Artificial Intelligence — What Is It, and Should I Be Using It?

What is Artificial Intelligence? According to IBM, “Artificial intelligence (AI) is technology that enables computers and machines to simulate human learning, comprehension, problem-solving, decision-making, creativity, and autonomy.”

So, what does that mean, and how can I use it effectively to improve my business operations or personal life?

When we are talking business or personal life, it is all about repeatable successes. This means if you have a task and can break it down to specific steps…in a specific order…and expect the same successful result, that is a winning formula as well as something that is probably scalable for your business! If it is repeatable, then AI can be used to automate many of the steps.

The first issue you need to understand about AI is a problem we call hallucination. No kidding, AIs can and do hallucinate. What does this mean? As an example, recently a law firm was using AI to write briefs. When the AI could not find cases to cite to support their position, it made them up. Obviously, when the judge realized the cases cited did not exist, they lost. If you use AI, you need to validate/check anything provided to make sure it is legit and not from a made-up source or a source that is really sarcasm.

At a minimum and probably your 1st usage of AI will be looking up information. I always recommend you ask for sources when you place the question. Example: “How do you grow orchids and include sources?” Instead of just a list of related sources, the AI will summarize the data from multiple sources into a single, cohesive list of steps or data. Your next usage will probably be productivity. For example, a realtor might ask, “Write a property description that is approximately 250 words long for XYZ address in Tom Perry tone”. Property features include open floor plan, newly remodeled kitchen with stainless steel commercial grade appliances, etc….. This will result within about 15 seconds a completely written property description with all the unique features you stated as well as whatever the AI can find from various public sources (Ex: square feet, year built, etc….) written in a style of the public figure requested. You need to review it for validity and make any changes you think are appropriate. For realtors, this is a major time saver. With the help of various IT specialists, your online responses or even internal business processes could be executed by an AI, resulting in saving lots of money on labor costs.

Some popular AIs that specialize in various areas are:

If this is the start of your usage for AI in your business, I really recommend you talk to someone like me to review your business processes, your current level of AI usage, and let me help you figure out how AI can improve your productivity and cut costs.

Smart Appliances — Washer and Dryer

Smart appliances are the latest upgrade in appliances. Let’s look at some washer/dryer options.

Something to always remember is that a smart appliance is normally connected to your Wi-Fi network. This means that it connects to the internet. You should ALWAYS have a separate fire walled off network for your “smart” appliances. Why — because they don’t get security updates like your computer or cell phone, and therefore overtime can become a major network security threat! If you don’t have the “guest” network turned on in your home or business router…or have no idea what I am talking about, please give me a call BEFORE you start adding “smart” appliances to your home.

The Spruce has a nice list of the pros/cons for some 2025 washer/dryer smart model sets: Link: https://www.thespruce.com/best-washer-dryer-sets-4109183. Some models I personally like because of specific features are:

Really look at your smart appliances’ options. Most people prefer to stick with one brand because of various integrated features and phone app controls, but that may not be the best option for you. Give me a call/text/email if you need some help.

Smart Appliance — Refrigerators

There has been a general shift in home appliances to become “smart”. This is both a great upgrade and a major source of end user frustration.

First — Do you want or even really need a “smart” appliance. As with any device, as it becomes more powerful with more features, you have more opportunities for it to break, wear out, and increase cost. You should always review the new “smart” features and ask yourself if the benefits outweigh the risks. Typically, anything smart will need Wi-Fi access, periodic software updates, and a user (or close friend/family member) who can handle technical issues. As with anything connected to the internet, there are some security risks, so you need to ensure you have appropriate security in place.

Second — Make sure you review the new features. If you don’t want/need them, then don’t add complexity just because everyone else does.

Third — Keep an open mind. Most of the time, your first thought will be, “I don’t need that”. If you really sit down and think about how it would change what you do, and the time involved, that probably is not a true statement. As always, you should be looking at how much you benefit vs. the costs/risks involved.

Here are a few of the new smart refrigerators on the market that can give you an idea of some new smart fridge features available:

  • Model: RF29DB9900QDAA, Samsung 4-Door Flex with AI Family Hub+ and AI. This includes a touch sensitive large screens with some significant organizational and AI features (calendar integration, music and video live-streaming, weather updates, digital photo frames, etc.….) The real smart upgrade is the camera and AI technology on the inside. This feature allows the fridge to track what is added and removed. That’s right, it can tell you when the milk is empty. On your way home from work, you can stop at the grocery store, open your phone, and access the fridge grocery suggestions. It also has an automatically refilling water pitcher. Link: https://a.co/d/gUh9Y4Y
  • Model: CGE29DM5TS5, GE Cafe 4-Door French Smart Fridge. This model has a very simple, clean look from the outside, but all the tech is inside. As part of the GE smart appliances’ series that allows you to connect multiple GE devices together. Lots of customizable features, controls, and alerts available. Link: https://www.lowes.com/pd/Cafe-28-7-cu-ft-4-Door-Smart-French-Door-Refrigerator-with-Ice-Maker-Platinum-Glass-ENERGY-STAR/5014668093?irclickid=SpCUDQ3qHxyPWW9zCt24swW6UksRxUzciyOFXo0&irgwc=1&cm_mmc=aff-_-c-_-prd-_-mdv-_-gdy-_-all-_-0-_-3006986-_-0
  • Model: ‎LRMVC2306D, LG Smart Wi-Fi Enabled InstaView™ Door-in-Door® Counter-Depth Refrigerator with Craft Ice™ Maker. This model has a very large screen with some really useful design features combined with Wi-Fi connectivity and significantly upgraded ice maker features. Link: https://a.co/d/6qFiGGr

If you are thinking about updating your home and especially areas like the kitchen. Please look at what is available, what you don’t like about your current setup, and what you want. Take that information to someone like me who can help you figure out how smart appliances can be helpful without becoming frustrating.