Good morning! Today we're covering three things worth knowing about AI right now — no tech background needed.
In today's issue: a new survey on how people really feel about AI, a simple way to protect yourself from a scary new phone scam, and a free tool worth trying on your computer.
Let's get started.
NEWS
Even the Americans Using AI Every Day Say They're Still Worried About It
A big new survey — paid for by Microsoft and run by the polling company Gallup — found something surprising: most people who use AI tools like ChatGPT every single day still say they're worried about it.
Of everyone surveyed, 74% said they feel some worry about AI. Even among people who use it daily, that number was 68%. Only about a third of Americans think AI will mostly be good for the country, and less than half of daily users say they trust the accuracy of what these tools tell them.
Takeaway: It's completely normal to use these tools, find them helpful, and still feel uneasy about them at the same time. If that's you, you're in the majority — not behind the curve.
STAYING SAFE
Scammers Can Now Fake a Loved One's Voice — Here's Your Best Defense
AI has gotten good enough to clone a person's voice from just a few seconds of audio. Scammers are using this to make panicked "it's me, I'm in trouble, send money" calls that sound exactly like a grandchild, spouse, or friend.
The single best protection, according to the National Council on Aging: agree on a family "code word" ahead of time — a word only real family members would know — and ask for it any time a call feels urgent or asks for money.
If you can't get the code word, hang up and call that person back directly at the number you already have for them, rather than any number given to you on the call. Legitimate emergencies can wait five minutes for you to verify, and real relatives will never be offended that you checked.
Takeaway: Set up a family code word today, before you ever need it.
TRY THIS
Google's Free AI Assistant Now Lives Right on Your Windows Computer
Google recently released a standalone Gemini app for Windows computers — no browser tab needed. Once installed, pressing Alt + Space anywhere on your computer pops open a small window where you can ask it a question, have it draft an email or letter, or summarize a long document, without switching away from whatever you're doing.
It also connects to Gmail and Google Drive, so it can help summarize an email thread or a document you have saved there.
Takeaway: It's free, and if you already have a Google account, that's all you need — no separate sign-up. Download it at gemini.google/desktop.
Until tomorrow,
EZ AI