15 ways AI saved me time at work in 2024 - and how I plan to use it in 2025

If you’ve been keeping tabs on AI developments over the past year, you’re likely aware of how transformative it’s been. At ZDNET, our team has been diving deep into this space, producing multiple articles daily to keep readers informed. Personally, I’ve been juggling a couple of pieces per week, covering everything from groundbreaking innovations to practical applications. Watching AI evolve has been nothing short of thrilling.

But let’s talk about the AI I use. It’s not just about trying every tool under the sun—it’s also about integrating it into my workflow to maximize efficiency. These two categories are distinct yet complementary. While I’m an expert in AI tools, I only pay for two of them, and I’ll tell you more about that later.

For instance, although I frequently test generative AI for text creation, none of my published articles are crafted by AI. ZDNET has strict guidelines against using AI-generated content, except when illustrating how AI functions. Additionally, as someone who prides themselves on writing prowess, I don’t rely on AI to polish my prose. That said, generative AI isn’t inherently flawed—it’s incredibly useful for beginners, language learners, and anyone facing writing challenges.

Still, I’ve embraced AI as part of my productivity arsenal, and it’s saved me countless hours. In this piece, I’ll walk you through 15 ways I leveraged AI in 2024 to enhance my workflow and boost my output. I’ll also share a wishlist for 2025, highlighting areas where AI could further revolutionize my processes.

Since this is my final column for 2024, I’d like to wish you a fantastic holiday season and a prosperous new year. I’ll catch up with you soon. For now, here are 15 ways AI made my life easier in 2024:

1. Programming Assistance

I discovered that ChatGPT (and not other chatbots) excels at handling repetitive coding tasks. Whether it’s setting up API interfaces, writing CSS selectors, or debugging regular expressions, AI has been a lifesaver. I estimate that AI shaved off roughly a month of coding time this year.

2. Code Explanation

Working with unfamiliar or outdated code is part of the gig. By pasting a block of code into ChatGPT, I’ve gained insights into what it does and how it works. The AI breaks down each segment, making it easier to understand and modify.

3. Debugging Made Easy

ChatGPT’s ability to interpret code errors and suggest fixes has become indispensable. Whenever I encounter a bug, feeding the code and error message to the AI helps pinpoint the issue almost instantly. This feature has been so effective that I’ve incorporated it into my testing routine.

4. Customer Sentiment Analysis

After updating one of my products, I wanted to gauge user satisfaction. Instead of sifting through support tickets manually, I handed over a dataset of uninstallation reasons to the AI. Within minutes, I had actionable insights showing users were generally pleased with the changes—a relief!

5. Album Art Creation

AI’s impact on graphic design is undeniable. As someone who lacks artistic skills, tools like Midjourney have been game-changers. Last year, I used AI to create the cover art for my EP “House of the Head.” This year, Midjourney delivered another stunning piece for “Choices are Voices.”

6. Photo Retouching

Photography is a passion, but perfection requires effort. Photoshop’s AI-powered features have been instrumental in cleaning up imperfections like cluttered backgrounds or unwanted elements. These tools have rescued many otherwise unusable shots.

7. Vector Graphics Generation

Illustrator remains my go-to for vector art, but generative fills are opening new possibilities. Although I haven’t fully explored these features yet, they hold immense potential for streamlining my design process.

8. E-commerce Imagery

My wife runs an e-commerce store, and each month, we collaborate on themed projects. Using Midjourney, I create evocative images that inspire customers to craft their own masterpieces. These visuals serve as the foundation for our community’s creativity.

9. Video Masking

Video masking used to involve tedious green screens and chroma keying. Thanks to Final Cut Pro’s AI-driven magic mask, I can now isolate subjects effortlessly. While it’s not flawless, it’s close enough to save significant time.

10. Audio Cleanup

Recording equipment isn’t always reliable. Thankfully, Adobe’s Enhance Speech tool has worked wonders on several subpar audio takes. What was once unusable is now salvageable thanks to AI.

11. Auto-Tracking for Videos

YouTube creators often handle their own setups, lacking professional operators. Tools like the Hohem iSteady V3 use on-device AI to track movement seamlessly. No apps required—just point and shoot.

12. Project Research

Need to bend aluminum for a project? Ask ChatGPT for the alloy grade and whether heating is necessary. Problem solved! AI makes quick work of research tasks that would otherwise consume hours.

13. Writing Anywhere

Thanks to iOS 18, I can dictate ideas anytime, anywhere. Recording thoughts on my Apple Watch and transcribing them later ensures I never lose an inspired moment.

14. 3D Print Optimization

AI plays a role in both analyzing G-code and improving 3D print quality. My latest printers claim to use AI for jam prevention and enhanced reliability. While I can’t verify their claims fully, the results speak for themselves.

15. Drone Navigation

Drones equipped with AI simplify flight operations. Tasks like returning home and landing precisely are automated, leaving me free to focus on capturing great footage.

My Wish List for 2025

• Automate video cleanup by removing unnecessary pauses.
• Clean up audio files by eliminating filler words like “ums” and “uhs.”
• Access advanced audio repair features similar to Adobe’s Enhance Speech tool.
• Generate video clips for music videos and B-roll automatically.
• Use AI to filter and organize my email inbox.
• Create accurate 3D models from photographs.

AI continues to evolve rapidly, and its potential feels limitless. What about you? Have you integrated AI into your daily life, or are you still experimenting? Drop your thoughts in the comments below.