What Do We Need AI For, Anyway?

[View in web browser]( [CNET logo]( Insider May 2, 2024 What Do We Need AI For, Anyway? As a writer, I’m pretty resistant to AI and the threat it poses to the artistic industries, especially if these technologies stay unregulated. Yet, what is it people actually need AI to do? And how is it really different from other PC-based inventions of the past? For instance, one of the biggest revolutions I remember occurred when [“desktop publishing”]( came to PCs and Macs. No more drafting tables or metal typesetting required -- it meant that anyone could make a newsletter or magazine using their computer. It didn’t guarantee the designs they made were good, but it made these tools accessible for everyone. Seen in this light, a product like [Canva’s new Magic Media generator]( is designed to similarly make it easy for people who -- like me -- only have basic drawing abilities. It’s only when tools like these use copyrighted materials that problems can occur, but I am hopeful that these issues can be resolved. This would make things better for people who can draw -- and the people who can’t. On the other side of the coin, you have the "AI as personal assistant" model, and Lisa Eadicchio explains what that work-in-progress, the [Rabbit R1 really does](. In this device's case, maybe going back to the physical drawing board could be a good option. Ty Pendlebury Editor, CNET [Canva Magic Media Review: AI-Generated Images for Amateur Creators]( [Canva's AI image generator can add a touch of whimsy to your projects, but it needs some more fairy dust.]( display: block; max-width: 116px; max-height: 15px; display: block; max-width: 69px; max-height: 15px; Insider Essentials [Rabbit R1 Explained: What This Tiny AI Gadget Actually Does]( [Your questions about the Rabbit R1 answered.]( [Apple's 'Let Loose' Event: Could This Be a Big Year for iPads?]( [The event invite from Apple strongly suggests that new iPads are coming next week.]( [Meet the Trash-Eating Robots Cleaning Lake Tahoe and Beyond]( [How these robots are helping battle pollution beyond just cleaning up.]( CNET Recommends [Score the Fire TV Stick 4K Max at All-Time Low Price of $40]( [Amazon's popular streaming devices are currently marked down, helping you get the Fire platform on any TV at an affordable price. Options starting as low as $20.]( [CNET] You are receiving this email because you've signed up to receive newsletters and promotional content from [CNET.com](. To update your account, please visit our [Newsletter subscription center](. [Unsubscribe]( | [Terms of Use]( | [Privacy Policy]( CNET 235 Second Street San Francisco, CA 94105 U.S.A. [Instagram]( [Youtube]( [Tiktok]( [Facebook]( [X]( [Flipboard]( © 2024 CNET, a Red Ventures company. All rights reserved.