Wonder Tools

• Paper vs Digital 📓 What finally works for me

  I like thinking on paper. That’s why I’ve got a box under my desk with 27 old idea notebooks. But when I’m looking for a specific note scrawled early in 2020, digital notes are helpfully searchable.Given that paper and digital have distinct advantages, I’ve been experimenting lately with hybrid approaches. Read on for what I’ve found to be most useful.My current notebook of choice is a sleek digital device that feels like paper: The reMarkable Paper ProWhat it is: A specialized paper tablet originating from Oslo, Norway that feels like a cross between a Kindle and an iPad. It’s designed for writing and reading, not Web surfing, games or social apps. In touch and sound it’s closer to paper than any digital device I’ve used. It’s simple to use, well-designed, and I rarely need to charge it.Choose this if… You like the feel of paper but prefer having a single, organized device to piles of paper notebooks. It’s great if you’re easily distracted by multi-purpose devices (that’s me) or if you spend a lot of time taking notes by hand and want a luxurious, minimalist device. My favorite features* Feels like paper. You can adjust the marker (stylus) to look and feel like various pens or pencils. The screen somehow even sounds like paper. * Backup and sync. See any of your notes later on your phone, tablet, or laptop app as editable PDFs. During an online meeting you can even use the paper tablet as a whiteboard to screenshare live notes or diagrams. Note: I’ll demo this live screensharing in an upcoming live Wonder Tools workshop for paid subscribers, where I’ll share more of the device’s strengths, limitations, and alternatives. * Flexible annotations. I like annotating PDFs as I read. You can toggle your notes on/off to return to the original. Unlike the Remarkable 2, this model lets you add color annotations, though I rarely do. You might find it handy to have distinct hues for highlighting facts or quotes.* Distraction-free. No apps, email, browser, or notifications to tug at your attention. * Easy import. You can easily import articles or documents from your Web browser or from Google Drive or Dropbox.* Eye-friendly It’s easier on your eyes than an iPad or computer, and works well in the dark, too, with an adjustable, built-in backlight. * Templates. You can start with a blank page or your choice of lined or dotted page templates; calendar or task list templates; or even a Bullet Journal from the new template and workbook collection.Caveats* Single-purpose device. If you need a multi-function tablet, this isn't it. If you already have a digital watch, phone, tablet, & laptop, you may have enough. * Premium investment. The $579 price point makes this a luxury device for those who can afford to invest in a fancy note-taking tablet. * Doesn’t work with Kindle books or other reading formats. It’s great for PDFs and ePub files, and you can even import Web articles with a bookmarklet in your browser. But you can’t use it to read your Kindle books.* Feels large for reading. If you’re used to holding a small Kindle in your hand, this device feels big at 274 x 197mm (10.8’’ x 7.8’’). The reMarkable 2 is a little smaller and cheaper ($399). * No multi-document view. Unlike a laptop or an iPad, this device doesn’t let you view multiple documents at once. That’s good for staying focused, but it adds friction when you’re switching back and forth between two reference documents, as I’ve been doing lately. * Slower page turns. As with other E Ink screens, you have to wait a bit longer for each new page to load on this device than on LCD or LED screen devices. * Clunky handwriting to text conversion. You can convert handwritten notes into digital text, even if you have messy handwriting like mine, but the process involves multiple clicks and I haven’t been thrilled with the resulting conversion and formatting. * Slight learning curve. It’s easy to use out of the box. But for advanced features, like triple-tapping to cut and paste text or adding multiple annotation layers, you’ll need a bit of practice.Pricing: $579 with the Marker (stylus) or $629 with the Marker Plus, which has a built-in digital eraser. The Book Folio protective cover is $89, while the Type Folio cover, which lets you type notes, is $229. The eraser tip is worth the extra $50 for quick corrections. The cover with built-in keyboard is only necessary for those who type all the time or use the device in place of a laptop. The optional Connect subscription for backing up your device and syncing to mobile and desktop apps is $30/year after a free 100-day trial. My flexible, reusable backup notebook: RocketbookWhat it is: A reusable notebook with plastic pages (made with Polyester/ Polypropylene) that you write on with erasable FriXion pens. How it works: To digitize notes, use Rocketbook’s free smartphone app (iOS or Android) to scan a page and send it to Google Drive, Evernote, Slack, Dropbox, Box, Trello, OneNote, OneDrive, iMessage, iCloud or Google Photos. Then wipe the page off to reuse it. Choose this if… You like writing with an ink pen but want to keep notes organized in your preferred digital hub. It works well if you want a relatively low-cost, reusable notebook and don’t want another digital device. My favorite features* Reusable pages. Wipe off the ink with a damp cloth and you can repeatedly use the same pages.* Easily scan notes to your digital hub. By marking a symbol at the bottom of a given notes page, you can send that particular page to your preferred destination. You can send some pages to one place, others to another.* No subscription cost. The app is free, with no monthly fees. * Lightweight design. The spiral binding and fold-back cover makes it easy to quickly return to any page.* Easy page titling. You can write a double-hashtag at the top of any page to set its title for simpler digital categorization.* Text conversion. Transform your handwriting to searchable text as long as it’s not illegible. Caveats* Requires a special pen. You’ll need a backup supply of FriXion pens. * Different writing feel. Plastic pages feel different from traditional paper.* Occasional smudging. The erasable ink can sometimes smudge before it dries completely. Be careful about leaning your hand on fresh ink.* Cheap, light material. This is essentially a collection of coated plastic sheets, so it doesn’t have the heft of a thick notebook or a digital tablet. Pricing: $30-50 depending on the size and style. These go on sale periodically. FriXion pens cost a few dollars each. Tips: I like the $38 Fusion model because it includes 42 pages with seven different page templates. It includes monthly and weekly calendar pages, dotted, lined and list pages, and project, goal and idea templates. Size: I prefer the executive size (6 x 8.8 inches) because it’s a bit more portable than the larger letter format. The mini size can be handy if you like keeping a notebook in your pocket.I also like a new hybrid alternative, the Boogie Board Blackboard 2.0This reusable smart notebook has a permanently dark screen. It feels like writing on black glass with a special smart pen/stylus. Like the Rocketbook, you link the Blackboard to a free mobile app. From the app you can send an image or PDF of anything you’ve written or drawn to another app like Dropbox or Apple Notes.Like the Rocketbook, you don't have to worry about recharging the screen. There is, technically, a battery in the Blackboard, because it's a passive LCD screen, but you can use it for years without an issue. I’ve used other Boogie Board screens and never had to change a battery. I think of it like a grown-up Etch a Sketch. It's a fraction of the cost of the reMarkable tablet or an iPad, but its flimsy case gives it a much cheaper, more plastic-y feel. Limited space: The Blackboard 2.0 has just one page to use and then sync before running out of space. The Rocketbook, by comparison, gives you 42 pages to write on before you need to sync or erase. The reMarkable can store hundreds of thousands of pages of digital notes.Charging and syncing: If you get the Blackboard version with the Smart Pen, you do have to recharge the stylus. It’s easy to misplace either the pen or the pen cover. On the plus side, it's a little easier to sync and erase than the Rocketbook — just press a button to sync your writing or drawing to your online notes. Press another button to erase a page and start fresh.Pricing: $150 for the Blackboard 2.0 with the Smart Pen, or $45 for the same Blackboard minus the smart pen— in which case you use your phone to scan what you write into the Blackboard app, much like the Rocketbook. If you want a digital pen: Livescribe’s LivePenWhat it is: A digital pen that records what you write on special paper and converts it to digital text. Consider this if you like the feel of paper and want to backup your notes digitally without a tablet. You’ll still have to buy special notebooks so the pen’s built-in camera can track your words digitally. I like that the newest model is ultra-portable. I had an old version of this pen that felt like a chunky highlighter. The $65 LivePen bundle includes four 158-page journal-sized notebooks. Keep them in distinct locations so you can use them with your digital pen wherever inspiration strikes.Caveats* Easy to misplace. The LivePen is smaller than the other note-taking tools, meaning it’s easier to lose it. * Comfort considerations. It’s smaller than older models, but may not be as sleek as your favorite Cross pen.* Battery dependent. You’ll have to charge it every couple of weeks.* Special paper required. You’ll have to repeatedly buy Livescribe notebooks or download and print special paper files with the required micro-dots. .Transparency note: I spend hundreds of dollars monthly on products, subscriptions and services I write about. Occasionally, products are sent to me and I try them, and that was this case for this post. Whenever I write anything, my assessments reflect my own independent, candid evaluation, including what I find useful, the limitations I see, and alternatives.Prefer plain paper? Try Leuchtturm1917 What it is: A traditional, sturdy, paper notebook, with a table of contents section at the front to help make it easier to organize notes inside.Choose this if… You’re a traditionalist who wants zero distractions or if have no interest in additional gizmos to plug in. Or maybe you just enjoy the tactile experience of pen on paper. No batteries, charging, cords or software updates needed. Tips: Snap pictures of important notes and upload them to ChatGPT, which excels at recognizing handwriting and converting it to digital text. No special app needed, and you can send the converted notes to your digital hub of choice. Options: I like the $17.50 dotted model with numbered pages, two page markers, a pocket and an elastic closure band. If you often write outdoors, consider the $29 Outlines model for extra durable waterproof paper and a water resistant cover. Or if you draw, try the 120g model for $29 for low-transparency paper that won’t let ink run or colors show through to the back. Want a cheaper choice? This similar Rettacy notebook is just $8. Bottom line: I rely on a blended system ✨No one tool satisfies all of my note-taking needs. * Why all-digital isn’t optimal: I need to get away from screens on Saturdays, and periodically at work. So no digital-only system will work for me. * Why all-paper doesn’t work: Having filled up desk drawers and storage bins with old reporting notebooks, I’m not eager to accumulate more paper. And my urban life is variable — I often don’t have a paper notebook with me.* What I prefer: For now, the reMarkable Paper Pro is my preferred note-taking tool when I’m at work or doing extended brainstorming at home. * An occasional replacement: When in meetings or with my children, I sometimes prefer my Rocketbook to remove any hint of digitalia.* Paper lives on. I sometimes pull out an individual piece of paper — or index cards — and later digitize it with ChatGPT. * Other explorations: I use Letterly to take audio notes, and I experiment occasionally with Goodnotes and other iPhone and iPad apps. ✍️ See a table or take a preference quiz to see what suits youWhat do YOU use to take notes? Leave a comment👇 Get full access to Wonder Tools at wondertools.substack.com/subscribe

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  14:12
• 9 useful AI prompts ❤️

  Summary: New AI models emerge weekly, but useful prompts are surprisingly stable. I’ve found nine versatile templates to be consistently useful after experimenting with hundreds. They work well even on the free versions of ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, and Copilot. Read on for the templates and tactics. How to benefit from this post: Adapt these prompts as foundational formulas for getting help from your AI assistant. They’re customizable recipes rather than rigid scripts. Experiment with them. Improve them. Make them your own. Each section below has a button that will take you to the full prompt template and an example. You can add comments to those prompt pages. Pick one for a current project to expand your command of AI. Iterate on it and share your results in a comment for others’ benefit.1. Interview me 🎙️Act as an experienced interviewer. Interview me thoughtfully and creatively about [topic /project /idea]…Goal: Overcome a blank pageUse this when… * You’re stuck battling writer's block* Your thoughts are scattered* You’re trying to crystallize abstract ideasTips:* Specify how you want to be interviewed (e.g., "Ask one question at a time")* Request follow-up questions that build on your previous answers* Ask for a summary of your responses at the end to clarify your thinking2. Help me edit ✍️Act as an experienced editor. Please first slowly read and analyze the following text without rewriting it: [paste or upload text]. Then provide a numbered list of concise, specific, constructive observations to help me strengthen the piece by noting any of the following issues in my writing… Goal: Polish your wordsUse this when… * You’re refining an important message* You don’t have a friend or colleague to help with editing* You want to strengthen an early draft before sharing itTips:* Request specific feedback on common weaknesses like clichés; weak verbs; passive voice; awkward or confusing phrases; redundancy; run-on sentences; or issues with grammar, spelling or punctuation. * Ask the AI not to change your text but to provide a numbered list of potential issues for you to address, along with concise explanations of the concern. That way it’s not making changes on your behalf. You remain in full control of the editing process and the language you choose. * If you find yourself overwhelmed with editing suggestions, prompt your AI assistant to proceed like a patient editing coach progressing step-by-step, noting only one issue at a time.3. Organize my rambling 🖊️Please organize the following information into a clear, structured format: [paste or upload notes/ thoughts/ transcript]. Identify the main themes or categories, group related points together, and create a logical flow…Goal: Structure messy materialsUse this when… * You have disjointed thoughts needing structure* Your meeting notes lack organization* You've brainstormed ideas and need help categorizing themTips:* Try different organizational frameworks (chronological, thematic, priority-based)* Request specific formats like bullet points, numbered lists, or sections with headers* Transform transcripts into actionable summaries with clear next steps in a format you customize 4. Push my thinking 🤔Help me explore unusual, creative, unconventional approaches to [topic/ challenge/ issue]. First, briefly summarize what conventional wisdom typically suggests in this situation. Then, provide 5-7 surprising, unexpected, or innovative alternatives…Goal: 10x your ideasUse this when… * You suspect your thinking is limited or conventional or you may have blind spots* You’re aiming for exceptional — not satisfactory— work* You’re open to new directions or radically distinct ideasTips:* Ask specifically for "surprising, unusual, unexpected, or unconventional approaches"* Request multiple options — 5-10 different possibilities to start. Then ask for even more ideas. The AI doesn’t tire, and it might be the 9th (or 17th) idea that finally resonates.* Consider how elements of multiple responses might be combined5. Help me plan 📆Act as an expert project manager. I need to plan [project/ task/ event] with these constraints: [time/resources/ team composition/ other limitations]. My goal is to [desired outcome], and my working style is [preferences]. Please draft 3 possible structured plans… Goal: Map out a day, a long-term goal, or a complex project.Use this when… * Tackling complex projects with multiple components* Feeling overwhelmed by a task or deadline* Needing an objective perspective on your approach* Coordinating work across team members with different skillsTips:* Include specific constraints (time, resources, team composition)* Mention your preferences and working style* Specify the level of detail you need in the plan* Ask for contingency options if certain approaches don't work6. Help me understand 🧠Act as a wonderful teacher and experienced explainer. I need help understanding [concept/ document/ idea] at a [beginner/ intermediate/ advanced] level. My background knowledge is [relevant context], and I need to understand this for [purpose]. Please explain this in clear, concise language… Goal: Simplify something confusing. Use this when…* Grappling with complex or technical material* Struggling with jargon, legal language, dense research, an exhausting PDF, or bureaucratic documentation* Stuck trying to grasp a confusing point* Trying to process complicated info while tired Tips:* Specify what format would help you understand (analogies, examples, summaries)* Indicate your current knowledge level on the topic* Upload any relevant files you have on hand* Mention why you need to understand this (to explain to others, make a decision, etc.) because that may impact the nature of the response* Specify a preferred explanation length or depth based on your need7. Help me clarify 💎Act as an expert in clear communication. I need to communicate about [topic] to [specific audience] through [medium: email/ presentation/ report]. Here's my current draft or thinking: [paste content or ideas]. Please help me clarify this message by identifying areas that might be confusing…Goal: Strengthen how you’re communicating.Use this when…* Crafting important communications that need precision* Struggling to articulate an idea concisely* Preparing content for presentations or public sharing* Wanting to ensure your message is clear to a specific audienceTips:* Provide details about your audience and their background* Specify the communication medium (email, presentation, website)* Indicate tone preferences (formal, casual, technical)* Ask for multiple versions to compare different approaches8. Help me make ⚡️Act as a patient, detail-oriented instructor. I want to create [project/ item/ content] and need step-by-step guidance. My skill level is [beginner/ intermediate/ advanced], and I have access to these resources: [tools/ materials/ software]…Goal: Get customized instructions for how to do something.Use this when… * Learning a new skill or process* Experimenting with unfamiliar tools or techniques* Seeking step-by-step guidance for a project* Troubleshooting challenges in creative workTips:* Use ChatGPT, Gemini, or Copilot's voice mode if you need hands-free instructions* Try ChatGPT’s Advanced Voice Mode with video so the AI can see what you're working on* Ask for adaptations if you don't have all the suggested materials* Be cautious and skeptical at first when exploring a new skill area with AI assistance, because hallucinations do arise. When in doubt, double-check with a familiar reference link or fact-check with alternative research tools. 9. Help me find 🔎I need to locate specific information about [topic] within [my docs/ online/ this database or field]. I'm looking for [exact details of what you're seeking] for the purpose of [how you'll use this information] …Goal: Locate something buried in a document or somewhere online.Use this when… * You’re searching for specific points within lengthy documents* You need targeted research on a particular topic* You’re looking for connections across multiple sources* You want to confirm the source of a data pointTips:* Unlike the other prompts in this post, this one works best with specialized AI tools. These include:* NotebookLM, which looks only at your uploaded materials [read more].* ChatGPT and Perplexity’s new “deep research” models, which provide citations.* Consensus (example) and Elicit (example) can help you research and better understand a complex issue drawing on academic publications, and you can use a detailed query for more precision. * Be as specific as possible about what you're looking for and why* Request citations so you can verify the information independentlyPower phrases to boost your prompts 🚀Five simple phrases can strengthen the responses you get from nearly any AI query. Think of these as special ingredients for getting exceptional results from otherwise ordinary requests.1. “Be surprising…” 😳“Be surprising, unexpected, and unconventional in your approach” This phrase pushes the AI beyond conventional thinking, helping you discover innovative solutions you might never have considered otherwise.2. “Be concise…” 😑“Use concise, specific language and avoid technical jargon” This ensures responses are accessible and immediately useful rather than filled with complicated terminology or vague suggestions.3. “Adopt my style” 💇“Analyze the examples I've provided and match that style in your response” This helps the AI adapt to your preferred tone and format, creating more consistent and personalized interactions.4. “Ask me…” 🙋“Ask clarifying questions if you need more information to give me the best possible response” This transforms the interaction from a one-way request to a collaborative conversation, leading to more tailored and relevant answers.5. “Do better…” 🤔“Try again with a more detailed, nuanced response that specifically improves the [accuracy/depth/creativity] of your answer” This encourages iterative refinement, pushing the AI to elevate its initial response and deliver progressively better results tailored to your specific needs.Bonus tip: Use ChatGPT or Claude to help you refine your prompts. As language engines, these AI tools excel at sharpening prompt wording. What’s your reaction to this piece, or one of your go-to prompts? Drop a comment below to share👇 Get full access to Wonder Tools at wondertools.substack.com/subscribe

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  12:01
• Wonder Tools 📚 Find terrific books

  Books offer a compelling, slower alternative to the onslaught of negative news. With terrific new free tools, it’s increasingly easy to access print, digital and audio books. Read on for an update on my favorite book sites and apps. Thanks for reading and sharing. Libby lends out free ebooks and audiobooks through libraries in 78 countries. It works for 90% of U.S. libraries. You can search for and check out nearly anything, instantly, for free, on any device.* Audiobooks Check out and listen to audiobooks at any speed. You may not need to pay for an Audible subscription. * Definitions Click on any word in an ebook you’re reading in Libby for its definition or to see where else that name or phrase appears. * Highlight Save memorable passages for your notes.* Multiple cards You can use multiple library cards within a single Libby account. That helps you check which library has the shortest waiting list for a book in high demand. (See where you can get non-resident library cards).Limitation: Libby is digital-only — you can’t use it for physical books. That requires a separate app or site, like the NYPL app in New York. Kanopy provides free access to top-notch feature films and documentaries. I log in with my library card. Watch on the Web, iOS or Android, or on a SmartTV app like Google TV, Roku, or Amazon Fire TV. Limitation: libraries limit the number of videos you can watch monthly. Hoopla is an alternative to Libby that works with 3,900 library systems in the U.S., Canada, Australia and New Zealand. Like Libby it hosts audiobooks and eBooks, but also bundles in comics, movies, TV shows, magazines, and music. Use Hoopla to read, watch or listen from the Web or on a mobile device. I recently discovered its free Bingepasses, which allow instant access to a collection of magazines or videos for a week.World Cat tells you which of 10,000 global libraries near you have a particular book. It works in multiple languages. Search for books in print, ebook, braille, audio, or other formats. Find your next read 📚* Most Recommended Books shows you a list of smart people. Pick an expert or celeb you like and see which books they recommend, along with brief quotes on why they like each book. Check Goodbooks.io and ReadThisTwice for more expert/celeb book picks.* Whichbook’s World Map offers a creative way to find a book about any part of the world. Select a country and see books set in that region (See gif 👇). * Where to find book recs is a nice list from a Writing About Reading post. I also like the eclectic recommendations in the NYTimes’s Read Like the Wind newsletter. * BookClubs lets you find a book group near you or organize your own. * Fable hosts book clubs & communities for sharing what you’re reading. Find free and cheap books 🔦* Project Gutenberg has more than 75,000 free ebooks and audiobooks. No registration required. See the top 100 list for free reading inspiration.* The Internet Archive has searchable e-books and a free library collection.* Bookbub is handy for bargain hunters. It shows discounted and free ebooks. Availabe as a newsletter or check the site for deals. Support Independent booksellers 🪟* Alibris has 200 million titles from indy booksellers around the world. * Powell’s is the world’s largest independent bookstore. * Bookfinder lets you search online to find any book at the cheapest price.* Indiebound helps you find a nearby real-world indy bookstore. * Abebooks has great deals from independents. Check its bargain books + collections. Caveat: Amazon has owned it since 2008.* Tertulia is a well-designed online co-op bookshop owned by readers.Make your own book list ✅* Listy is free. It’s easy to look up & add books, and later export your list. (See my prior post about it).* LibraryThing is free and easy for cataloging books & tracking reading.* Free Notion book tracking template lets you customize a collection page.* Free Airtable book list template & my Airtable example: 30 authors I like. Use AI to explore and expand your taste in books 📚After making a list of books you’ve liked or learned from, prompt an AI engine (ChatGPT, Claude, or Gemini) for personalized reading guidance. Read my recent post for how & why this is so useful for analyzing your own reading tendencies and discovering new gems. Sponsored MessageFast & Flawless transcripts with Scribewave: trusted by journalists, researchers and creatives for its accuracy and privacy.* 🌍 Unmatched accuracy: Powered by industry-leading language models, Scribewave guarantees the most precise results on the market in 94 languages.* 📁 For power-users: Bulk upload and download files in seconds.* 📊 Flexible pricing: Choose between usage-based pricing or subscriptions.* 🔒 Self-learning: The only speech-to-text tool that learns your language.* 🖋️ Total control: Easily refine transcripts and export to Word, Google Docs, Adobe, and more.* 🚀 Save 3 hours per hour of content with Scribewave.✨ Ready to transform your workflow? Try Scribewave for free today at scribewave.com.💡 Bonus: Get 50% off your first month with coupon code WONDERTOOLS50Not enough time to read? Get the essence of great books with Shortform summaries. (affiliate link with Wonder Tools discount)Find great children’s books 🧒* Sora is a digital library for kids. Schools make ebooks and audiobooks available on the app. It works well with graphic novels, picture books, as well as comic books and textbooks. (We also use Libby for kids books).* Epic is another popular kids ebook app. It’s fun to use, but be aware that it leans into gamification and extrinsic motivation — using points and streaks to entice kids to repeatedly open the app.* Kanopy has a great kids section with video versions of books by Eric Carle, Mo Willems and other great authors to spark an interest in reading. It also has math and science lessons. Bonus tools: Check out a well-curated list of 55 useful apps for book lovers from Bookscouter, where you can buy and sell books.📚 What reading resource do you find most useful? Add a comment 👇Newsletter recommendation ✉️The Signal delivers global perspectives on tech, science and democracy—free of ideology, twice weekly. Join curious readers seeking deeper context beyond headlines. Sign up for free today. Get full access to Wonder Tools at wondertools.substack.com/subscribe

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  7:11
• Voice AI 🎙️ say it, don't type it

  Typing isn't always the best way to get your thoughts down. Sometimes talking through an idea leads to better clarity. New AI tools can reliably transform those spoken thoughts into clean, organized text. I've spent months experimenting with voice AI tools — first on my phone, and now on my laptop. They’ve been helping me pull ideas from my brain onto paper. The tools below have become crucial to my workflow. Read on for my five-minute guide to making the most of voice AI.Why voice AI beats traditional transcription ✍Traditional transcription simply converts speech to text. Modern voice AI does much more:* Instant transformation: Speak naturally and get a polished draft, outline, or summary* Smart cleanup: AI removes filler words and adds proper punctuation* Format flexibility: Convert speech into various formats like bullet lists or structured documents* Context awareness: AI understands context and organizes your thoughts logically. Because it’s grounded in your own words, it doesn’t hallucinate.5 ways I like using voice AI 💫Here are some scenarios where voice AI is particularly valuable:1. Journal entriesInstead of staring at a blank page, I speak my thoughts at day's end. The AI transforms my stream of consciousness into organized reflections.2. Meeting follow-upsAfter an in-person meeting, I open my voice AI app, hit record, and talk through key points while they’re still fresh. I don’t worry about the structure of my sentences or about pausing as I think. The AI waits for me and summarizes my rambling.3. Presentation planningSpeaking through presentation ideas helps me figure out my narrative flow. The AI helps me organize my thoughts into a structured outline. I can talk through multiple potential versions, then compare them on screen later. 4. Book notesTo preserve insights from something I’m reading, I turn on a voice AI app and flip through the pages or scroll through the text to remind myself out loud about intriguing passages or ideas. I then save the structured note the AI creates. I like being able to look back at the text while dictating the note. And the editing part of my brain interferes less when I’m talking than when I’m typing. 5. Daily planningStarting my day by verbally mapping out my priorities helps me think through what’s ahead more effectively than typing out a list. Voice AI apps to try 🎤Letterly 💌* Easy to use Just press the app’s big button. Up to 15 minutes per recording.* Cross-platform Record or access your past text-from-voice across automatically synchronized desktop, web, and mobile apps.* Smart format detection The magic transform option can automatically reformat your words, turning lists into bullets or structuring email drafts for quick copy-and-pasting into other apps.* Customizable outputs Transform recordings into LinkedIn posts, podcast or video scripts, structured documents, or your own custom formats.* Iterative refinement Try different transformations of the same recording until you get exactly what you need. * Multiple languages Record in any of 90 languages, or record in one language and have the app translate your text into another.* Offline and screen-off options Record anywhere, even without Internet access. Try using background mode without your screen on. I often record with my AirPods while walking with my phone in my pocket. Founder’s tip: “Don’t confuse it with dictation,” says Letterly’s founder and CEO Anton Lebedev. “You don’t need to pronounce the perfect text you want to write. Instead, think out loud, speak slowly, quickly, or even chaotically. AI will understand you. Think of it like a writing assistant you’re telling what to write. The assistant can understand you and figure out how to rewrite the text.”Letterly Pricing: $80/year after a free trialOasis 🏖️* Multi-purpose output Get your recording transformed simultaneously into various formats—from a memo or outline to a blog post or TED talk. * Make custom templates Create and name short prompts that reflect your preferred styles or formats. Those become part of your personalized prompt library for transforming future recordings. I made one for my journal entries.* Web accessibility Like Letterly and Audiopen, you can access your recordings and transformed text through a browser on any device.* Oasis pricing: $5/month or $50/year for enough credits for hundreds of monthly uses. * Read my previous post about why Oasis is so usefulAudioPen 🖊️* Customize rewrite length Customize the length setting if you’d prefer summaries of your transcribed recordings to be shorter or longer. Create and access them on your phone or on any device through your browser.* Shareable audio notes Send individual audio note links to colleagues or collaborators. Or send then to other apps with a Zapier integration. * Flexible organization Combine multiple audio notes or their summaries into larger collections. You can search for old notes or arrange them in folders. * Rich template selection Choose from various transformation templates.* AudioPen pricing: $99/year or $159/two years after a free trial. Bottom LineStart with Letterly if you want simplicity and reliability. Consider Oasis if you want a slightly cheaper option or need to simultaneously access multiple format variations of the same content. AudioPen is useful if you want to customize the length of your voice summaries or if sharing or combining audio notes is important to your workflow.Sponsored Message from Griff FoxleyFeeling creatively blocked? Dreaming up a life transition that’s overwhelming? Your internal mindset plays a crucial role in your success. As a coach, I help seekers, creatives, and solopreneurs overcome limiting beliefs, build confidence, and achieve big goals in a program tailored to you. Let's navigate the challenges of today's competitive landscape together.Book a free discovery call!Where to use voice AI 🎯Voice AI shines when typing isn't practical or when you want to think freely without your hands on a keyboard. Here are situations where you can try it:At home 🏠Comfy chair 📚 Capture book notes without interrupting your reading rhythmKitchen 🧑‍🍳 Document recipe adjustments or cooking notes while your hands are busy with ingredientsBedside 🛏️ Record late-night musings without disrupting your wind-down routine with a bright screenGarden 🌱 Log landscaping ideas or random thoughts while your hands are dirtyOn the move 🚝Walking 🚶‍♂️ Capture project ideas and inspiration during your daily strollCommute 🚊 Draft emails and plan your day while on the subway or busCar 🚗 Record thoughts safely after parking but before you forget an important ideaAt work ⚡️Quiet space 🪟 Create reflective journal entries while looking out the windowConference 🎤 Capture insights between sessions to avoid being overwhelmed when you get home.Doctor's office 🏥 Record appointment details and follow-up steps while the info is freshActive time 💫Exercise 🏃‍♀️ Outline presentations or brainstorm on the treadmill Shopping 🛒 Create lists or remind yourself about products Outdoors 🌳 Draft journal entries or creative ideas while surrounded by natureBonus resource: 50 ways to use voice AI Voice AI on your laptop 💻I used to rely exclusively on mobile voice AI apps, but lately I've been relying on laptop voice AI apps. These are less focused on transforming text and more on putting your spoken text on your clipboard so you can paste into any tool you’re using. It works with Google Docs, Word, email, or whatever else you’re using. I use these on my laptop because it’s quicker and easier for me to talk than to type. Here are three worth trying:Flow 🗣️* Quick to start Once you’ve installed the software, just hold down the function key to start recording in any of 100+ languages. Your recording gets instantly transcribed and the cleaned-up text is copied to your clipboard.* Works anywhere on your computer Paste transcribed text directly into any application—email, documents, or messaging apps.* Reduces screen and hand fatigue Record while looking away from your screen to reduce eye strain and give your hands a break. * Flow pricing: Free for up to 2,000 words/week; $12/month billed annually for unlimited words and extra features. $8/month for students and educators. TalkTastic 🎙️* Simple transcription Made by the team that created the Oasis mobile app, TalkTastic is designed to be simpler. Instead of transforming your speech into various text types, it just puts a cleaned-up version of what you say onto your clipboard to paste into any app.* Smart text transformation You can optionally set it to analyze your screen context to offer transformed versions of your text.* Free While in beta, there’s no cost for TalkTastic. MacWhisper 🧑‍💻* Advanced transcription Use this free software to transcribe online meetings, podcasts, or live dictation. You can even upload files to transcribe.* Pay once for pro features Enable YouTube transcriptions, batch uploads, translation, and top AI model usage with a one-time purchase.* MacWhisper pricing: Free for basic usage. ~$60 for pro upgrade; 20% discount with this link. Journalists, students, or non-profits can email [email protected] for 50% off.Other ways to use your voice to benefit from AI* ChatGPT has a powerful voice mode in its mobile and desktop apps. Rather than typing out AI queries, you can have a conversation with an AI bot. Here’s why that’s so useful. * Perplexity’s mobile app voice AI mode is terrific. I ask it a series of questions, like an oracle. It beats Google on many of my queries. The AI understands what I’m asking, then gathers and summarizes a helpful response. Citations in the app ensure I can check on its info sources.* Google’s Gemini and Microsoft’s Copilot have recently-upgraded mobile voice modes. Converse with human-sounding AI bots without thumb typing.* Open-source options abound.📌 Share your voice with a comment👇 Get full access to Wonder Tools at wondertools.substack.com/subscribe

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• Help your parents stay safe online

  When’s the last time you fielded a tech support call from a parent? You want your parents — or anyone you support — to benefit from email, photo sharing, and video calls. You also have to protect them from scams, malware, and unnecessary complexity. Or maybe you are that parent and want to stay safe online. Either way, today’s post aims to support you. I periodically help my parents make sense of confusing WebEx conferencing instructions or Microsoft Word settings. So when Wonder Tools reader and tech expert Paul Schreiber offered to write a guest post based on his professional and personal experience, I welcomed his input. Below he outlines specific hardware recommendations, security steps, and practical tips you can implement today. The next section of this piece is by Paul. Paul: Over the past few years, I’ve helped my parents and some friends’ parents stay safe online. Here are some things I’ve found work well.Simplify hardwareSkip the computer…Many folks don’t need a powerful computer. They just need access to email, messaging, and the web. An iPad or Chromebook for ~$300 provides this (along with thousands of apps), while reducing the burden of maintenance.… Or pick a simple oneA MacBook Air is a great choice if they do need a computer. There’s less malware and Apple provides a single, simple source of support. No need to worry about separate or conflicting instructions from hardware and OS manufacturers. Plus, if they already have an iPhone, the Air works with it seamlessly. Replace the routerReplace their current router with one or more eero devices. Eeros:* Automatically connect to each other in a mesh for large homes — no more clunky extenders with separate network names. They also work for apartments with thick walls.* Automatically configure themselves with the right network settings* Automatically stay up-to-date* Can be monitored and administered remotely from your phoneSponsored Message Tell stories with factsScroll.ai is the AI notebook for journalists, helping you turn your sources into stories. Think Claude or Notebook LM, built specifically for research-based writing.Just add any video, audio, or article and Scroll will translate, transcribe, and summarize, all in one easy-to-use notebook.Add guardrailsMake yourself the adminWhen setting up the computer, create two accounts:* One for yourself, with administrative rights* A standard account for your parentIf they accidentally install adware or other junk, it will only affect their account, not the whole computer, and it’ll be easier to remedy. Install an ad blockerAds slow down the page and trick people into installing malware. I recommend the free uBlock Origin for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge. (Note: avoid the similarly-named uBlock.) For Safari, consider buying 1Blocker, Wipr, or AdGuard.Adjust settingsSet up a family accountApple (iCloud+) and Google (Google One) both sell cloud storage that can be shared with your family. For about $10 per month, you ensure everyone’s device is backed up and their photos are synced. You can also share some apps without repurchasing them.Make yourself the recovery contactAdd your email and phone number as a recovery contact (Apple, Google) for your parents’ important accounts. This lets you help when they forget their password. It also lets you reset it if they become incapacitated or die.Set up legacy contactsUnlike recovery contacts, legacy contacts control an account after someone dies. Setting these up gives you legal permission to access the account. Each service handles it differently, so read instructions from Facebook, Apple, and Google carefully.Today is trash dayGo through your parents’ computer and/or phone. Delete unused apps. Clean up the downloads folder, removing installers (such as .pkg and .dmg files) as well duplicate or outdated files.PasswordsPasswords are a pain. Good news: you no longer need to memorize them. With a password manager, the only two passwords you’ll need to remember are those for your computer and your email. Your password manager will automatically create hard-to-guess passwords and fill them in for all other log-ins. It won’t fill your password in on sites trying to steal your information.* Set up password autofill and teach them to use it. * Spend a few hours using Chrome, Safari, Firefox, or 1Password to generate new passwords for their 25 most important sites.* Share key account passwords with yourself.Final Tips* If you want personalized advice, visit Consumer Reports’ security planner. * If your parents or relatives are easily duped by fake reviews, set up bookmarks for Consumer Reports, Wirecutter, the Good Housekeeping Institute, Vetted, or other trustworthy review services.p.s. Bonus Tools — Recommended by Jeremy* Print Friendly makes it easy to print anything online.* Postlight Reader removes clutter from articles, making reading easier. * Permission Slip is a free app from Consumer Reports that helps you learn what companies are collecting data about you or your parents or children. You can send a request that they stop selling your personal info.* Consumer Reports testing found that paid data removal services often fail to fully scrub personal information from people-search sites. * I’ve been testing Incogni, which wasn’t assessed in that report. So far it’s been helpful in requesting that data brokers erase information about me that they’re storing and selling.* See the big data broker opt-out list for more info. * CleanMyMac is a simple Mac app that makes it easy to remove old installers, duplicate files, and other files cluttering up your computer or taking up space. I’ve used it for a few years and recommend it.* Yorba is another promising new service in beta. It can help in several ways: * Unsubscribe from emails.* Wipe old unused accounts and associated logins.* Cancel subscriptions you forgot about. It’s free to start.Have a thought or suggestion to share? Leave a comment 👇 Get full access to Wonder Tools at wondertools.substack.com/subscribe

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