Autumn Years Summer 2024

GETMYBOAT

Airbnb rents houses. Turo rents cars. So it is about time someone came up with an app to help you rent a boat. GetMyBoat pairs users with boats in their area of choice and offers clear pricing on hourly rates. Most boats will come with a guide/captain while others hand you the wheel (with proper licensing of course). The app hosts reviews, pictures and detailed descriptions so you can be sure you find the right boat for your needs. Users can book and pay completely through the app. Users can also see clear listings of what each boat package includes, the rental terms and cancella tion policy. So far this seems to be the best way to find a boat that fits any number of friends and family so you can have the magic of setting sail this summer.

BANDSINTOWN

Here is an app that clearly explains what it does—it helps you figure out what and when bands you enjoy are performing nearby. The app will also recommend venues in your area, which can help you discover new places to listen. Each listing has links to the official ticket site so there are fewer worries about scams. Furthermore, the app is made more powerful if the user allows notifica tions. There are over seven different notification settings users can customize to receive messages, alerts and invitations weekly. With BandsInTown you will never miss your favorite bands coming through, and you may just find your next favorite.

COPILOT

Demystifying AI can be challenging, but it is important to emphasize that it can be a helpful tool for the average person to use (see “Gardening and AI: Sprout ing New Technologies,” Autumn Years Winter 2023-24). Copilot, an AI chat-based app developed by Microsoft is a shining example of practical AI. Users can ask the app any question, be it as simple as “What should I wear this evening if I am going outside?” or as complex as “What should I do this weekend to entertain my grandson in Eastern New Jersey?” and the answers will astound you. The app will give you thoughtful, data-based suggestions that seem as if they are coming from a knowledgeable friend. Furthermore, think of Copilot as if it were a colleague you ask for advice, but in this case, his or her brain is the internet. It still might get stumped every once in a while or give confusing answers but its responses are generally very impressive. Copilot was developed by Microsoft after purchasing OpenAI, and it is clear that Microsoft’s principles of user privacy and security are baked into the app while harnessing the power of OpenAI’s technological strengths.

SUMMER 2024 I AUTUMN YEARS 63