As scary as it sounds, 2024 is almost here. And while your focus may be on the holidays, it's also an excellent time to start thinking about what you want to accomplish next year — and how you will do it.
If being productive at work is on your list, many AI products can help you streamline your processes and get everything done — so you can spend more time doing fun things outside of work. AI tools can be indispensable allies in your daily routine, from managing your schedule to transcribing meetings and translating languages in real time.
However, before you start using AI for work purposes, it's crucial to be aware of any policies your company has about AI and third-party apps. You should also consider the ethical and legal implications of using these tools for work (especially if you deal with sensitive personal information).
Here's a rundown of the AI products that can help you be more productive in 2024.
Transcription and Meeting Notes
The way we handle meetings is changing thanks to AI-assisted products. Now, instead of taking notes or sharing a presentation in an email without all the context from an in-person, Zoom, or Google Meet call, AI makes it easier to focus on the discussion.
AI can transcribe a meeting as it’s happening and include screenshots of any presentation slides as part of the conversation so you know what you were looking at when certain things were mentioned.
Here are some options for meeting and transcription software and hardware that can make your work life easier.
Otter
This AI-powered transcription service is easy to use and usually accurate even when the background noise isn’t the best. You can use Otter's Chrome extension to record and transcribe conversations and meetings in real time. Or, you can invite it to join a video call so it can capture screenshots of presentations. Its transcriptions are searchable and detailed — including separating different speakers. There is a limited free version, or you can upgrade to a Pro plan for $10 a month.
Fireflies
Like Otter, Fireflies is an AI-driven tool for recording, transcribing, and analyzing meetings. It integrates seamlessly with various video conferencing platforms. Not only does it transcribe meetings, but it also offers features like keyword search and actionable insights from conversations, enhancing productivity and meeting efficiency. You can use Fireflies for free with limitations or upgrade to different tiers starting at $10 a month.
PLAUD Note
This transcription device is the size of a credit card and has just started shipping. It uses PLAUD AI software to convert spoken words into text in real-time — whether it be a call on your phone, a meeting, or your thoughts on a new project. The PLAUD Note is currently on Indiegogo but retails for $159. The PLAUD AI software is an additional charge, retailing at $119 a year.
Zoom AI Companion
Popular video conferencing software Zoom has AI-powered tools integrated directly into the platform. Zoom AI Companion can summarize meetings in real-time, offering a quick catch-up for those who join late or miss parts of the meeting. It also includes features for drafting emails and agendas based on meeting discussions. Zoom AI Companion is available to paid Zoom users, with plans starting at $149.90 a year.
AI Assistants
You’ve likely heard of them and probably already used them. Siri, Alexa, and Google Assistant are everywhere these days. These well-known AI assistants have become more advanced, seamlessly integrating into our devices.
AI assistants can help with schedule management, task automation, and providing instant information, which can be especially beneficial for work purposes.
To take full advantage of an AI assistant, consider using a few smart products for home, on the go, and at the office.
Apple iPhone 15
The iPhone 15 has a wide range of features that can be useful for work, from its powerful cameras to voice isolation for calls. Siri, Apple's AI assistant, excels in performing tasks and providing real-time information. Prices start at $799.
Google Pixel 8
This Google Pixel 8 is known for its sleek design, innovative AI-powered camera, and vibrant display. It also has Google Assistant seamlessly integrated, which offers a range of voice-controlled features from managing schedules to screening calls. Prices start at $699.
Apple Watch Series 9
The newest iteration of Apple's beloved smartwatch has a unique feature perfect for work — the ability to perform actions without ever touching the screen (or talking to Siri out loud). You can use hand gestures to send messages, make calls, or control smart home devices. Prices start at $399.
Samsung Galaxy Watch 6
The Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 has a sleek design and allows you to use Google Assistant for tasks like messaging and scheduling. You can also access a wide range of Google services directly from your wrist. Prices start at $229.99.
Echo Show 8
Amazon's Echo Show 8 combines a smart speaker with a screen and camera, enhancing Alexa's capabilities. It can play videos, make video calls, and show information visually, like the weather forecast. The Echo Show 8 is $149.99.
Nest Hub 2
Another smart speaker with a screen, the Nest Hub comes with Google Assistant. It can display photos, videos, and information from Google search and control smart home devices. The Nest Hub 2 is $99.99.
Project Management
Project management platforms now have AI integrations that can do everything from predicting project timelines to optimizing workflows and enhancing overall project efficiency.
Here are three project management tools that use AI to increase your productivity.
Trello
This visual project management tool is known for its simplicity and flexibility. Trello's AI integration includes features like Butler, which automates everyday tasks, sets reminders, and optimizes workflow processes, enhancing overall productivity and efficiency. Trello offers a free basic version, with advanced features available starting at $5 a month.
Asana
This popular project management platform has Asana Intelligence, an AI that can optimize workflows and answer your questions about projects — determining any potential blockers and next steps. Asana provides a free version for individuals and small teams. If you'd like to access Asana Intelligence, you'll have to upgrade to a paid plan starting at $10.99 a month.
Monday
With its AI integrations, Monday allows you to create custom workflows — including predictive analytics and automating repetitive tasks. It has a free version, but if you want to utilize automation, you'll need to upgrade to Monday's Standard plan, which costs $10 monthly.
Translation
Thanks to technology, we're more interconnected than ever, making overcoming language barriers even more crucial — especially in real-time.
At work, these tools can seamlessly translate discussions in multilingual meetings, ensuring clear understanding and effective communication among participants from different linguistic backgrounds.
When researching other companies, especially those in foreign markets, real-time translation tools can help you quickly understand and analyze critical information, from company websites to business reports.
Google Translate
Google Translate is a widely used free translation tool that supports over 100 languages. It's available in browsers and as a mobile app. Google Translate uses AI to translate text, speech, and images in real-time, making it incredibly useful for working abroad. And if you download languages, you can translate between them even when offline.
Microsoft Translator
This free translation app offers text, voice, and image translation in multiple languages. It can provide real-time conversation translation, making it ideal for business meetings and travel. Microsoft Translator also offers downloadable language packs for offline use.
Spelling and Grammar
Not everyone has perfect sentence structure, spelling, and grammar. If that’s you, there are AI tools available for various devices and platforms — from emails to documents and messages — that can detect errors, ensuring your written work is always accurate.
Grammarly
This popular AI-powered writing assistant helps correct grammar, punctuation, and style errors through real-time suggestions. Its browser extension and keyboard integration work across multiple platforms, including email clients, documents, and even in apps on your phone. You can use Grammarly for free and get basic writing suggestions with tone detection. If you upgrade to Grammarly Premium, which starts at $12 a month, it has additional features like full-sentence rewrites.
Hemingway Editor
Another app that improves the readability and clarity of written content, Hemingway Editor highlights any uses of passive voice, complex sentences, and other elements that can make writing less clear. It has both a free and paid version for $10 a month. With the paid version, you can use its AI editor to fix errors for you.
ProWritingAid
This comprehensive tool offers grammar checking, style editing, and over 25 reports to improve your writing — everything from your overall writing style to word choice and sentence structure. ProWritingAid offers a limited free version, with premium monthly plans starting at around $30.
