My AI Tools for Research and Productivity
It’s taken me a while to come around, but I’ve become a fan of certain AI tools – when used for specific purposes. I’ve even found some of those tools to be very helpful throughout my day (so much so that I haven’t used Google’s search engine in weeks).
That, my friends, is refreshing.
How I Got Here
I started out 100% against AI but then I realized I was against AI when used as a shortcut for things like writing and other artistic endeavors. Once I realized AI was very good at helping me research different areas (where I’d previously used a search engine), I adopted it into my process.
My Favorite AI Tools
1. Ollama/Msty
This is the combination I use the most. Ollama is a command-line AI tool that allows me to use specific LLMs locally, so I can trust my queries don’t wind up on a third-party server, waiting to be used for whatever purpose. The LLM I use the most with that combination is Llama 3.2 because it’s fast and to the point. The answers I get from Llama 3.2 trim all the fat, so I get only the answers I need.
2. DeepSeek R1/Msty
Remember when I said that Llama 3.2 got right to the point with its answers? Every so often, I need more from my research assistant; I need it to dig deeper and present even more rabbit holes for me to dive into. I might be writing a book about time travel and need to get a foundational understanding of how it could work. With the right information, that could lead me down other avenues where I could come up with something even better for a plot. That’s when I turn to DeepSeek R1. When I need something quick and easy, if I were to use DeepSeek R1, I’d wind up frustrated.
3. Perplexity
Perplexity has become my default search engine in Zen Browser. Why did I do this? First off, I dislike and distrust Google’s search engine. There’s no way of knowing if my data is being used against me for building a profile, and Google’s algorithm never seems to get it right for me. Besides, when I use a search engine for research purposes, I inevitably wind up on a site that is either so overrun by ads that it brings my browser to a crawl, has incorrect or out-of-date information, or it’s painfully obvious that Google would rather serve me sites that pay the company rather than give me the answers I need.
4. Aria
Although I switched to Zen Browser as my default, I still use Opera for certain purposes. For instance, when I’m working on something and I know I’ll need to keep going back to AI for research, I might open that work in Opera and use Aria as needed. The reason for this is that Aria is easily accessible from the Opera sidebar. I can click the Aria icon, and a panel opens, where I can run my query. When I’m done, the panel slides out of the way, and I’m back to work. The Opera/Aria integration is the best AI/browser combo on the market.
5. Gemini
Although I’ve installed Perplexity on my Android phone, it cannot be used as the default digital assistant – that’s Gemini’s job. When I’m on the go, if I need to do some quick research, I’ll ask Gemini my query or use it to set alarms, add appointments to my calendar, send messages, etc. If you’re an Android user, it’s hard to avoid using Gemini. I have also used Gemini Live, as it makes for a great way to work through problems. Usually, I’ll turn to my wife or my best friend, but when I need absolutely unbiased information, Gemini Live is a great place to start.
Conclusion
In conclusion, I’ve found that AI can be a valuable tool for research and productivity, as long as it’s used for specific purposes. By using the right AI tools, such as Ollama, DeepSeek R1, Perplexity, Aria, and Gemini, I’ve been able to streamline my workflow and get the answers I need quickly and efficiently.
FAQs
Q: What is Ollama?
A: Ollama is a command-line AI tool that allows you to use specific LLMs locally, so you can trust your queries don’t wind up on a third-party server.
Q: Why do you use Perplexity as your default search engine?
A: I dislike and distrust Google’s search engine, and Perplexity provides more accurate and unbiased results.
Q: What is Aria?
A: Aria is an AI tool that allows you to run queries from the Opera sidebar, making it easily accessible for research.
Q: Can I use Perplexity on my Android phone?
A: No, Perplexity is not available for Android phones, but you can use Gemini, a default digital assistant, for quick research and tasks.
