As a child, I was captivated by the futuristic technology depicted in the Disney Channel original movie Smart House. This fascination has only grown as I’ve delved into the world of artificial intelligence (AI) as a tech journalist for WIRED. However, my experience has shown me that the reality of AI is far from the hype and sci-fi depictions. Despite this, I still find AI tools to be useful, entertaining, and at times, frustrating. This belief has driven me to write a second season of our AI Unlocked newsletter, which aims to help readers experiment with AI tools while remaining realistic about their capabilities.
I want to take a moment to thank everyone who engaged with us about using AI. Your feedback and input have been invaluable in shaping the content of this new season. Through conversations with experts, trying out different tools, and gathering reader responses, I have gained a better understanding of the varied perspectives of WIRED readers. It is clear that many are interested in learning how AI can assist with personal tasks, improve writing skills, and which tools are worth exploring.
To accommodate the overwhelming interest in AI, we have expanded the newsletter to 10 daily installments, each focusing on a different topic related to using AI tools. From productivity to the dangers of relying on AI for medical advice, we will cover a range of important topics. Additionally, we have added a “Prompt Pro Tip” section to provide examples for practicing AI skills, as well as a “Mail Bag” section to address reader questions and concerns.
As always, the newsletter will include mini homework assignments to help readers practice and become more familiar with AI tools. Paid subscribers to WIRED will also have the opportunity to ask me questions during live video calls, details of which will be shared soon.
With so much information coming your way, I recommend creating a special folder in your email inbox for AI Unlocked. This way, you can easily access each installment and make the most of your interactions with AI tools. I am excited to share this new season with you and hope it will help you navigate the world of AI with confidence and realism.
