AI updates for normies: what changed, what matters, and what to try next
All the tips, plus the video replay (for a limited time)
🎥The Video Replay (available for a limited time)
Autogenerated English subtitles are available
🤖 Model landscape: GPT, Claude, and friends
What we discussed
Most “AI chat” you see in apps routes to a major model like ChatGPT or Claude. Different models have different strengths and writing styles, and the paid tiers unlock extra features and reliability.
Why it matters:
Picking the right model for the task improves quality and cuts retries.
What you can do:
Keep both ChatGPT and Claude handy for A/B results
Use the paid tier if you rely on AI for work
Save good chats as reusable “workbenches” for ongoing projects
🧠 Thinking mode and agents: the big shift
What we discussed:
Modern models can “think” by planning steps internally and supervising their own progress. You define the problem; the model plans, searches, drafts, and revises. This looks like an “agent” that can orchestrate tools and return a fuller result.
Why it matters:
You write shorter prompts and get deeper work back, but you must still verify.
What you can do:
Say “think deeply” or choose a reasoning mode for complex tasks
Give clear goals and constraints; let the model plan the steps
Review outputs like you would a junior analyst’s work
🛠️ A real example: data-transform script in minutes
What we discussed:
We used extended “thinking” to generate a complete Python script that transformed a client’s Excel into a tax-import format, including runnable code and usage notes. Time saved: half a day or more.
Why it matters:
Reasoning modes turn multi-hour builds into review-and-run tasks.
What you can do:
Attach sample inputs and the target spec; request a single-file script
Ask for Windows and macOS run instructions
Test on a small subset before full batch runs
🔎 AI-first search: Perplexity and the Comet browser
What we discussed:
Instead of “search, click, back,” tools like Perplexity and the Comet browser run a research plan, read sources, and return a synthesized answer with citations. Great for product research and technical comparisons.
Why it matters:
You get a focused brief faster and with references to check.
What you can do:
Write the query like a brief: goals, constraints, exclusions
Let it run; then skim the sources panel before deciding
Save the best prompts for repeatable research tasks
🎨 Media generation and deepfakes: fun and risk
What we discussed:
Image and video models have leapt forward (e.g., Sora video demos), making creative mockups trivial but also enabling convincing deepfakes. Casual projects are easier; skepticism is mandatory.
Why it matters:
Quality is up, friction is down, and verification is critical.
What you can do:
Prototype visuals with modern image tools, but confirm facts elsewhere
Treat viral videos with caution; look for original sources
Keep sensitive images and likenesses out of public training reach
✍️ Prompting in 2025: short briefs vs. system prompts
What we discussed:
Two workable styles: concise briefs that trigger “thinking,” and longer system prompts that lock the model into a specific role and workflow. Both are useful; choose based on task complexity.
Why it matters:
Right-sized prompting reduces iteration and improves consistency.
What you can do:
For fast tasks: short goal, constraints, and success criteria
For repeatable workflows: maintain a detailed system prompt
Ask the model to generate a checklist before it starts
Key takeaways - your TL;DR checklist
Use the right model for the job; keep GPT and Claude in your toolkit
Turn on “thinking” or ask to “think deeply” for complex work
Provide real inputs and specs; review outputs like an editor
Try AI-first search for research briefs, but verify sources
Enjoy new media tools and stay alert to deepfakes
Tools and links mentioned
ChatGPT and Claude for complementary strengths
Perplexity and the Comet browser for AI-first search and summaries
Image and video tools including Sora-style demos; Flux for images; audio tools like 11labs Music and Beethoven for licensed tracks
Long-form system prompts for repeatable workflows; short briefs for quick “thinking” tasks
“On Working with Wizards” - Ethan Mollick - https://www.oneusefulthing.org/p/on-working-with-wizards
Intro to AI agents - https://medium.com/@aleixlopez/introduction-to-ai-agents-62a790d0bc22
Wildcard Wednesday returns next month
Second Wednesday at 12:00 PM Pacific. No slides. No sales pitch. Just practical tech you can actually use.
📆 Mark your calendars for high noon Pacific, the second Wednesday of every month!
You never know what we’ll get into next. But you will walk away smarter.
👉 Got a topic or question you want to bring up next time? Just reply and let me know.
In the meantime, if you need a hand or want to explore any of these topics further, you know where to reach me. 😉
Founder, Passkey Peacemaker ☮️
