AI is showing up in more of the tools we already use, and it isn't always playing the same role.

Sometimes it's an assistant. Sometimes it's a tutor. And more and more, it might be a salesperson.

Here are a few updates that caught my attention.

AI as an assistant

ChatGPT is now available inside Microsoft Word, where it can summarize documents, revise selected text, and help turn notes into a draft.

I think this is how a lot of people will start using AI regularly. Not by learning another new app, but by finding it inside tools they already know.

The best approach is still pretty simple:

Create the idea → let AI help improve it → review the result → make it your own.

AI as a tutor

Google added new learning features to Gemini Notebook. You can talk through your source material and turn it into quizzes, flashcards, summaries and short videos.

The useful part is that the AI works from material you provide.

Instead of asking it to teach you something entirely from memory, give it a trusted document and ask it to explain, question and test you.

AI as a salesperson

OpenAI is also testing Sponsored Agents. After clicking certain ads, you might be able to chat with an AI representing the advertiser.

Those conversations should be clearly labeled, but the bigger point is worth remembering:

Before trusting an AI recommendation, understand who the AI is working for.

A sponsored agent might answer useful questions, but its goal is still to help sell a product.

What people actually want from AI

A recent survey found that 67% of people would rather have AI explain or guide them through something than just hand them the answer.

I find that really encouraging. Most people don't want AI to think for them. They want it to help them understand, create and make better decisions.

One prompt to try this week

What role are you playing in this task: assistant, tutor, adviser or salesperson? Tell me what information you're using, what assumptions you're making and what I should verify independently.

The big takeaway

As AI blends into more of our everyday tools, knowing how to prompt it is only part of the equation.

We also need to understand what role it's playing, and where our own judgment still belongs.

'Til next week!

– 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 September 21, 2026.