So many AI tools... so little time (I made a language lesson app)

Hey, friends

Is it just me, or has keeping up with technology become a full-time job on its own?

New tools pop up every day. Feeds flooded with “AI this” “AI that” A thousand bookmarked links to tools I swore I’d try (But never did. My browser is basically a graveyard.)

For the longest time, I’ve been feeling this pressure — like I had to stay ahead or risk being left behind. But honestly? It was exhausting.

I didn’t even start using AI regularly until earlier this year. (I know, super late to the party.) And then it hit me:

Are we doing this AI thing backwards?

Instead of chasing every new tool, shouldn’t we first figure out what is we actually need? What problem are we trying to solve? And then find the right tool for that — not just the one getting the most hype.

This approach feels so much more ✨freeing✨ now.

You do you, and let your interests lead you to mastering the AI tools you actually need.

So, what’s a tool that actually makes your life better? Like, truly helps—not just sits there collecting digital dust?

I’ve compiled below a review on the few tools that I’ve really tried. So you know if they’re a good fit for you.

If not, no worries! Find the tools that really solve your needs. 😉

Aaand if you just wanna be updated on the latest news in the design world, I gotchu:

〰️ A new Apple Watch (that I might actually get)
〰️ Pinterest’s way of lessening the doomscroll
〰️ Gaming industry is now more accessible

☁️ news & trends

OMG. A flippable Apple Watch
I’m so excited for this! It’s giving…my childhood, with the flip screen. And the click sound is just so satisfying that I might finally give Apple Watch a try lol.

What makes Pinterest personalization strategy stand out?
While TikTok and Instagram optimize for quick hits, Pinterest focuses on your long-term interests — whether you're planning a kitchen renovation or learning watercolor painting. A really interesting read about their multi-stage AI recommendation system.

Finally. Video game companies are sharing accessibility labels
Nintendo, Google, and more are teaming up to make games more accessible. A reminder that great design isn’t just beautiful — it’s inclusive. You think we’ll be able to see something like this on social?

The most relatable emoji of 2025? Apple’s latest iOS update 
"Face With Bags Under Eyes" perfectly captures our collective burnout in the age of endless design tools and digital overwhelm.

🎧 I built a language app without coding (yes you can too)

I built an entire White Lotus inpired Thai language app without writing a single line of code — just through plain language. I felt like a conductor leading my own little orchestra for 2 days, even recording all the audio myself (did I mention I'm trilingual?)

Process:
1. Think about what your core concept is
2. Create a project specification doc
3. Loose design and user flow in Figma
3. Start prompting with your tool of choice (add screenshots of design and user flow)
4. Debugging and refining the product

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🪐 tools I’ve tried and tested

Here, I’m giving my own personal review of some tools I’ve tried — the ones that actually made a difference, the ones that weren’t worth the hype, and the ones I wanted to love but just didn’t click with.

No fluff, just honest thoughts. ✌

Give these tools a try and let me know which one is your favorite!

Tip: Try put the same prompt on different platforms.

We all have different preferences so see which one speaks to you most, or like what I said earlier, which tool solve your problems most!

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Alright I’m going to a friend’s for White Lotus finale watch party. Have a great week everyone.

See you on the internet 🌐,

Marisa | @meshtimes