Welcome back to AI for 30! This week, we're diving into Perplexity AI, a tool that's stirring up interest in our industry. Recent investor Jeff Bezos said Google search, as we know it, will be a thing of the past regarding internet searches. Perplexity AI is the future! Read more about their latest funding round HERE.

I've decided to spotlight a different AI innovation weekly instead of monthly to keep pace with the ever-evolving AI landscape. This approach ensures we stay at the forefront of AI advancements and harness their potential in our field.

On the Agenda This Week:

• Practical Guide: Step-by-step insights on utilizing Perplexity AI effectively.

• Futurepedia: Your AI tool resource to find the best AI tools and resources.

• AI Weekly Roundup: Catch up on the latest AI developments that matter to us.

For our newcomers: Welcome aboard! We embark on a journey through the AI universe weekly. My goal? To empower you with the knowledge to leverage these digital powerhouses in your operations or, at the very least, to build a foundational understanding that can spark innovation in your approach.

Let's dive in!

Perplexity AI:

Perplexity is an AI search engine that immediately delivers instant answers with access to sources, videos, and images. There are no ads or SEO fluff like you see with the search engines we’ve all grown accustomed to. I believe that perplexity is the future of search.

^{_{Here's a step-by-step guide to using it effectively:}}

1. Navigate to the Perplexity AI website:

Head over to https://www.perplexity.ai/. The homepage has a simple interface with a search bar at the top.

2. Formulate your question:

Think about what you want to learn or research. The more specific and well-defined your question, the better Perplexity AI can provide relevant information.

3. Enter your question and hit search:

Type your question into the search bar, click the blue arrow, or press Enter.

4. Explore the results:

Perplexity AI will present you with a summary of information related to your question. This summary includes:

• Key points: A concise overview of the main takeaways.

• Sources: Links to various resources like articles, books, forum discussions, etc. These sources are categorized (web, academic, books, etc.)

• Images: Relevant visuals to complement the information.

• Related questions: Suggestions for further exploration, leading to new threads of discovery.

5. Dig deeper Click on sources: Explore the linked resources to delve deeper into specific aspects of the topic.

• Ask follow-up questions: Use the "Ask a follow-up" bar below the summary to refine your search or explore specific details within the topic.

• Create an outline: Perplexity AI can even help you organize your research. Select "Generate Outline" from the bar below the summary to get a list of subtopics based on your question.

• Share your discoveries: Click the "Share" button to generate a link to your current search results, making it easy to collaborate with others on your research.

Tips for Success:

• Use clear and concise language: The more precise your question, the more accurate Perplexity AI's response will be.

• Refine your search: If you're unsatisfied with the results, try rephrasing your question or using the "Ask a follow-up" bar.

• Explore different sources: Don't just stick to the summary. Click on the linked resources to gain a deeper understanding of the topic.

• Think critically: Remember, Perplexity AI is a tool, not a definitive source of information. Evaluate the information it provides critically, considering the source and context.

Futurepedia: Your AI Tool Guide

Ever wanted a simple way to find out about AI tools? That's precisely what Futurepedia is! It's a website and app with many AI tools – over 3,500 in over 50 categories. Whether you're just starting to learn about AI or already know a bit, Futurepedia has something for you.

How to Use Futurepedia:

1. Start Exploring: Go to their website https://www.futurepedia.io/ or get their app on your phone, whether you use iOS or Android.

2. Look Around: They have many categories, like tools for creating stuff or making your work easier. Just search for what you need.

3. Read What Others Think: Found a tool you like? Check out what others say about it and compare it with others to see what's best for you.

4. Give it a Try: Many tools have free trials, so you can try them out immediately without spending money.

5. Learn More About AI: Futurepedia isn't just about finding tools. They have a blog and YouTube channel where you can learn cool things about AI.

Extra Tips:

• Narrow Down Your Search: Use the filters to find what you're looking for more easily, like sorting by price or rating.

• Check Out Their Blog and Videos: There's much to learn from their blog and YouTube channel, so don't miss out.

• Join the Community: Futurepedia has a community of people who like AI. You can join in, ask questions, and learn from others.

Futurepedia is more than a list of tools; it's your handy guide to the world of AI.

Top 5 AI News Stories of the Week (Dec 30th - Jan 5th):

1. OpenAI Turmoil Drives Users to Diversify: Source

• Summary: Following internal controversies like the Ilya Sutskever "dangerous discovery" warning and concerns about safety, major users like Microsoft and Canva are exploring alternative AI providers like Cohere and Anthropic AI. This could signal a shift in the landscape of generative AI.

2. Jeff Bezos Backs Google Challenger: Source

• Summary: Amazon founder Jeff Bezos injects $100 million into Perplexity AI, a startup aiming to compete with Google in search through its AI-powered approach that prioritizes understanding over keyword matching. This could spark a new era of competition in search.

3. AI Discovers "800 Years of Knowledge": Source

• Summary: DeepMind unveils its Gato system, trained on a massive dataset of text, code, and simulations, able to learn and perform a vast array of tasks across 604 different skills from playing video games to writing different kinds of creative content. This demonstrates the growing versatility and capacity of AI, prompting discussions about its potential applications and limitations.

4. Google Cookies Crumble, But Advertisers Scramble: Source

• Summary: Google's phase-out of third-party cookies throws the advertising industry into a tailspin. AI may play a key role in finding new solutions for targeted advertising in the post-cookie era, such as contextual targeting and privacy-preserving methods.

5. F1 Tests AI in the Fast Lane: Source 

• Summary: Formula One announces a trial run of AI during the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. This pilot program could pave the way for increased AI integration in motorsport, optimizing strategies and enhancing the viewing experience with real-time insights and driver coaching.