#LIFEHACKS

These 6 Free Online AI Tools Can Help You Work Smarter

AI is making its way into all aspects of our lives, so it won’t hurt to learn to harness these tools.

By Sean Yee        1 October 2024

Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning aren’t exactly novel concepts. However, never in our lifetime has this computational discipline been as compelling as it is today. Ever since ChatGPT’s grand reveal, the field has seen a surge of activity, with many intrepid developers leveraging this newfound capability to reinvent our daily way of life. 

We’ve rounded up 6 AI-integrated online assistants that are intended to uplift your personal and professional productivity. They’re free to use (for now), so why not give them a go?

Create image galleries with Clipchamp

ClipchampSo, you have a bunch of static images, and you want to present them in the most appropriate manner possible. Perhaps it’s for a party, a school project or even a business meeting. Typically, this motion gallery would entail hours of work which will mostly be spent deciding and working on its aesthetic tone, enhancing the clarity of your images and experimenting with your choice of music and style.

Well, Clipchamp by Microsoft has recently introduced a tool that condenses hours of work into minutes. All you need to do is upload the images you want in your gallery, choose one of the few predetermined style options (or have AI pick it for you), determine your video’s duration and you’re done. Now, it isn’t perfect, but it lays a great foundation for you to work and expand on with Clipchamp’s own editing software. 

Sure, you won’t get cinematic videos with this AI tool (or any AI video-editing software available for private use), but it fits the bill if you’re looking to curate a quick and elegant presentation deck. 


Source for images with Microsoft Bing Image Creator

Bing Image Creator

Prior to the advent of commercial AI, most designers depended on stock image libraries as their go-to source for images, videos and other visual content. But most of these image libraries require a paid subscription. This will soon change with the capabilities of Microsoft Bing Image Creator. Better described as a malleable open canvas than a stock image platform, this AI-driven experimental creator utilises pattern-learning to generate countless images inspired by just a simple user prompt. 

Currently free-to-use, this intuitive tool presents limitless opportunities for content creators to decide on the best visual representation of the ideas and vision they want to convey. Just one caveat though: While the AI designer does well to invent caricature art and semi-realistic sketches, it fails to truly mimic real-time photography. 

Alternatively, consider joining SAFRA’s Content Creator Club, a community of photographers, videographers and social media experts looking to refine their craft! Not only do you get discounts on workshops and courses, youll also get 50% off SAFRA’s digital darkroom and photo studio booking! 


Make beautiful slides with Slidesgo

Slidesgo

Public speaking can be daunting enough without the added pressure of creating a beautiful set of slides to accompany your presentation. And understandably so, as an impressive PowerPoint can knock your audience’s socks off just as much as a poorly designed one can knock you down a peg. Well, with Slidesgo, you may never have to create your own PowerPoint deck ever again.  

It’s really easy to use – simply key in your desired topic, indicate your preferred tone and choose one of many predetermined layouts. In a matter of seconds (literally), you’ll get an entire deck that not just discusses your subject matter, but also breaks it down into sub-points for further elaboration. It may even contribute additional insights or angles that you may not have thought of yourself! 

Finally, an app that lets you spend more time in front of a mirror practising your speech than in front of a computer. 

Do your slides justice with a confident and well-crafted address! Learn from international public speaking champion Darren Tay at Public Speaking Academy on how you can “express to impress”. SAFRA members enjoy 15% off course fees. You can find more information at safra.sg/public-speaking-academy


Write better with QuillBot

Quillbot

Surely, there’s been at least one instance where you’re stuck in your chair staring at a blank page, contemplating how you can reinvent, beautify and enliven an idea with the written word. These episodes will soon became less frequent with the prevalence of online grammar reviewers. 

Quillbot is arguably one of the most successful integrators of AI in an online writing tool. With an interface that is pretty much self-explanatory, it arms you with an effective arsenal brimming with impactful synonyms and syntax recommendations. For less experienced writers who require more than just over-the-top lexicons, QuillBot Flow generates an entire essay framework that elucidates your abstract ideas and concepts into digestible and expandable bits. 

Effective writing skills are still an essential foundation. LCentral at SAFRA Punggol’s curriculum for N1 to P6 students covers literary appreciation, oratory mastery and storytelling. SAFRA members get a one-off 10% discount and priority enrolment. Find out more at safra.sg/lcentral-english


Create a website for your business with Wix AI Website Creator

Wix Website AI Creator

Creating a website doesn’t have to be a complex matter. Long-time web developer Wix has finally leveraged AI to provide users with an alternative approach to website creation that is both automated and personalised. Almost akin to a patron informing his tailor of his inclinations and preferences, you begin the process by answering a few questions posed by an AI bot, some of which includes your website’s purpose, core functionalities and goals. It will then set up an entire webpage befitting your responses, essentially doing most of the heavy lifting for you.

Whether you’re looking to start up a minimalistic online journal or a fully-fledged digital business, this AI web creation tool ensures that the groundwork is laid out for you to begin your desired venture. 


Get key takeaways with Recall

Recall AI

Imagine having to skim through a 30-page academic paper or a 15-page business proposal just to outline one to two key ideas. Now, imagine doing this exact same thing multiple times. Information-bloat is a very real problem for both students and professionals as it takes away valuable time that could be better spent elsewhere. 

Recall alleviates a lot of this time-dump by succinctly summarising any publication that you may come across online. Input the link and almost instantly, it outlines the key takeaways in point form that makes it easy to absorb and memorise (hence, the name). It also suggests additional readings in the form of embedded links in case you want to explore the subject matter further. 


Honorable Mentions:

Groove to your vibe with Spotify AI DJ

Spotify AI DJ

Spotifys latest feature adds a personalised DJ that operates whenever you need it! It curates a playlist based on your listening history and musical tastes, delivering a balanced mix of familiar tracks and new discoveries for your studious pursuits.


Summarise your notes with Notebook LM

Notebook LM

A reinvention of traditional note-taking, Notebook LM utilises AI to summarise your notes into succinct points that spotlight the most crucial learning points. It is also capable of expanding your notes by expounding on the subject matter, as well as generating new ideas for brainstorming.


Want more articles like this, and other lifestyle content right in your inbox? Download the new SAFRA mobile app and opt in for the eNSman Newsletter – you don’t need to be a SAFRA member to subscribe – and never miss another story!