Tech reporter Joanna Stern asked AI to do 'almost everything' for a year—the No. 1 tool she'll keep using
Tech reporter Joanna Stern spent a full year testing artificial intelligence for nearly every daily task. After experimenting with everything from household robotics to automated assistants, she found that most gadgets were not worth the effort. However, she identified one tool that provided lasting value: voice-activated AI.
During her yearlong immersion, Stern relied heavily on ChatGPT’s voice mode to process ideas, brainstorm themes for her book, and prepare for interviews. She found that speaking to the AI while driving or walking allowed her to clarify her thoughts without the distractions common to screen-based work. By treating the tool as a sounding board, she could work through complex projects while commuting, which freed up her time for other priorities.
Stern notes that the experience felt natural because the responses from voice models reached a high level of human-like interaction. This communication style allowed her to work through half-baked concepts without the pressure of judgment. Because the AI is available at any hour, she could refine her ideas during short windows of time when colleagues were unavailable for a phone call.
Despite the clear productivity gains, Stern offers a grounded warning. While these tools assist in brainstorming and organization, they are not human. Users should approach AI as a supplement for specific tasks rather than a replacement for personal connections. As workplaces across the globe continue to integrate these systems, Stern’s experience highlights the importance of choosing specific, high-utility tools rather than attempting to automate every aspect of daily life.
Her experience underscores a growing trend in the workforce where daily users report higher productivity gains. By focusing on voice interaction as a tool for preparation and thought processing, professionals can reduce their anxiety and improve their output before high-stakes meetings or interviews.