LIKE it or not, AI has burst into our lives recently and isn't going away anytime soon.

Artificial Intelligence has many uses, big tech companies use it to save time with the extrapolation of data, while ordinary people are more inclined to use it for entertainment purposes.

I decided to use it for the most important purpose of them all - planning a day out in our wonderful town.

Taking a bit of creative liberty and assuming the identity of a mother of two, I asked Chat GPT the following:

Can you plan a day out for me in Basingstoke? I have £50 to spend and will have two children with me.

Here is the response I received:

Of course! I can help you plan a day out in Basingstoke with £50 to spend and two children. Here's a suggested itinerary:

Morning:

1. Start your day by visiting Eastrop Park. It's a beautiful park with a lake, playground, and picnic areas. You can enjoy a leisurely walk, let the kids play in the playground, and have a picnic breakfast. This activity is free of charge.

2. Afterward, head to Milestones Museum. It's an interactive living history museum that showcases the history of Hampshire. The admission fee is £10 for adults, and children under 16 can enter for free. It's a great place for both fun and learning.

Lunchtime:

3. For lunch, you can visit Festival Place, a large shopping center located in the heart of Basingstoke. It offers a variety of dining options catering to different tastes and budgets. You should be able to find affordable options within your budget.

Afternoon:

4. After lunch, make your way to The Anvil. It's a renowned performing arts venue that often hosts children's shows and performances. Check their website for any shows or events scheduled during your visit. Ticket prices vary, but you can usually find reasonably priced options for children's shows.

If the weather permits, you can end your afternoon with a visit to Basing Wood. It's a nearby woodland area where you and the kids can enjoy a nature walk, spot wildlife, and have fun exploring the outdoors. This activity is free.

Evening:

6. Finish off your day with a meal at a family-friendly restaurant. There are several options available in Basingstoke that cater to families. Consider choosing a place with a kid's menu or special offers to make the most of your budget.

Please note that prices and availability may vary, so it's a good idea to check the websites or contact the venues in advance to confirm details. Additionally, this itinerary focuses on affordable activities, but you may need to allocate some additional budget for meals and any unexpected expenses. Enjoy your day out in Basingstoke!

I suppose there are worse days out.

The popular tool, Chat GPT, has come under criticism after students were caught using it to write essays, yet many argue the benefits outweigh the drawbacks.

AI is becoming more and more useful as the technology progresses, while I used this tool for a bit of fun, there are, of course, ethical issues.

A recent TikTok trend uses AI to replicate songs in the style of artists who may never get the chance to do so, for example 'Freddie Mercury' singing 'My heart will go on' can be viewed here:

@dj.tempo Freddie Mercury my heart will go on Al #ai #aimusic #freddiemercury #freddie #titanic #celinedion ♬ Beautiful Memories - Lux-Inspira

On the more light-hearted side, you can watch an AI cover of a battle droid from Star Wars singing 'Somewhere only we know' here:

@billycobbmusic #starwars #battledroid #ai #aicover #blender #blender3d #animation #meme #foryou #fyp #clonewars ♬ original sound - Participation Certificate

As AI becomes more and more popular, it is uncertain how extreme the technology will become, and what else it will be used for.

It is rather scary to think that AI can almost perfectly replicate someone's voice.

What are your thoughts on AI?