Book Review: Unlocking AI’s Power in Everyday Life

In a world where artificial intelligence (AI) frequently makes headlines in the tech industry, Rikard Steiber’s Supercharge Your Life with AI comes as a timely and enlightening guide for those seeking to understand the true potential of AI in everyday life. This book, which offers a personal and practical roadmap for leveraging AI’s power both personally and professionally, is an accessible and engaging read for those looking to stay ahead in an AI-driven future. Steiber, whose impressive career includes leadership roles at Google, HTC Vive, and the self-driving vehicle company Einride, presents a human-centered perspective on AI. He makes the case that AI is not just a tool for tech experts but something that can enhance the lives of parents, students, workers, and anyone eager to unlock its transformative possibilities.

The book’s central strength lies in its relatability. Steiber brings AI to life through personal anecdotes that illustrate his journey—both in his professional career and his personal life. From becoming a father and navigating his work at Google to founding GoodTrust, a digital legacy service, Steiber effectively intertwines his own experiences with AI to highlight how it can be a catalyst for success and fulfillment. These personal stories serve as a gentle reminder that AI is not just for engineers and researchers; it is for anyone looking to improve their life, whether by advancing their career, enhancing their family relationships, or simply boosting daily productivity.

One of the most appealing aspects of Supercharge Your Life with AI is its well-organized structure. Each chapter addresses a key area of modern life where AI is already making an impact, with specific focus on health, family, work, learning, and even love. This clear breakdown allows readers to easily explore sections that are most relevant to their own lives. For example, Chapter 4 on Health delves into AI-powered tools that help people monitor and improve their physical well-being. From personalized sleep trackers to fitness apps that adjust to your schedule, Steiber demonstrates how AI is already revolutionizing the health sector. These tools go beyond basic data collection—they act as personal coaches, wellness advisors, and even potential therapists. In this chapter, the notion of AI serving as a fitness companion becomes tangible, transforming what were once just basic stats, like step tracking and calorie counting, into actionable insights.

Chapter 5, Family, takes a deeper dive into one of the most intimate areas of our lives—relationships. Steiber explores how AI is reshaping the way we form connections and raise children. For instance, AI-driven dating apps are becoming more sophisticated, helping users find better matches based on deeper insights, while tools for parenting are also on the rise. The idea of AI acting as a relationship coach might sound like a concept pulled straight from a Black Mirror episode, but Steiber’s approach is far from dystopian. He offers a balanced view, urging readers to recognize that AI is already quietly influencing how we interact with each other on a daily basis.

Throughout the book, Steiber includes practical tips for readers to immediately engage with AI tools in their own lives. Unlike other books that dwell on speculative futuristic visions, Supercharge Your Life with AI focuses on actionable advice that readers can put into practice right now. Steiber encourages experimentation with generative AI platforms for creative expression, as well as the use of AI personal assistants to improve productivity. His section on Work is especially relevant in today’s hybrid work environment. Steiber shares insights on how professionals can utilize AI to maximize their efficiency and redefine their roles. The post-pandemic shift to remote and hybrid work has made it essential to adopt new tools and techniques for managing time, tasks, and communication, and Steiber offers valuable guidance on how to navigate this new professional landscape.

No book about AI would be complete without addressing the ethical considerations surrounding these technologies, and Steiber does not shy away from these challenging discussions. He dedicates ample space to exploring issues like bias, data privacy, and the societal implications of AI automation. He emphasizes the importance of being an active participant in the shaping of AI technologies, rather than passively experiencing their impact. The idea that the “AI revolution” is not something to be simply observed, but actively engaged with, is a core message of the book. This is particularly important as AI continues to influence not only our personal lives but also the broader social and economic systems in which we live.

Some might argue that Steiber’s book covers too many topics, from AI-driven matchmaking to the possibility of achieving immortality through AI avatars, which could lead to the book feeling shallow. However, Steiber successfully balances breadth with depth. After a Thanksgiving dinner with my extended family, I realized that many educated professionals still have only a vague understanding of how AI might affect them, making Steiber’s comprehensive approach incredibly valuable. His book isn’t merely a tech manual—it’s an invitation to explore how AI can be integrated into daily life for both personal and professional growth.

For those who are curious about AI but unsure of where to start, Supercharge Your Life with AI is the perfect introduction. Steiber’s approachable writing style and real-world examples make the subject matter easy to digest, and his practical advice empowers readers to make AI work for them today. Whether you’re looking to boost your career, improve your health, or enrich your relationships, this book offers a roadmap to unlocking the potential of AI, making it an ideal holiday gift for anyone looking to embrace the future.