The Evolution of AI: A Personal Perspective on Recent Advances

 

The landscape of AI technology has seen remarkable transformations recently, particularly in search functionality. Platforms like Perplexity and the new search facility in ChatGTP have revolutionised how we interact with information. Instead of navigating through pages of links and advertisements, these tools now provide synthesised insights with clear source attribution. For example, when researching climate change impacts, these platforms don't just list scientific papers – they synthesize key findings while linking directly to peer-reviewed sources, making complex information more digestible and verifiable.

The emergence of AI agents represents another fascinating development in automation. I am intrigued by the possibilities that AI agents bring to the table. Unlike traditional AI models where you prompt them to complete specific tasks, an AI agent is designed to act more autonomously, such as booking travel or finding hotels on its own, without needing detailed step-by-step instructions. Ideally, an AI agent could carry out these tasks with minimal input, streamlining processes in a way that feels proactive. However, at this stage, it’s sometimes hard to distinguish these agents from standard automation tools, like Zapier, that already link tasks across different platforms. While I’ve read about the release of smaller AI agents, much of what they do still feels more like advanced automation than true independent “agent” behavior. It makes me wonder if the term “agent” is being used somewhat loosely, as many of these tools don’t yet seem to make decisions or adapt in the way we might expect from a true AI agent.

On another note, I’m genuinely impressed by Google’s NotebookLM. This tool offers a novel approach by turning documents into podcasts hosted by two virtual personalities. This has been incredibly helpful in teaching new topics, allowing me to upload material, which NotebookLM then organizes into an accessible audio format. The podcasts simplify complex material, making it more engaging. Google’s future plans to expand with multiple hosts could create a more dynamic, conversational experience, which I imagine could be useful across different learning environments. I even picture specific voices, like a British host, making the experience feel more customized. So far, it’s been invaluable for explaining challenging topics to my son in a way he can grasp, and I can see this extending to course creation as well.

For writing, I find GPT and Claude each have their strengths. GPT is excellent for quick tasks and coding, while Claude handles extended writing projects with ease. Together, they’ve become essential tools—almost like personal assistants—helping me brainstorm, plan, and even offering advice on daily matters.

Looking forward, the integration of these technologies suggests a future where AI doesn't just assist but actively enhances human creativity and learning. The key lies in using these tools thoughtfully, ensuring they amplify rather than replace human insight and discovery.