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Make 2025 Your Most Productive Year Yet by Using AI to Get Started

Explore 12 AI tools for productivity, including language learning, budget tracking, health apps, and more, to make 2025 your most efficient year in Asia.

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AI tools for productivity

TL;DR:

  • AI tools can significantly enhance productivity and daily life in Asia.
  • Top tools include Google Translate, Duolingo, Google Assistant, Siri, Wally, Spendee, Grammarly, Fitbit, Apple Health, Google Photos, Canva, MyFitnessPal, Feedly, ShopSavvy, Citymapper, and Snapseed.
  • Integrating these tools can lead to better organisation, improved skills, and healthier habits.

A New Year, New Abilities?

As 2025 approaches, why not make use of some clever AI tools to enhance day-to-day living? Whether it’s learning a language, managing your budget, or just getting through the day with a little more ease, AI can be surprisingly helpful. Here’s a friendly guide with 12 beginner-friendly AI tools, each perfect for small, practical improvements to start your year right!


1. Pick Up a New Language or Just Get Around Easier with Translation Tools

Having a translation tool is crucial if you are living in Asia or travelling there. Google Translate is a classic choice—not just for typing in words, but for translating menus, signs, and even whole documents on the spot. Use the camera feature to hover over text, and Google Translate gives you an instant translation right there. Perfect for those “oh no, what did I just order?” moments!

If you are prepared to go a little further, Duolingo makes learning a language’s foundations enjoyable and manageable. With daily goals and streaks, it’s a little routine you can build into each day, and before you know it, you’ll have a nice base in your chosen language.

Quick Tips:

  • Try camera mode on Google Translate for real-time translations of signs and menus—super helpful for those little surprises in new places!
  • Download language packs in Google Translate for offline use, which is a lifesaver when Wi-Fi’s not around.
  • Set a five-minute daily goal on Duolingo and do it while commuting or during a coffee break. Those minutes add up, and it’s an easy habit to keep up.

2. Organise Your Day with Google Assistant or Siri

Ever wish you had a personal assistant? Turns out, you kind of do—right in your phone. Google Assistant and Siri are perfect for staying on top of everyday tasks without even lifting a finger. Just ask Siri or Google to remind you about a meeting, set timers, or add items to your shopping list.

Imagine starting your day with “Hey Siri, what’s on my schedule today?” or “Hey Google, remind me to check the train schedule at 8 a.m.” You’ll always be one step ahead and save yourself from forgetting the little things.

Quick Tips:

  • Set up a ‘Good Morning’ routine to get a rundown of your day, traffic, and the weather—one less thing to think about.
  • Use location-based reminders like, “remind me to buy groceries when I leave work.” Siri and Google Assistant will keep you on track without lifting a finger.
  • Try voice commands for cooking or driving to make life hands-free, from setting timers to searching for quick answers.

3. Track Your Spending and Savings Goals with Wally or Spendee

Budgets can be tricky, especially in Asia’s lively cities, where there’s always a great food spot or unique shop to tempt you. That’s where Wally and Spendee come in. These apps help you track expenses, set budgets, and even set goals—whether that’s saving up for a holiday or managing those day-to-day splurges. You’ll get visual breakdowns of your spending, so you can see where your money’s going without any complicated spreadsheets.

And the best part? Some of these apps even give you live currency conversion, which is a lifesaver if you’re switching currencies while travelling or living abroad.

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Quick Tips:

  • Start with tracking one category, like dining out, to see patterns and adjust. It’s an easy way to ease into budgeting.
  • Set a small savings goal for something you’re excited about—a weekend trip or a new gadget. Seeing progress towards a goal can make budgeting more motivating.
  • Use currency conversion features when travelling to avoid surprises—perfect for making sure your budget’s on track abroad!

4. Improve Your Writing with Grammarly

Ever wished you had an extra set of eyes on your emails or posts? Grammarly is like a writing coach in your browser. It checks for grammar, spelling, and even the tone of your writing. Grammarly is a lifesaver if you’re sending out work emails or trying to nail a professional message, ensuring your words sound just as polished as you intended.

It’s a simple browser extension, so you can use it everywhere—from social media posts to important reports—and get feedback instantly. And if English isn’t your first language, Grammarly can be a great confidence boost.

Quick Tips:

  • Set tone preferences in Grammarly to get advice that matches what you’re aiming for, like casual or professional.
  • Use Grammarly for emails to make sure your messages sound clear and polished, especially when sending them off quickly.
  • Enable Grammarly’s browser extension for real-time feedback across email, documents, and social media.

5. Keep Fit and Healthy with Fitbit or Apple Health

Staying active in Asia’s bustling cities can be a challenge, but apps like Fitbit and Apple Health make it easy to track your wellness goals. With these apps, you can set daily step targets, track sleep, and even keep an eye on your heart rate trends. They give you reminders to move or drink water, so even with a busy schedule, you can build small wellness habits.

Set daily goals to keep things manageable—maybe a step count to reach or a sleep goal to aim for. And by the end of the month, you can see exactly how those little changes have added up.

Quick Tips:

  • Start with a simple step count goal (e.g., 5,000 steps) and gradually increase. You’ll start noticing improvements in your energy.
  • Use the water tracker feature to stay hydrated, which is especially helpful in hot, humid climates.
  • Check your sleep trends to see if there are any small changes that can improve sleep quality, like reducing screen time before bed.

6. Keep Your Photos Organised with Google Photos

Asia is full of scenic spots, so if your photo library is starting to look a bit chaotic, Google Photos has you covered. This app uses AI to automatically organise your pictures by location, people, and even objects. It’s perfect for finding specific photos without endless scrolling, like that beach sunset in Bali or street food tour in Bangkok.

Google Photos also suggests albums, montages, and even short videos, so you can relive your favourite memories without putting in hours of editing.

Quick Tips:

  • Enable location tagging so Google Photos can automatically organise by place.
  • Create shared albums with friends and family for group trips and events, so everyone can add their best shots.
  • Use the search bar for keywords like “beach” or “birthday” to find specific photos instantly.

7. Create Stunning Visuals with Canva

Need to design social media posts, invitations, or presentations? Canva makes graphic design easy with ready-to-use templates. You don’t need any design experience—just pick a template, drop in your content, and Canva’s AI will suggest colours and layouts that look polished.

Whether you’re working on a project for work or just want to make a birthday card, Canva has tools to help you create something that looks like it took way more effort than it actually did!

Quick Tips:

  • Start with templates based on what you’re making (e.g., “Instagram post” or “poster”) for ideas on layout and style.
  • Use Canva’s resize feature to adapt your design for multiple platforms, saving you tons of time if you’re posting on social media.
  • Check out Canva’s free elements like icons, stock photos, and fonts to add unique touches to your designs.

8. Plan Healthy Meals and Track Nutrition with MyFitnessPal

Keeping up with healthy eating can be tricky when you’re juggling work, family, and social life. MyFitnessPal helps by tracking your meals, exercise, and even water intake. Just log what you eat, and MyFitnessPal breaks down your nutrients, helping you see what you’re doing well and where you could use a little improvement.

Whether you’re looking to maintain, gain, or lose weight, this app adjusts suggestions based on your goals, making it easy to fit healthy habits into your lifestyle.

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Quick Tips:

  • Log meals right after eating to keep track without it feeling like a chore.
  • Use MyFitnessPal’s barcode scanner to log foods instantly and get accurate nutritional info.
  • Review your weekly nutrition breakdown to see trends and adjust—small tweaks add up over time.

9. Stay Updated on News and Trends with Feedly

If keeping up with industry news or global trends is part of your routine, Feedly can be a game-changer. This AI-powered app organises articles and blog posts into a personalised feed, helping you stay informed without the endless scrolling. It’s ideal for professionals across Asia who want a quick, organised way to catch up on tech, business, or even local events.

Quick Tips:

  • Set up feeds based on specific interests, like “Asia tech news” or “digital marketing,” so you only see the most relevant articles.
  • Use Feedly’s ‘Read Later’ feature to save longer reads for a commute or break.
  • Follow industry leaders or popular publications within Feedly to get curated insights straight from the source.

10. Make Smarter Shopping Decisions with ShopSavvy

If you’re a frequent shopper, ShopSavvy can help you find the best deals by comparing prices across different retailers. Just scan a product barcode, and ShopSavvy shows you prices from nearby stores or online platforms. It’s great for spotting deals or deciding if it’s worth buying locally or online.

Quick Tips:

  • Use ShopSavvy to compare prices before buying electronics, clothing, or big-ticket items.
  • Check for coupons or deals within the app to potentially save even more on your purchase.
  • Enable location settings to get alerts on deals nearby while you’re out shopping.

11. Manage Daily Commutes and Travel with Citymapper

For those navigating large cities or travelling frequently in Asia, Citymapper is a fantastic app that simplifies commutes. It offers AI-driven route planning that combines buses, trains, subways, and walking options, so you can find the quickest or cheapest way to get around. It’s especially helpful in cities with extensive public transport systems like Tokyo, Singapore, or Hong Kong.

Quick Tips:

  • Save favourite routes to quickly access your usual commute times and updates.
  • Enable push notifications to get live updates on delays or alternative routes during your journey.
  • Use Citymapper’s “Nearby” feature to find transit stops, bikes, or scooters near you for a last-minute commute option.

12. Create Fun and Unique Photo Edits with Snapseed

If you enjoy capturing memories or exploring Asia’s scenic spots, Snapseed is a fantastic app to enhance your photos. Created by Google, Snapseed offers a range of AI-powered editing tools that make your images look professional with just a few taps. You can adjust lighting, add filters, blur backgrounds, and even remove unwanted objects from the photo—all from your phone.

Quick Tips:

  • Use the “Selective” tool to adjust brightness or contrast in specific parts of the photo, which is great for enhancing details without changing the whole image.
  • Experiment with the “Lens Blur” effect for a soft background blur, making your subject stand out—ideal for food photos or portraits.
  • Try the “Healing” tool to remove small distractions, like a stray object in the background, to keep the focus on your subject.

Small Steps, Big Wins in 2025

Start with one or two of these tools, and see how they fit into your routine. Each one offers small, simple improvements that can make a big difference over time. So pick a tool, set a small goal, and start exploring how AI can make life just that bit easier in 2025.

Here’s to a smooth, productive year!


Join the Conversation:

What AI tools have you found most helpful in your daily life? Share your experiences and tips with our community below! Don’t forget to subscribe for updates on AI and AGI developments here.

You may also enjoy our AI Unleashed series, which offers a hands on comparison and overview of the most popular AI apps:

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10 AI Prompts to Turn Your Pet Photos Into Phone Wallpapers (Plus Freebies!)

Discover 10 amazing prompts for how to create AI-powered phone wallpapers with AI platform, Midjourney. Unleash your inner artist!

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AI pet phone wallpapers

TL;DR

  • Learn how to turn your pet photos into stunning AI-generated wallpapers for your phone.
  • Includes 10 creative AI prompts, from fantasy hero pets to minimalist silhouettes.
  • Tips on using tools like MidJourney or DALL-E, optimising images, and sharing creations.

AI Pet Phone Wallpapers

Whether you’re a proud pet parent or simply adore animals, turning your furry (or feathery) friend into stunning AI-generated art is an exciting way to personalise your phone. With AI tools like MidJourney, DALL-E, or Stable Diffusion, you can create incredible, artistic renditions of your pet that fit your style and aesthetic.

In this article, we’ll share 10 unique AI prompts tailored to transform your pet photos into captivating works of art for your phone. You’ll also find detailed tips for getting started and optimising your wallpapers for the perfect fit.

Handy hint: Like the look of one of these images? Tap and hold on your phone and choose ‘Set as Wallpaper’ (or a similar option)—AIinASIA Editor

Why Create AI Phone Wallpapers of Your Pet?

  • Celebrate Your Pet: Turn your beloved companion into a piece of art you can cherish every time you unlock your phone.
  • Personalisation: Make your phone truly unique with wallpapers that reflect your style and personality.
  • Explore Creativity: Experiment with different artistic styles—be it fantasy, minimalist, or futuristic—and see your pet like never before.

Getting Started with AI-Generated Pet Wallpapers

To create AI art that truly stands out, follow these simple steps:

  1. Choose Your AI Tool: Platforms like MidJourney, DALL-E, or Stable Diffusion are perfect for generating artistic images from prompts. Look for features like image-to-image transformations, which allow you to upload your pet’s photo as a reference.
  2. Pick a High-Quality Photo: AI tools perform better with clear, detailed images. Choose a well-lit photo where your pet’s features—eyes, fur, feathers—are easy to distinguish.
  3. Tailor the Aspect Ratio: Most phones use a 9:16 aspect ratio (e.g., 1080×1920 pixels). Many AI platforms let you specify image dimensions before generating your artwork.
  4. Experiment with Prompts: Use the creative prompts provided below, or modify them to suit your pet’s personality and your artistic preferences.
  5. Finalise and Optimise: After generating the artwork, use tools like Canva or Snapseed to crop, adjust colours, or apply finishing touches.

10 AI Prompts for Stunning Pet Wallpapers

1. Fantasy Realm Hero

Inspiration: Imagine your dog as a knight or your cat as a sorceress—ready to embark on epic adventures!

Prompt: “A majestic portrait of [your pet’s species] wearing intricate fantasy armour, glowing eyes, standing atop a mountain, ethereal lighting, detailed fur texture, high-resolution phone wallpaper.”

pet phone wallpapers

2. Watercolour Painting

Inspiration: A soft, elegant depiction that works beautifully as a lock screen.

Prompt: “A hand-painted watercolour portrait of [your pet’s breed], soft pastel tones, white background, minimalistic style, high-resolution for phone wallpaper.”

pet phone wallpapers

3. Neon Cyberpunk

Inspiration: Perfect for sci-fi fans who love bold, high-energy designs.

Prompt: “A cyberpunk-style portrait of [your pet’s name], glowing neon colours, city skyline background, futuristic armour, vibrant lighting effects, high-resolution wallpaper.”

pet phone wallpapers

4. Royal Portrait

Inspiration: Imagine your pet as king, queen, or duke—complete with a gilded frame.

Prompt: “A regal portrait of [your pet’s species] dressed in Victorian royal attire, soft studio lighting, intricate clothing details, realistic painting, designed for a phone wallpaper.”

pet phone wallpapers

5. Dreamy Galaxy Explorer

Inspiration: Great for cosmic dreamers who want their pet among the stars.

Prompt: “A whimsical depiction of [your pet’s breed] floating in a galaxy, surrounded by planets and stars, dreamy pastel colours, cosmic glow, phone wallpaper resolution.”

pet phone wallpapers

6. Comic Book Superhero

Inspiration: Give your pet a bold, action-packed look with superhero vibes.

Prompt: “A dynamic comic book illustration of [your pet’s species] in superhero attire, bold colours, action pose, halftone effects, phone wallpaper resolution.”

pet phone wallpapers

7. Pop Art Extravaganza

Inspiration: Bright, eye-catching art for fans of modern and retro styles.

Prompt: “A vibrant pop art portrait of [your pet’s species], bold colours, abstract shapes in the background, Andy Warhol-inspired design, phone wallpaper size.”

pet phone wallpapers

8. Winter Wonderland

Inspiration: A seasonal touch for those who love winter themes.

Prompt: “A serene portrait of [your pet’s name] sitting in a snowy forest, soft light, frost-covered trees, realistic fur details, high-resolution phone wallpaper.”

pet phone wallpapers

9. Minimalist Silhouette

Inspiration: Perfect for a sleek, understated home screen.

Prompt: “A minimalist black-and-white silhouette of [your pet’s breed], clean lines, solid colour background, modern art style, high-resolution for phone wallpaper.”

10. Anime-Inspired Portrait

Inspiration: A playful depiction of your pet in a whimsical anime world.

Prompt: “An anime-style illustration of [your pet’s species], big expressive eyes, pastel colours, soft background, whimsical vibe, high-resolution phone wallpaper.”

pet phone wallpapers

Pro Tips for AI Success With AI-Generated Art

  1. Fine-Tune Prompts: Be specific about the colours, textures, and settings to get the best results.
  2. Use Advanced Features: Many AI tools offer style transfer or reference image settings—use them for a more customised look.
  3. Generate Variations: Create multiple versions of the same prompt to explore different artistic outcomes.

Sharing Your Creations

Once you’ve created your masterpiece, share it! Post your custom wallpapers on Instagram, Pinterest, or your favourite social platforms. Tag AIinASIA to inspire fellow pet lovers and show off your AI creations.

Final Thoughts on AI Personalised Wallpapers

AI tools are opening up endless possibilities for creating personalised and unique art. With these prompts, you can transform your pet into a star on your phone screen—whether they’re ruling a fantasy kingdom, exploring space, or posing as a royal icon.

Get started today and let your imagination run wild. Don’t forget to drop a comment or tag us with your favourites—your pet might just become the next AI art sensation!

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Everyday Hacks with Google and Microsoft AI Tools

Learn how AI productivity tools like Gemini and Copilot are transforming everyday workflows—and why a human touch still matters.

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AI productivity tools

TL;DR

  • Google’s Gemini and Microsoft’s Copilot are reshaping productivity with advanced AI features integrated into their suites.
  • Gemini offers features like email summarisation, smart replies, and data analysis through Google Workspace, starting at $20 per user/month.
  • Copilot, integrated into Microsoft 365, helps with document drafting, meeting automation, and data visualisation, starting at $30 per user/month.
  • Both tools are designed to streamline repetitive tasks, improve collaboration, and spark creativity.

Embracing AI Productivity Tools In Your Daily Workflows

If you’ve ever wished for a workday where you can skip the admin grind and focus on the good stuff—creative ideas, strategy, and, dare I say it, an actual lunch break—Google’s Gemini and Microsoft’s Copilot are here to make it happen. These AI productivity tools are redefining how we work, play, and (let’s be honest) survive in today’s fast-paced, tech-driven world. Let’s explore how they’re transforming workflows and what’s in it for you.


Gemini: Google’s AI Assistant for Productivity Bliss

Launching in January 2025, Google’s Gemini is set to become the ultimate assistant for users of Google Workspace (yes, that’s what used to be G Suite). With AI weaved into Gmail, Docs, Sheets, Slides, and even Meet, Gemini aims to make the everyday less tedious and a whole lot smarter.

Gemini’s Features You’ll Actually Use

  • In Gmail: Writing emails? Gemini can do it for you. Endless threads? Summarised. Replies? Smart and context-aware.
  • In Google Docs: It’s like having a co-writer on speed dial, helping draft, summarise, or even whip up images for your content.
  • In Google Sheets: Need data entered or trends spotted? Gemini has you covered with its enhanced Smart Fill feature.
  • In Google Slides: Presentation nerves? Gemini’s image creation and background removal tools ensure your slides look the part.
  • In Google Meet: From automatic note-taking to real-time translated captions, meetings just got a lot less exhausting.

Subscription Plans

  • Gemini Business: $20 per user/month with basic features and usage limits.
  • Gemini Enterprise: $30 per user/month, giving you premium features and more elbow room to explore Gemini’s capabilities.

Why Gemini Stands Out

As Upcurve Cloud says, Gemini doesn’t just help you “get things done”—it’s about doing them better. Whether it’s cutting through email chaos or polishing your next big presentation, Gemini’s AI helps you reclaim time for what matters. Bonus points for Google’s enterprise-grade security keeping your data safe.

Real-World Example: Gemini as a Productivity Tool

Creospark has many examples of using Copilot, such as Adore Me, a lingerie and sleepwear company, has leveraged Gemini to dramatically reduce the time spent on content creation—reducing over 35 hours of work creating product descriptions to just 30 minutes using Gemini, illustrating Gemini’s powerful capability to automate and accelerate content generation tasks, resulting in substantial time savings for e-commerce businesses.


Microsoft Copilot: The AI Powerhouse for Work Smarts

Not to be outdone, Microsoft has embedded Copilot into its Microsoft 365 ecosystem, turning apps like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Teams into supercharged productivity hubs. If you’ve ever dreamt of an assistant who “just gets it”, Copilot is the next best thing.

What Copilot Brings to the Table

  • In Word: Copilot drafts, edits, and summarises like a champ, cutting hours off document creation.
  • In Excel: Data insights? Charts? Done and done. Let Copilot turn rows of numbers into actionable insights.
  • In PowerPoint: Presentations are no longer a slog—Copilot suggests content, designs, and layouts tailored to your needs.
  • In Outlook: It sorts your inbox, drafts replies, and highlights what actually matters.
  • In Teams: Catch-up summaries, action items, and real-time transcription make meetings less painful.

Subscription Options

  • Commercial Plans: $30 per user/month for enterprises and large teams.
  • Personal Plans: A modest $3/month price hike adds Copilot to Microsoft 365 Personal and Family subscriptions.

The Copilot Advantage

Copilot doesn’t just automate—it elevates. Imagine crafting a polished report in minutes or summarising a day’s worth of meetings at the click of a button. With its seamless integration across Microsoft 365 apps, Copilot ensures everything is right where you need it, when you need it.

Real-World Example: Copilot as a Productivity Too

Hargreaves Lansdown, a financial services company, has successfully used Copilot to streamline their workflow—financial advisers used Copilot to generate meeting summaries and annual review reports for clients, streamlining their workflow, demonstrating how Copilot can significantly improve efficiency in document creation and client communication in the financial sector.

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The Real Impact of AI Productivity Tools

Both Gemini and Copilot are more than just fancy add-ons; they’re reshaping how work gets done. These AI tools are tackling the biggest pain points in the modern workplace:

  1. Saving Time: Whether summarising emails or automating reports, these tools free up hours in your day.
  2. Enhancing Creativity: With AI handling the grunt work, you can focus on big ideas and polished results.
  3. Improving Collaboration: From shared notes to instant insights, teams work better together.
  4. Boosting Decision-Making: Advanced data analysis gives you the insights you need to act fast.

A Word of Caution: Trust but Verify

AI tools like Gemini and Copilot can supercharge your productivity, but they’re not infallible. While they’re brilliant for handling the grunt work, they’re no replacement for human oversight and judgement.

Why Double-Checking Matters

  1. Accuracy: AI-generated outputs can occasionally misinterpret context or make errors.
  2. Appropriateness: AI doesn’t always understand nuances like brand voice, cultural sensitivity, or workplace-specific policies.
  3. Over-Reliance: Depending solely on AI may reduce your own engagement with the material, leading to missed opportunities or oversights.

Practical Tips for Responsible AI Use

  • Review Outputs Carefully: Always double-check AI-generated summaries, drafts, or data visualisations before sharing or implementing them.
  • Add the Human Touch: Make edits to ensure the content aligns with your goals, tone, and audience.
  • Use AI as a Starting Point: Let the AI handle the groundwork, but refine the output with your expertise.
  • Train AI Over Time: Where possible, provide feedback to improve the tool’s understanding of your preferences.

By staying engaged and bringing a human touch to AI-generated content, you can ensure your work remains accurate, professional, and impactful.


What’s Next? The AI Productivity Revolution

AI tools like Gemini and Copilot are undoubtedly paving the way for smarter, more efficient workplaces. But let’s remember that these tools are here to complement human skills, not replace them. By using AI responsibly—embracing its strengths while applying critical judgement—we can unlock its full potential without sacrificing quality or trust.


Your Turn

How do you strike the balance between relying on AI and adding your personal touch? Do you think we risk becoming too dependent on these tools? Share your thoughts in the comments below—we’d love to hear your perspective!

And don’t forget to subscribe for updates on AI and AGI developments here. Let’s build a community of tech enthusiasts and stay ahead of the curve together!

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ChatGPT’s Thirst for Water

Explore the connection between AI water usage and wildfire management.

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AI water usage

TL;DR:

  • AI data centres consume millions of gallons of water annually for cooling purposes.
  • Reducing ChatGPT usage can help conserve water needed to combat wildfires in cities.
  • Companies are exploring alternative cooling methods and data centre locations to minimise water usage.

In the midst of the blazing wildfires in the greater Los Angeles area, residents are eager to contribute to firefighting efforts in any way possible. While donations and volunteering are top of mind, a surprising call to action has emerged on social media: refrain from using ChatGPT.

Wait! What does ChatGPT have to do with water conservation and wildfire management?

This provocative suggestion raises the question: what does ChatGPT have to do with water conservation and wildfire management? Let’s dive in and explore the hidden connection between AI and water usage.

The Water-Guzzling Reality of AI Data Centres

AI platforms like ChatGPT rely on massive data centres to function. These data centres are packed with high-performance computer chips that process user queries, generating immense heat. To prevent servers from overheating and crashing, sophisticated cooling systems are employed, many of which rely on water.

“Because the computers and chipsets that power servers are so densely packed, they generate an incredible amount of heat. Running complex AI applications like ChatGPT requires immense amounts of computing power, which generate lots of heat 24 hours a day.”
HP Newquist, Artificial Intelligence Historian and Author
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The sheer volume of water consumed by these data centres is staggering. Some large facilities use millions of gallons of water annually to absorb and dissipate heat through cooling towers or evaporative cooling methods. This water usage can have a significant impact on local water supplies, especially in drought-prone areas.

The Collective Impact of Individual AI Usage

While it may seem like an individual ChatGPT query has a negligible effect on water consumption, the collective impact of millions of users interacting with AI services adds up quickly. By making small changes, such as delaying non-urgent AI tasks, Angelenos can contribute to conserving water and energy for critical firefighting efforts.

“Data centres that host AI services like ChatGPT continuously consume power and indirectly rely on water for cooling. By making small changes like delaying non-urgent AI tasks, Angelenos can contribute to ensuring that water and energy remain available where they’re needed most during these high-risk periods.”
Daniel Kearney, Chief Technology Officer, Firmus Technologies
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Exploring Alternative Cooling Solutions

As AI continues to advance, finding sustainable solutions for data centre cooling is becoming increasingly important. Some companies are exploring alternative cooling methods and data centre locations to minimise water usage.

One promising approach is immersion cooling, which involves submerging hardware in a special cooling liquid. This method can significantly reduce water consumption compared to traditional cooling techniques. Additionally, some AI companies are opting to build data centres in colder regions, where lower ambient temperatures can help regulate server temperatures more efficiently.

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“Many companies are building server centres near polar regions or in northern countries with low ambient temperatures.”
HP Newquist, Artificial Intelligence Historian and Author
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By investing in these alternative cooling solutions, AI companies can help mitigate their impact on water supplies and contribute to more sustainable technology practices.

The Fire Line: AI Water Usage and Wildfire Management

Current wildfires are exacerbated by the region’s ongoing drought, placing a strain on the state’s water supply. By reducing AI usage, residents can help free up water resources needed to combat these devastating fires.

“With California already experiencing an ongoing drought, the water necessary to fight these fires is further straining the state’s water supply. Water is a finite resource, and cutting back on AI use will have direct impacts on the state’s water availability and ability to respond to this climate disaster.”
Mia Montoya Hammersley, Assistant Professor, Environmental Law, Vermont Law and Graduate School
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As AI continues to permeate our daily lives, it is essential to recognise the hidden environmental costs associated with these technologies. By taking proactive steps to minimise our AI water footprint, we can help preserve valuable resources and support wildfire management efforts in major cities.

Wrapping Up: The Future of AI and Water Conservation

The connection between ChatGPT, water usage, and wildfire management serves as a stark reminder of the interconnectedness of technology and the environment. As AI continues to evolve, it is crucial for both companies and consumers to prioritise sustainable practices and invest in alternative cooling solutions.

By doing so, we can help minimise the environmental impact of AI and ensure that valuable water resources are allocated where they are needed most.

Comment and Share:

Have you ever considered the water footprint of your AI usage? How do you think we can encourage more sustainable technology practices? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below, and don’t forget to subscribe for updates on AI and AGI developments here. Let’s foster a community of mindful tech enthusiasts, working together to promote a more sustainable future!

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