When we talk about artificial intelligence (AI), we often think of robots, ChatGPT, or futuristic technologies. However, AI is already present in our professional and personal lives, often without us even realizing it.
According to a study by the Business Development Bank of Canada, 27% of Canadian businesses use AI without knowing it, through features built into their software (source: BDC). This reality also affects individuals: voice assistants, GPS, translation apps… AI is everywhere.
Discreet AI in your tools
Microsoft 365 integrates Copilot to automatically generate summaries, add tables in Excel, and suggest appropriate responses in Outlook. QuickBooks, an accounting tool, suggests expense categories and flags anomalies, while Grammarly and Antidote adapt the style and tone of texts according to the user’s intent.
When it comes to navigation, Waze and Google Maps adapt your routes in real time using machine learning. Spotify and Netflix offer personalized content based on your preferences. Your banking apps generate alerts based on suspicious activity patterns. In businesses, CRMs such as HubSpot classify customers, estimate purchase probabilities, and automate follow-ups, while social networks constantly personalize news feeds. These features rely on technologies such as natural language processing, machine learning, and computer vision.
A hidden but powerful presence
There are several reasons for this invisibility. Publishers often hide the “AI” aspect to avoid complicating the interface or scaring users. AI is integrated everywhere in simple, familiar tools, making it difficult to identify. Finally, many users don’t realize they are interacting with AI technologies, considering them to be simple automation.
How to detect AI
Be on the lookout for automatic suggestions or complete sentences. Is your organization automatically organizing your documents or messages? Are you seeing smart summaries? Or predictive analytics in your professional tools? Check product sheets or update logs for mentions of “AI-powered,” “Machine Learning,” or “Smart features.” .”
Enable and use AI every day
Once identified, AI becomes a powerful lever. Enable smart features in your software settings—with just a few clicks, you can unlock their full potential. Train your teams to use these tools. Also try out Notion AI, Google Bard, or Copilot in Word to assess their practical usefulness. Automate repetitive tasks such as invoices, responses, and summaries. And in your personal life, let AI filter your emails, organize your calendar, or enhance your photos.
Privacy and ethical limits
It is essential to maintain a critical eye. AI can generate algorithmic biases, suggest inappropriate content, or make factual errors. Some features collect sensitive data: always check privacy policies. For professional use, choose tools that are transparent and respectful of personal data.
A Canadian context for better understanding
PwC Canada’s annual report highlights the rapid adoption of generative AI: 36% of Canadian CEOs already report using it in their organizations, with the rest planning to integrate it soon. They highlight major productivity gains while emphasizing the need for responsible deployment (source: PwC).
For individuals and professionals alike, AI is already here. The real challenge is to recognize it, activate it, and use it responsibly. Make it a concrete asset for your personal and professional effectiveness.
Are you already using AI without knowing it? Make it a strategic ally. The team at My Technician can help you identify and maximize the potential of your digital tools.
in your taskbar.