
House swapping is hot right now – Do it the right way
Want to try out a new city or travel over the long term for cheap? You need to know about home swapping. There are dozens of home-swapping groups on Facebook for everyone from women over 50 to vegans who like baseball. But it’s not for everyone, and you have to do your homework.
McDonald's new AI employee, Pickles 🥒
McDonald’s has a new employee, and his name is 🥒 Pickles. Pickles is an AI chatbot that can help employees keep that ice cream machine running all summer long.
🦟 Mosquitoes suck: Try the Weather Channel app’s new mosquito forecast that analyzes weather info and real-world mosquito data to predict activity by ZIP code. Download the app (iPhone and Android) > add a ZIP code > tap Daily at the bottom of the screen > and scroll down. OK, now I’m itchy.
How many 8.5-by-11-inch pages could you print using only one standard black ink cartridge on the lowest print quality setting, with 350 words per page, all in 12-point Times New Roman? Is it … A.) 100, B.) 300, C.) 600 or D.) 1,100 pages?
10- to 20-minute “fart walk”
For happy digestion. That’s the funny name for a jaunt to kickstart digestion and help with bloating and gas. Science supports this. Btw, I learned an important lesson while hiking Machu Picchu: Never trust a fart.
⚠️ Keep it real: More folks than ever are trying out AI companionship. You create your dream partner, and the bot finetunes its responses to match your exact needs. But this sets you up for IRL failure; real people aren’t instantly available, and they def won’t do or say everything you want.
🚨 Shed light on this: The FTC says most subscription apps and websites use “dark patterns.” These manipulative design techniques push you to buy things and/or put your privacy at risk. Examples: Being forced to enter payment details for a free trial or upload your contacts to access features. Watch out for this.
Taylor Swift’s password is Iknewyouweretroublewhenyouloggedin: Swift Alert (iPhone and Android) is a Swiftie’s favorite app. It calculates when a concert starts in your timezone so you know when to tune into the livestream. It also notifies you when Taylor’s biggest hits are about to play, along with any surprises on stage.
Go to Greece? Feta late than never! Book international flights online at least 60 days in advance for a deal. “Shoulder season,” aka off-peak times, will save you even more. A September Europe trip means good weather without high prices and summer crowds. We’re talking a roundtrip for under $400!