This week AI stopped just helping with stuff and started finishing stuff. Whole slide decks. Shopping carts. Tasks that keep running while you're off making a sandwich.

Which means the big skill isn't writing the perfect prompt anymore. It's checking the work.

Let's break it down.

ChatGPT can now build a whole presentation

On October 16, OpenAI introduced ChatGPT Slides. Give it a conversation, some files, an outline, or an example deck, and it builds a presentation. You can edit it, collaborate, and export to PowerPoint, PDF or Google Slides. It's starting out on eligible paid plans. (Source: OpenAI Help Center)

What this means for you: that deck you've been dreading can start as a first draft in minutes. But "first draft" is the key phrase. Check the facts, the flow, and the visuals, and rewrite anything that doesn't sound like you.

Claude can make decks too (and it's free)

Not to be outdone, Anthropic made Claude's Docs, Slides and Design tools official on October 8. They're out of beta and available on every plan, including Free. PowerPoint and PDF downloads look like what you made in the editor, and decks can go straight to Google Slides as editable files. You can even change a doc, deck, or design in the Claude mobile app. (Source: Anthropic)

What this means for you: if ChatGPT Slides is stuck behind a paywall for you, Claude lets you try the same "build me a deck" workflow for free. Same rules apply though. AI makes the first draft. You make it right.

Anthropic said it pretty well themselves: Claude makes the first version, and you decide what gets shared. Hmmm... sounds a lot like this week's whole theme, huh?

Google wants to help you shop (and check out)

On October 15, Google launched Universal Cart in the U.S. across Search and the Gemini app. It can gather products from different stores, watch prices, hunt for promo codes, and suggest which card to use. Then you check out with Google Pay or on the store's site. (Source: Google blog)

What this means for you: let AI track, compare and organize. YOU review and buy.

Before you check out, confirm the store, final price, shipping, return policy and payment details. And remember, it might not show you every seller out there.

Gemini now has a "Chat" mode and a "Task" mode

On October 13, Google released Gemini 4 Argon to paid subscribers (ignore the model name). The interesting part is a new switch between Chat and Tasks. In Task mode, Gemini keeps working while you're away and can connect to 40+ services like OpenTable, Instacart and Shopify. (Source: Google blog)

Here's the simple way to think about it:

• Chat = explain, brainstorm, answer
• Task = actually do several steps, maybe inside another app

The more freedom you give AI, the more you want to know:

• What can it see?
• What can it do?
• Will it ask me first?
• Can I disconnect it?

One prompt to try this week

Next time you want AI to make something for you, start with this:

Help me create [presentation, comparison or other deliverable]. Before starting, ask me about the audience, goal, source material and limitations. Create a reviewable first draft, clearly identify any assumptions and stop before sending, publishing or purchasing anything.

That last line is my favorite. It keeps you in the driver's seat.

The big takeaway

AI is getting really good at finishing things.

Your job is knowing what "finished" actually looks like.

Chat soon...

– Steve

Want to get comfortable using AI every day, minus the overwhelm? That's exactly what AI Unlocked is for: 10 short, hands-on modules in plain English.

This post originally went out to my email list on October 19, 2026.