Four new AI tools caught my attention recently for solving specific problems well. They are free to try and quick to learn, and they point toward where AI is heading.
1. Lovart: Create a brand kit or marketing campaign with an AI design agent
Lovart’s conversational interface allows you to generate posters, social posts, branding kits, storyboards—even packaging. Unlike other image generation tools, you can generate dozens of images from a single prompt, then iterate on the results in a chat dialogue. You can also edit the images. I used an eraser to remove stray text in a promo poster.
- Pricing: Free (limited use), or $15 to $26/month billed annually for additional usage and pro models.
2. Little Language Lessons: Brush up on French, Spanish, or other languages
Polish your linguistic skills in three different ways using Google’s Little Language Lessons. Unlike Duolingo and Babbel, other subscription language-learning systems, this is completely free. It’s just for micro-learning—picking up some words, phrases, and grammar—not for developing full fluency.
- Tiny Lessons: Pick from a long list of languages and type in a scenario—like hosting a meeting or going to a concert. Learn related words and phrases.
- Slang Hang: Catch up on popular new chitchat by watching a conversation thread between native speakers. While listening, you’ll see the translation.
- Word Cam: Snap a picture to get translations of objects in the image, along with related phrases. Tip: Use this app on a mobile device—it will be handier for capturing images than your computer’s webcam.
3. Gemini Scheduled Actions: Set up simple AI automations
Scheduled actions are an emerging format where AI assistants send you personalised updates. You design the task and choose its frequency. ChatGPT Tasks, Perplexity Tasks, and Gemini’s Scheduled Actions are three I’ve been testing. Get notified when a task is completed by email, push notification, or within the app. Here are a few examples.
- Generate a summary of headlines on your niche topic. I get positive news memos to counter the weight of news negativity. Ask for one-sentence takeaways, source links, specific subtopics, or whatever else interests you.
- Get weather-related wardrobe suggestions. Create morning weather updates with outfit ideas based on a list of wardrobe items you provide for personalised guidance.
- Plan a creative spark moment. Get a daily—or weekly—prompt for a creative activity: writing, drawing, journaling, cooking, or whatever you love.
- Catch up on your favourite teams, shows, or bands. Request updates on your favourite artists or athletes. Unlike services like Google Alerts, these AI actions let you use natural language to detail your personal interests.
- Explore new restaurants to try. Ask for a weekly summary of new nearby eateries, cafés, or dessert spots, with whatever criteria matter to you most.
4. MyLens: Create an infographic from a link, YouTube video, or text
Creating infographics can be complicated and time-consuming. I’ve been experimenting with MyLens to convert raw material into visuals.
- How it works: Paste in text or upload a PDF, image, or CSV/Excel file. Or add a link to a site, article, or YouTube video.
- What you can make: Generate timelines, flowcharts, tables, or quadrant diagrams. Or upload data to create line, bar, or doughnut charts.
- Watch MyLens’s one-minute demo video to see it in action.
- Pricing: Free to create three non-editable, public infographics (“stories”) a day, or $9/month billed annually for 300 monthly editable creations.
- Alternatives: I’ve covered Napkin.ai, Venngage, and apps for creating timelines.
This article is republished with permission from Wonder Tools, a newsletter that helps you discover the most useful sites and apps. Subscribe here.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Jeremy Caplan is the director of teaching and learning at CUNY’s Newmark Graduate School of Journalism and the creator of the Wonder Tools newsletter.
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