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The world seems to be divided into two camps: those excited about AI, and those terrified by it.
Personally, I swing wildly between both camps, depending mostly on what I just read on news sites or socials.
It’s clear that modern AI is one of the biggest revolutions in the history of computing — perhaps the biggest ever. It’s incredibly exciting to have truly smart machines working alongside us. But will it take my job and yours? 🤷 That part is not so fun.
My best guess is reflected in the memes: AI won’t take your job; someone using AI will.
The world’s probably going to change more in the next few years than it has in decades, and those who master AI will be the ones who thrive (along with plumbers, carpenters and other blue-collar professionals).
The good news is that it’s just starting. It’s not too late. Right now is a great time to learn about what’s coming. My friend Graham Bower, a graphic designer by trade, just spent most of last year learning how to use new AI coding tools to update his creaky old fitness app.
He’s written up his experience as 10 tips, and the lessons are universal. His tips don’t just apply to coders. The same techniques likely apply to every white-collar job out there.
Graham’s post actually makes me excited. It makes AI sound like something an unemployable old dinosaur like me could actually master. Perhaps the future’s not so bleak after all!
Also in today’s newsletter:
I have no idea why it took Apple years and years to add this essential iPhone feature to the latest macOS beta. But it’s more than welcome.
And the new iOS beta contains a surprising number of new features for a dot release. As a music nut, I’m looking forward to the new concerts feature in Apple Music.
Racing to beat Jony Ive and OpenAI, Apple’s rushing out some new AI wearables.
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🔥 DEAL OF THE DAY: This Bluetooth boombox from Soundcore sounds fantastic and is rugged enough to take anywhere. (It’s waterproof and it even floats!) It’s refurbished, but that just means it’s extra cheap.
Here’s another thing that took Apple a surprisingly long time to get around to: upgrading video in the Podcasts app. As a video podcaster myself, this also looks great.
We have a deal on a voice-messaging app that lives inside your email, making it faster and easier to respond to messages verbally. I haven’t yet seen this in my own inbox, but it looks pretty intriguing.
— Leander Kahney, EIC.
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One more thing ...
When I got started I was 20 or 21, and my role models were the semiconductor guys like Robert Noyce and Andy Grove of Intel, and of course Bill Hewlett and David Packard. They were out not so much to make money as to change the world and to build companies that could keep growing and changing. They left incredible legacies…. The rewarding thing isn't merely to start a company or to take it public. It's like when you're a parent. Although the birth experience is a miracle, what's truly rewarding is living with your child and helping him grow up.
Today’s poll
Which new Apple AI product sounds the most intriguing?
Results from yesterday’s poll: What are you most hoping to see at Apple's March event?
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