Jan. 11, 2026

What Makes Something AI?

What Makes Something AI?

Everyone calls everything “AI” now - from dishwashers to automatic doors. But what actually makes something AI?

In this episode of Everyday AI for Everybody, we break it down with one simple rule: 

If it doesn’t learn, it’s not AI

We explore the difference between tools, automation, and real AI using everyday examples like photo apps, smart devices, and self-driving cars.

Learning is the line. Smart ≠ AI. Automated ≠ AI.

You’ll learn:

  • The 3 Buckets of Technology - Tools, Automation, and AI

  • How AI Learning Works with examples

  • Why smart technology may not have AI

You’ll walk away with a simple test you can use anywhere to spot AI hype and understand what’s really happening behind the scenes.

Key takeaway: Not everything smart is AI, and knowing the difference is an everyday skill.


🎵 Music: 

Hiking by Alex-Productions & Efficsounds | https://onsound.eu/

https://www.efficsounds.co.uk

Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com

Creative Commons / Attribution 3.0 Unported License (CC BY 3.0)

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US

🎙️ Hosts: 

Sundar & Dhanur

🎧 Podcast:

Everyday AI for Everybody