Artificial intelligence software has significantly enhanced editing tools, surpassing basic spell checkers and old grammar aids. AI can proofread, rewrite, summarize, and generate text, making it simple to create polished, complex documents right on your smartphone. If you haven’t explored this yet, free tools from Apple and Google are great starting points. Feel free to experiment with the software and assess its capabilities; when in doubt, let AI take over. Here’s a guide to help you get started.
Using Apple Intelligence
Apple’s Integrated AI Tool Suite, known as Apple Intelligence, includes a selection of writing tools (requiring iOS 18.1 and a recent iPhone or iPad). This writing tool works with most applications that allow text input or speech-to-text. If you compose something (like a page), highlight the section you wish to edit. In the pop-up menu, tap [書き込みツール] or the circular Apple Intelligence icon on the toolbar.
From the menu, you can choose options such as proofreading, rewriting, or summarizing, or see how to modify the text. You can also view it as key points, lists, or tables, and adjust the tone to make it more friendly, professional, or concise. If you dislike the changes, you can revert to the original text.
With the popular ChatGPT chatbot integrated into Apple Intelligence, you can create a draft from scratch once you enable ChatGPT. Tap the Compose button and follow the on-screen instructions. (Note: The New York Times has filed a lawsuit against ChatGPT’s creator, OpenAI, and its partner Microsoft, claiming copyright infringement on AI-generated news content; the companies deny these allegations.)
Like any AI chatbot, Gemini responds to queries and prompts. For instance, you can copy text into a draft note and ask Gemini to proofread and fact-check. Gemini can also produce text on demand; for example, you can prompt it to “Draft a proposal to the city council for permission to hold the Summer Dog Festival on August 2nd and 3rd.” Once Gemini generates your proposal, you can save it as a Google Doc for further editing.
Other Options
Apple Intelligence may require a subscription if your device is outdated, or if you don’t regularly use Google products. Nevertheless, various AI tools are available. Grammarie, established in 2009, offers a mobile app that integrates with your device’s keyboard for tone adjustment and other AI features. Microsoft’s Copilot AI tools work seamlessly with Microsoft 365 Suite.
Various AI bots are available in app stores, including writing-specific assistants like Paragraph, which accommodates different communication styles (including support for authors with dyslexia), and Sudwrite for story projects. Common chatbots like ChatGPT and Claude also offer writing assistant capabilities.
Important Considerations
Please remember that AI is not infallible. Always proofread its output, as errors may occur. While AI support can enhance more impersonal documents, such as memos and suggestions, excessive reliance on it can dilute your unique voice and style.
For instance, consider the opening line of Arthur Conan Doyle’s 1891 short story “The Bohemia Scandal,” rewritten by software to portray Dr. Watson in a more casual tone:
Original: “She’s always on Sherlock Holmes’ mind. I rarely hear him mention her by any other name. In his eyes, she embodies and dominates her entire gender. It wasn’t that he felt any similar feelings to his love for Irene Adler.”
Apple Intelligence: “Sherlock Holmes always called her ‘the woman.’ He seldom used other names for her. To him, she was the most outstanding woman of all women. Not because he felt romantic feelings for Irene Adler.”
Gemini: “For Sherlock, she is always a ‘female.’ I rarely hear him call her anything else. The way he sees it, she outshines all other women. It’s not that he’s in love with Irene Adler or anything like that.”
Always ensure your own words remain central. This practice can prevent others from thinking, “Hey, did you write this?”
Source: www.nytimes.com
