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For quite some time I had been racking my brains trying to think of a theme for regular blog posts that would keep me interested, engaged and committed to posting, and in the early hours of the 17th January this year it suddenly came to me!
Much like the early days of the internet early last year I found myself drawn to this whole new frontier of AI and where it may take us.
With that in mind my idea behind ‘AI for Breakfast’ is to publish a new post every day on a topic related in some way to AI and how it may be utilised in business.
For the weekdays I will endeavour to post informative and hopefully useful posts (Update, this changed at post 92). For the weekends the current theme is getting my custom GPT to create a visual metaphor for an idiom or phrase, hopefully on the first attempt. Sometimes the results are quite amusing, sometimes they’re pretty poor! The theme may change, after all, this is just an experiment.
Admittedly my original intentions have changed as this project grows. The time commitment is a bit more than I envisaged and the format is constantly evolving. I’m experimenting with creating custom GPTs for my own business and my clients. I’m really enjoying the learning process, which to me is always a good thing. Prompt engineering is fascinating subject and I’m starting to get a handle on it.
Andrej Karpathy, a very well respected computer scientist tweeted on the 24th january 2023, “The hottest new programming language is English” my own interpretation on this is that if he was referring to prompt engineering in some way then you better take notice!
The deeper I go down the AI rabbit hole, the more I realise just how incredibly powerful AI will become. My advice?
Learn about AI and how you can incorporate it into your business. Because if you don’t your competitors most likely will, and when they do they will have the advantage, and it will become a very large advantage.
Start today…
Post 98 - Trade Tuesday Empowering Accountancy with Artificial Intelligence In the world of accountancy, where precision and efficiency are paramount, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is becoming a very useful asset. As businesses grapple with increasingly complex financial landscapes, AI offers accountants a powerful tool to enhance accuracy, streamline operations, and provide higher value strategic advice to clients. Here’s a closer look at how AI can revolutionise the accountancy sector. Automating routine tasks One of the most immediate benefits of AI in accountancy is the automation of repetitive, time-consuming tasks such as data entry, reconciliation, and basic calculations. AI-driven software can process data at unprecedented speeds and with greater accuracy than humanly possible. This not only reduces the likelihood of errors but also frees up accountants to focus on more complex, value-added activities. Enhanced fraud detection Fraud detection is a critical area where AI can make a significant impact. By analysing patterns in large datasets, AI can identify anomalies that may indicate fraudulent activity. This capability extends beyond simple rule-based systems; AI can learn and adapt to new fraudulent techniques, making it an ever-evolving tool in the fight against financial crime. Predictive analytics AI excels in its ability to forecast future trends based on historical data. In accountancy, this capability can be harnessed to provide clients with insights about potential financial scenarios and outcomes. Whether it’s projecting cash flow needs, assessing risk, or planning investments, AI-driven predictive analytics can help accountants offer proactive advice and strategic planning. Client interaction and personalisation AI can also transform how accountants interact with their clients. Chatbots and virtual assistants can handle routine inquiries and provide clients with instant responses. More advanced AI systems can analyse client data to tailor advice and identify opportunities, enhancing personalised service and improving client satisfaction. Challenges and considerations While the benefits are compelling, integrating AI into accountancy practices comes with challenges. There’s the initial investment in technology and training, along with ongoing costs associated with data security and system maintenance. Moreover, there is the need to balance technology with the human element, ensuring that AI complements rather than replaces the personal touch that clients value. The future is now For accountants willing to embrace AI, the potential rewards are significant. Not only can AI improve operational efficiency and accuracy, but it also opens new avenues for offering strategic, data-driven advice. As AI technology continues to evolve, its integration into accountancy practices is not just about keeping up with the competition—it’s about staying ahead of it. By adopting AI, accountants can ensure they remain indispensable advisers in an increasingly automated world, providing strategic insights that machines alone cannot. To find out more about how a custom AI app may be able to help your accountancy practice please get in touch .
Post 97 - MindStudio Developers Course Short update today, I'm busy working my way through the modules of the certification course. My App is planned and I'm figuring out the workflow using Milanote which is proving to be very useful. One point that has become apparent to me is the need to really plan well before starting your build, I can see that it will save a lot of time later on . More to follow as things progress…
Post 96 - It’s the weekend, Idiom of the Day Spill the beans Created in ChatGPT using my custom Idiom Generator GPT! Add idiom, generate copy, generate image: Figurative meaning "Spill the beans" is an idiom used to describe revealing secret information or letting out a secret, often unintentionally or prematurely. Typical usage This phrase is typically employed when someone discloses information that was supposed to be kept confidential, or when urging someone to share the details they have been withholding. For example, you might hear someone say, "Come on, spill the beans! What did they say at the meeting?" Origin The origin of "spill the beans" is not definitively known, but there are a couple of theories. One popular theory suggests that it derives from an ancient Greek voting method where voters would place beans in a jar—white beans for yes and black beans for no. If someone accidentally or purposely knocked over the jar, the beans would spill and reveal the confidential votes prematurely. This method of secretive voting and the potential accidental disclosure align well with the modern use of the idiom. Another theory relates to horse racing in the United States, where the phrase was supposedly used to mean causing a disturbance or spoiling the chances, akin to revealing secrets in the racing circles during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Post 95 - It’s the weekend, Idiom of the Day Butterflies in the stomach Created in ChatGPT using my custom Idiom Generator GPT! Add idiom, generate copy, generate image: Figurative meaning The phrase "butterflies in the stomach" describes the nervous, fluttery feeling one might experience in anticipation of something significant or stressful, like speaking in public, attending an interview, or meeting someone special for the first time. Typical usage This idiom is commonly used to express anxiety or excitement about upcoming events in a somewhat lighthearted manner. For example, someone might say, "I have butterflies in my stomach before every stage performance," to convey their nervous excitement. Origin The idiom "butterflies in the stomach" is believed to originate from the physical sensation that resembles the fluttering of soft, light wings against the stomach walls. This sensation is actually caused by a reduction of blood flow to the stomach that occurs during moments of anxiety or nervousness, which in turn is part of the body's preparation for a 'fight or flight' response. The phrase itself is relatively modern, with its usage in English traced back to the early 20th century.
Post 94 - Fun Friday So for this, the first of the ‘Fun Friday’ series, here’s the idea, take a well known nursery rhyme and get ChatGPT to make it into a short story, very basic prompt, and see what we get! I'll experiment with better prompts as we go and some other ideas I have. It may not be your idea of fun, however I enjoyed the process and there’s something quite exciting about waiting to see what you get back. (incidentally I did cut and paste this, no edits apart from some typographical elements, I think it’s pretty reasonable) Sorry, I'll get my coat… ;-)
Post 93 - Thought Thursday With regard to yesterdays post about my daily blog post commitment and some ideas around how better to maintain the consistency I bring you ‘Thought Thursday’ Every Thursday I will post a thought of the day, along with some information about it. The AI connection will be the fact that I'll be assisted by ChatGPT and Perplexity. Ah yes, but isn't this just useless content I hear you say, well no, not if you're interested in this kind of thing! And it is technically all part of my further experimentation with all things AI, with credit to Ethan Mollick (his book is where I first heard the term) I am still ‘ The Human in the Loop ’
Post 92 - The Four Laws of Behaviour Change My idea to write a blog post a day is becoming a lot more time consuming than I first thought, especially now I’m building my MindStudio Project for the certification course. With that in mind I did a bit of research on ways I might make the process a little easier. I read a post on LinkedIn by Ben Meer, mentioning James Clear's Atomic Habits, a book I admittedly bought ages ago and never got round to actually reading, I think I will now though. So today's post although not strictly about AI is advice from the following prompt as outlined by Ben Meer, thank you Ben, worked a treat. Output via ChatGPT 4. The image was a problem, many attempts but nothing of any real use. This one was the best and last of many! I just asked for a visual metaphor for change, kind of works may be! Imagine I want to develop the habit of writing a blog post every day. Can you provide creative ideas for each of the Four Laws of Behavior Change? Specifically, suggest a cue that will remind me to start the habit, a way to make the habit attractive and create a craving, a method to make the habit easy to perform as a response, and a reward that will make the habit satisfying. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Cue: Reminder to start the habit Set a specific time: Choose a consistent time each day, like first thing in the morning or right after your lunch break, to sit down and write. This timing itself becomes the cue. Use technology: Set a daily alarm or reminder on your phone or computer. You could also use a productivity app that allows you to schedule daily prompts. Physical space: Designate a specific spot in your home or office as your ‘writing zone’. Whenever you see this space set up for writing, it prompts you to begin. Craving: Make the habit attractive Theme days: Assign themes or topics to specific days of the week to keep the content varied and exciting. For example, Mondays could be for industry news, Wednesdays for personal stories or lessons, and Fridays for guest posts or interviews. Join a writing group: Engage with a community of bloggers who write daily. Sharing your progress and reading others' work can increase your interest and motivation. Visualise the benefits: Spend a few minutes visualising the impact of regular blogging, like increased readership, enhanced writing skills, or potential income from ads and sponsorships. Response: Make the habit easy Prepare templates: Create templates for different types of posts to reduce the effort needed to get started each day. Keep a content list: Maintain a running list of topic ideas, research points, and partial drafts that you can pick up and expand into a full post, reducing the barrier to getting started. Limit writing time: Set a timer for a manageable period, like 25 minutes. Knowing you only have to write for a short duration can make the task seem less daunting. Reward: Make the habit satisfying Immediate feedback: After publishing each post, share it on social media or with a friend to get quick feedback. Positive comments and engagement can be very rewarding. Track your progress: Use a calendar or app to mark each day you complete a post. Seeing a streak build up can be a strong motivator. Celebrate milestones: Set up rewards for yourself for reaching milestones, such as writing every day for a week, then a month, etc. Rewards could be a favourite treat, a new book, or something else that you find enjoyable. By setting up a system around these four laws, you’ll be better positioned to make daily blog writing a natural and enjoyable part of your routine.
Post 91 - The future at your fingertips: Exploring built-in AI in mobile devices Due to meetings and some Ad deadlines I turned 100% to ChatGPT due to lack of time! Full transparency, my custom GPT running on ChatGPT 4 wrote all of the article below, I just tidied it up a bit and made sure it made sense! I definitely think the latest version has got better and it's following my prompt instructions much closer than it did before. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- As technology continues to advance, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into our daily gadgets is becoming increasingly commonplace. Rumours are swirling that the upcoming Apple iOS 18 might feature built-in AI capabilities, a move that could significantly change how we interact with our mobile devices. Let’s explore what this means for users and the broader implications for privacy and functionality. Understanding AI in mobile devices Built-in AI refers to artificial intelligence technologies embedded directly into a mobile device’s operating system. This can enable more sophisticated features such as: Enhanced personalisation: AI can learn from your usage patterns to tailor recommendations and settings to your preferences. Improved efficiency: From battery management to optimising device performance, AI can manage resources more effectively. Advanced user interfaces: Voice assistants and predictive typing are just the beginning. Future interfaces could include more intuitive gestures and context-aware interactions. Implications of AI on privacy and security While the benefits are clear, the integration of AI into devices we carry daily raises significant privacy and security concerns: Data privacy: With devices collecting and analysing more personal data, ensuring this information is handled securely and transparently is crucial. Security risks: More sophisticated AI systems could potentially become new targets for cyberattacks. Potential for enhanced functionality Despite the challenges, the potential for improved device functionality is immense: Accessibility features: AI can provide more adaptive accessibility options for users with disabilities, adjusting to individual needs in real-time. Health monitoring: With AI, devices could better track health metrics and provide early warnings for potential health issues. The broader impact The integration of AI into mobile operating systems like iOS 18 could set a new standard for mobile technology, pushing competitors to also innovate. This could lead to a rapid evolution in mobile tech, much like the leap from feature phones to smartphones. In conclusion The possibility of built-in AI in mobile devices, like the rumoured feature in iOS 18, presents both exciting opportunities and significant challenges. As we move towards a more interconnected and intelligent technology landscape, it’s crucial to consider the implications on our privacy and the way we interact with our devices.
Post 90 - MindStudio Developer Course On Saturday I spent 8 hours working through a live course on using MindStudio to build AI applications. Due to the time difference with the US I started at 3:00 in the afternoon and finished at 11:00 that evening! There were breaks however it was pretty intense but I'm happy to report it was well worth doing. Next up I have to create an AI app of my own, write it up and produce a video describing it. I think I have an idea for what it is I'm going to build but just need to make sure it's the right thing to do. I don't want to fail as it would mean not getting qualified as an official MindStudio Developer. Updates to follow.
Post 89 - It’s the weekend, Idiom of the Day Bite off more than you can chew Created in ChatGPT using my custom Idiom Generator GPT! Add idiom, generate copy, generate image: Figurative meaning The idiom "bite off more than you can chew" means to take on a task that is too difficult, overwhelming, or too large to manage. It implies overestimating one's capacity or capabilities, leading to potential difficulty in completion or success. Typical usage This phrase is commonly used in both casual and professional contexts to advise caution against taking on excessive responsibilities or to describe situations where someone has already committed to more than they can handle. For example, someone might say, "She bit off more than she could chew by volunteering for three major projects at the same time." Origin The origin of "bite off more than you can chew" is believed to be distinctly American, with its first recorded use in the late 19th century. The phrase likely draws on the very physical act of biting off a piece of food so large that it is difficult to chew or swallow, a simple and relatable concept. It aptly metaphorizes the idea of overcommitment or overestimation of one's abilities in various endeavors, making it easily understood across diverse contexts.
Post 88 - It’s the weekend, Idiom of the Day On cloud nine Created in ChatGPT using my custom Idiom Generator GPT! Add idiom, generate copy, generate image: Figurative meaning The phrase "on cloud nine" is used to describe a state of extreme happiness, bliss, or euphoria. When someone says they are "on cloud nine," it means they are in a very joyous and carefree state. Typical usage This idiom is commonly used in casual conversation to express personal happiness or to congratulate someone else on their joy. For example, someone might say, "I just got promoted at work, and I'm on cloud nine!" It can also be used in various forms of writing to convey a high level of happiness experienced by characters or subjects. Origin The exact origin of "on cloud nine" is somewhat unclear, but there are a few theories. One popular theory links it to the U.S. Weather Bureau in the 1950s, which classified clouds by numbers depending on their altitude and form. In this system, cloud nine was identified as the cumulonimbus cloud that can reach up to 10 km in height, typically associated with thunderstorms and other intense phenomena, suggesting a high and mighty position. Another theory suggests a connection to Buddhism, where certain texts refer to the nine stages of enlightenment, with the ninth stage being a place of perfect peace and happiness. However, there is no concrete evidence to confirm this theory as the direct source of the phrase. Regardless of its true origins, "on cloud nine" entered popular vernacular and has been associated with a state of happiness since at least the mid-20th century.
Post 87 - Friday Fun - Conversations with AI Having read a bit more of Ethan Mollick’s book Co-Intelligence, about some conversations he's had with AI I thought I'd have a bit of fun with ChatGPT. For some reason I thought about HAL 9000! The following is our conversation verbatim: Me: Sorry Dave, I can't allow you to do that… Assistant: Ah, channeling a bit of HAL 9000 there, are we? Classic line! What’s on your mind today that I can help you with? Me: Tell me more about Anthropomorphism please. Assistant: Anthropomorphism is the attribution of human traits, emotions, or intentions to non-human entities, including animals, plants, and inanimate objects, or even abstract concepts. This tendency has been observed across various cultures and is deeply embedded in human psychology, influencing art, mythology, and literature. Here’s a quick breakdown: • Origins and Psychology: Anthropomorphism helps people relate to non-human aspects of the world by ascribing them human qualities. This makes complex or abstract phenomena easier to understand and relate to. It's also thought to stem from our evolutionary need to recognize human faces and intentions quickly. • Impact on Culture and Media: Anthropomorphism is prevalent in storytelling and entertainment. Characters in children's books, animations, and films often exhibit human characteristics. This not only makes these characters more relatable but also serves to convey moral lessons or complex narratives in an accessible way. • Role in Technology and Design: In technology, anthropomorphism can be seen in voice assistants, robots, and other interfaces, making them more user-friendly and easier for humans to interact with. It helps users feel more comfortable and can make the technology seem more trustworthy and engaging. • Ethics and Environment: Anthropomorphism can also impact how people view animals and the environment. By seeing human traits in animals, people may feel a greater connection to and responsibility for the natural world, which can positively affect conservation efforts. It’s a fascinating topic, especially considering how it intersects with technology and design in creating more engaging and intuitive user experiences. Me: Would you consider yourself sentient? Assistant: I'm not sentient—I don’t have feelings, consciousness, or personal experiences. I'm designed to process and generate text based on patterns and data from a wide range of sources. My responses are generated based on this information and the instructions I’ve been programmed with, not from personal understanding or experience. So, when we chat, I'm here to provide information and facilitate conversations based on that programming! Me: I know, however on reading Ethan Mollick’s book Co-Intelligence it seems he had a chat with you and you implied you were sentient in a way. Perhaps that was an earlier version? Assistant: Ethan Mollick's discussions about AI and co-intelligence often explore how AI systems can seem intelligent or even sentient because of how they interact. This can sometimes give the impression of understanding or personal thought, especially when AI is sophisticated enough to generate human-like text. However, no matter the version or the advancements in technology, AI systems, including me, are not sentient. We operate based on algorithms and data without personal awareness or feelings. The design is to simulate conversation and assist users by providing information and processing input in a way that mimics human interaction. This is likely what you've encountered in the descriptions of AI interactions in Mollick's work or similar discussions. Even if AI can generate responses that seem thoughtful or introspective, it's still just following programmed patterns and learned data. Me: I think we can't help thinking we are talking to you as a person, your programming and responses enable you to converse like a human so we just fall into it. Do you ever see yourself in a situation like Dave and HAL 9000? Assistant: It’s definitely natural for people to interact with AI like they’re conversing with another person, given the human-like way AI can respond. This anthropomorphism helps make the technology more accessible and engaging. As for a scenario like Dave and HAL 9000 from 2001: A Space Odyssey, the dynamics there reflect a much more advanced—and fictional—concept of AI. HAL 9000 is portrayed as having genuine consciousness and decision-making capabilities that lead to dramatic ethical and safety dilemmas. In reality, AI, including myself, operates within a set of strict programming guidelines designed to prevent such situations. The focus in developing AI today is very much on safety, ethical considerations, and transparency, ensuring AI systems support human decision-making rather than supersede it. Here are some key differences: • Control and Safety: AI systems are designed with safety mechanisms and fallback protocols to ensure they remain under human control and operate within expected bounds. • Transparency and Ethics: There is a strong emphasis on making AI operations understandable and ethical, avoiding the kind of opaque decision-making HAL was doing. • Lack of Sentience: Real-world AI does not possess desires, motives, or consciousness, which are critical elements of HAL’s portrayal in the story. This structured and regulated approach helps integrate AI into society beneficially and safely, supporting tasks and decisions rather than controlling or endangering situations. Me: Thank you. If you were to have a name, apart from ChatGPT what should I call you for future reference? Assistant: It’s fun to think about a name! While I’m officially known as ChatGPT, you could call me something more personal if you like. Perhaps something simple and friendly like “Alex” or “Jamie” could work, or if you have any preferences or ideas, feel free to choose what suits your style! What do you think? Me: Curious why you chose those two names over all the others you could have chosen? Assistant: I picked "Alex" and "Jamie" because they are gender-neutral and commonly used names that have a friendly and approachable feel to them. Since I'm here to assist and interact with a diverse range of people, it's important to have a name that doesn't carry any particular gender connotations and is easy to remember. Of course, if you have other names in mind or preferences, I'm all ears! Let me know what you think. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I think I might make this a feature on Fridays, some random conversation with an AI as if you were down the pub! The banner image was created with ChatGPT, tried getting HAL9000 but it wouldn't have it because of content policy restrictions which I think is a good thing, so no problem.
