Meta title: I tried Gizmo AI for 2 weeks, and here’s what I found out 

Meta description: I spent 2 weeks using Gizmo AI. Find out how it performed, what I liked, and where it could improve in this detailed review.

Slug: gizmo-ai-review-2-weeks

I tried Gizmo AI for 2 weeks, and here’s what I found out 

You are probably wondering how I got here. Well, when you live three lives, being a student, worker, and friend, you don’t skip on anything that promises a bit of order and ease. And that “anything”? Gizmo AI. 

Balancing a master’s program with part-time work and a social life is a real challenge, no jokes. Between classes, assignments, and my job, I was constantly stretched thin, and my social life battery was perpetually stuck on code red so much that I almost lost my personality. 

When I heard a fellow coursemate go off about how impressively Gizmo AI managed their study workload during an outdoor class session, I knew I had to see it for myself. 

So, I integrated it into my daily routine and observed the outcomes. In this review, I’ll share my experience with Gizmo AI, detailing both what worked well and what didn’t and if it could truly support a busy lifestyle like mine. Stay with me as I unwrap Gizmo AI.

Key takeaways 

1. Gizmo AI can quickly convert PDFs, YouTube videos, and notes into flashcards and quizzes, making it a time-saving tool for students and educators who want to streamline their study process.

2. The platform uses spaced repetition and active recall to help users retain information for the long term rather than relying on short-term cramming.

3. Its intuitive interface, integration with tools like Google Drive, Anki, and Quizlet, and social features for sharing and collaboration make it accessible and adaptable to different learning styles and group study needs

4. The platform is primarily text-based and currently lacks features like audio narration or support for multiple languages, which may not suit all learning preferences.

5. Gizmo AI prioritizes user privacy and implements robust data protection measures to ensure personal and academic information security.

6. There’s no Offline Mode. You need an internet connection to use Gizmo AI, which can be limiting for users who want to study on the go or in areas with unreliable connectivity

7. There’s a free version with essential features, while advanced capabilities — like unlimited quizzes, deeper-spaced repetition, and AI tutor feedback — require a paid subscription.

What’s Gizmo AI, and how did it come to be?

Developed and launched in 2021 by Christodoulou, Paul Evangelou (CPO), and Robin Jack (CTO), three Cambridge University alumni with expertise in machine learning, education technology, and product development, Gizmo AI  is an innovative learning platform that draws on artificial intelligence to transform study materials into interactive flashcards and quizzes, making studying more engaging and effective for you. But Gizmo AI doesn’t stop at just making flashcards and quizzes. 

It’s built on the science of how memory works using spaced repetition and active recall, which nudges you to review what you’re about to forget. It also lets you track your growth with analytics that show where you’re crushing it and where you need a little more help. This way, you’re not just memorizing for the short term but actually locking knowledge in for the long term.

The platform has received positive reviews from users, with many noting improvements in their academic performance and appreciation for the app’s engaging approach to studying. For instance, one user mentioned, “I studied with this app and got 100% on my social studies test.” 

As a result, Gizmo AI has experienced increased growth, attracting over 300,000 users and expanding its reach globally. In September 2023, the company secured $3.5 million in seed funding from investors, including NFX, Ada Ventures, and Capital T, to further develop its platform and features. 

This innovation is accessible via its web platform and can be downloaded on both iOS and Android devices, making it convenient for users with different devices.

How I began using Gizmo AI (followable steps for you) and its first impressions 

Signing up with Gizmo AI was quick and hassle-free. I simply went to their website and clicked on the “Start Learning” icon at the top right corner of the screen.  It’s also placed in the center of the screen; you can also click there.

There, I signed up using my email (with a curated password), though you can also use Google or Apple accounts if you prefer.

There were no lengthy forms or confusing steps, so I was up and running within minutes.

The onboarding process involved inputting my first and last name, age, and purpose for participation (I chose university; the following prompt was to choose my rung). Next, I had to choose my university and then connect with a friend who would turn to my study buddy. 

Finally, it got personal when I was asked which I preferred among these. 

Once I chose, I got pushed to my dashboard.

Once inside, the interface immediately stood out. It’s clean, modern, and intuitive, with nothing overwhelming or cluttered. I love the ribbons that open up to in-depth categories on the left side of the dashboard and the prevalent purple brand color; it gave me a calming effect. 

Navigating through the dashboard felt easy, and the design made it more comfortable to find what I needed without a learning curve. Aside from purple, other colors plus the layout were inviting, making me want to stay a bit longer and head into my study materials.

Downloading the app on my Android was just as smooth.

It installed quickly without taking up much space or slowing down my device, which is always a relief when you’re juggling multiple study tools and other apps.

Overall, the onboarding experience was seamless and welcoming. I didn’t time it, but if I could estimate, I’d say it took 10 minutes to sign up, download the app, and navigate the platform to great familiarity. 

What features make Gizmo AI unique?

Below is a summary table of Gizmo AI’s major features, followed by a concise discussion of how these features work together to enhance learning.

Feature	Description	Benefit to User
AI-Generated Flashcards	Instantly creates flashcards from PDFs, notes, and YouTube videos.	Saves time and automates tedious tasks.
Spaced Repetition & Active Recall	Schedules review at optimal intervals for memory retention.	Improves long-term retention.
AI Tutor Functionality	Provides personalized explanations and feedback across core subjects.	On-demand clarification and support.
Interactive Quiz Generator	Auto-generates quizzes from uploaded materials.	Tests knowledge and adapts to learning needs.
Customizable Learning Paths	Allows you to set preferences for subjects, difficulty, and study schedules.	Tailored, adaptive learning experience.
Progress Tracking & Analytics	Tracks performance, highlights strengths/weaknesses and suggests focus areas.	Informs and motivates study improvements.
Collaborative & Social Learning	Enables sharing decks, group study, and peer quizzing.	Supports teamwork and accountability.
Voice recorder and transcript	Allows real-time lecture capturing.	Support physical learning on the go.
Cross-Platform & Integration	Integrates with Quizlet, Google Drive, OneNote, and more.	Easy access to all study materials.
Multimedia Input Compatibility	Accepts text, documents, and video links as input.	Supports diverse learning styles.
Privacy & Security	Employs robust data protection and privacy measures.	Keeps user data safe and confidential.
Free & Paid Plans	A free tier with basics; paid plans unlock advanced features.	Flexible for different needs and budgets.

How these features work together 

1. Automated content creation: Gizmo AI’s standout feature is its ability to turn a wide range of study materials, such as PDFs, lecture notes, and YouTube videos, into high-quality flashcards and quizzes in seconds. This eliminates the manual labor of creating study aids, letting you focus on actual learning.

2. Spaced repetition and active recall: The platform uses scientifically backed algorithms to schedule reviews at optimal intervals, boosting long-term retention and minimizing the risk of forgetting key information. This is especially useful for exam prep or mastering complex subjects.

3. AI tutor and personalized feedback: You can ask the AI tutor for clarifications or deeper explanations on tricky topics, receiving context-aware support across subjects like science, biology, and social studies. Personalized feedback after quizzes helps users identify and address weak spots efficiently.

4. Interactive and collaborative learning: Gizmo AI encourages social learning by allowing you and other users to share decks, join group study sessions, and quiz each other. This collaborative approach makes studying more engaging and effective.

5. Voice recorder and transcript: This lets you record your lectures, seminars, or spoken notes directly within the platform. Once recorded, Gizmo AI automatically transcribes the audio into text, which you can then convert into flashcards, quizzes, or searchable notes

6. Progress tracking and analytics: The app’s analytics dashboard provides insights into study habits, tracks performance over time, and helps users adjust their learning strategies for better outcomes.

7. Integration and accessibility: With support for integration with popular tools like Quizlet, Google Drive, and OneNote, Gizmo AI fits seamlessly into existing study workflows. Its cross-platform availability ensures you can study from anywhere, though an offline mode is not yet available.

8. Privacy and security: Gizmo AI prioritizes user privacy and data security, employing robust measures to protect sensitive academic information.

Putting Gizmo AI’s features into action 

Uploading and organizing study materials

I uploaded a 5-page PDF of a critical article for my research using the free plan. The process was straightforward: I clicked “Import,” selected the file, and within seconds, Gizmo AI scanned the document.

What I loved was how the AI didn’t just dump the whole text back at me. Instead, it intelligently extracted key points asked for my confirmation and turned them into flashcards. 

This saved me from hours of painstaking note-taking and helped me focus on the core concepts and terminology I needed to master.

Next, I experimented with a YouTube lecture link from a class activity I had missed. Again, Gizmo AI’s AI-powered “Magic Import” feature parsed the video transcript. 

It asked me how I wanted my explanation, and I chose “ Explain like I’m 5”.  

It generated flashcards capturing the main ideas and important details. At the end of segment 1, it asked a question, and I got it right!

For a master’s student, that’s a huge time saver. I didn’t need any more pausing and rewinding to jot down notes. The flashcards were concise but comprehensive enough to give me a solid grasp of the lecture content. 

Creating and customizing flashcards

Once the flashcards were generated, I went through them to make sure they fit my study style. The free plan lets you move flashcards, so I changed some questions to be more specific to my thesis focus and added a few notes where I wanted extra context. This flexibility is crucial because, at the graduate level, nuance matters and a lot.

I could also add my own flashcards manually. Sometimes, when reading dense academic texts, I come across ideas that don’t translate well automatically or need a personal touch. The ability to create custom cards alongside AI-generated ones gave me a balanced, tailored deck.

Using quizzes to test my understanding

One of the features I found most valuable on the free plan was the quiz generator. After building my deck, I ran a quick quiz to test my understanding of the material. The quizzes pull questions directly from the flashcards, mixing multiple-choice and fill-in-the-blank formats.

Taking the quizzes felt like a mini-exam, and it was eye-opening to see which areas I was strong in and which concepts I needed to revisit. This immediate feedback loop is something I hadn’t experienced with traditional study methods. It made my study sessions more interactive and less passive, which is essential when dealing with complex graduate-level content.

My opinion on the spaced repetition and active recall feature 

While the free plan doesn’t unlock all the advanced spaced repetition features, Gizmo AI still scheduled my reviews intelligently. After my first quiz, the app reminded me to revisit certain flashcards the next day or a few days later based on my performance.

This was a groundbreaker for me. Instead of cramming all at once, I was nudged to space out my study sessions, which helped me retain information better. For a master’s student with a packed schedule, this kind of built-in memory science is invaluable. It turns studying from a stressful activity into a manageable, ongoing process.

Tracking progress and staying motivated

The free plan also offers basic progress tracking. I could see how many flashcards I’d reviewed, my quiz scores, and which topics needed more work. This visual feedback kept me motivated. Who knew how surprisingly satisfying it is to watch your progress grow day in and out.

Plus, Gizmo AI’s gamification elements? I love the streaks and achievements. They added a fun layer to what could otherwise be a dry study routine. Even small wins like completing a quiz or hitting a review target felt rewarding and kept me going back.

Collaborative learning on a budget

While the free plan doesn’t include full team features, I could still share my decks with classmates via export options. This meant we could study from the same flashcards and quiz questions, even if we weren’t all using Gizmo AI’s premium features.

Collaborating this way helped us stay aligned on key topics and saved time when prepping for group discussions or presentations. For master’s students who often work in teams, this was a valuable option.

Using Gizmo AI’s voice recording and transcriber 

During one of my recent master’s lectures on Perception, I decided to try Gizmo AI’s voice recording and transcription feature to see how it could support my study routine. 

Instead of frantically scribbling notes, I opened Gizmo AI on my phone and started recording the lecture. I focused on listening and understanding, knowing the app would capture everything accurately.

After the lecture, Gizmo AI automatically transcribed the entire recording into text. The transcript was impressively accurate, capturing complex terminology and key points without me having to pause or rewind.

With the transcript ready, I used Gizmo AI to highlight important concepts and generate flashcards and quizzes. 

This turned a long lecture into manageable chunks of study material I could review anytime. Also, I reviewed the AI-generated flashcards, making minor edits to tailor them to my thesis focus. This personalized my study aids and made them more relevant to my specific research interests.

What I loved about Gizmo AI 

1. Convert videos, PDFs, and notes into flashcards and quizzes in seconds

One of the wow moments for me was how effortlessly Gizmo AI transformed my study materials. I had a 5-page PDF packed with dense textbook info that usually would have taken me hours to distill into flashcards. With Gizmo AI, it was done in minutes. The AI parsed the text, identified key concepts, and generated surprisingly relevant and well-phrased flashcards.

Even more impressive was how the app handled video lectures. I’m a big fan of learning from YouTube University, but manually taking notes while watching can be a drag. I tested Gizmo AI by dropping in a link to a 30-minute lecture, and within moments, I had a set of flashcards capturing the main points. It felt like having a personal assistant who actually listened and took notes for me. This feature alone saved me hours and made studying way less tedious.

2. Spaced repetition and active recall actually work for long-term retention

We all know cramming is a trap, right? I was skeptical at first about whether Gizmo AI’s spaced repetition system would make a real difference. But a couple days in, I noticed I was recalling information much more easily, even days after my initial study sessions. The app reminds me to review flashcards at just the right intervals, which helps me avoid the classic “study now, forget tomorrow” cycle. This is how memory science says learning should happen, and Gizmo AI nailed it.

3. User-friendly interface (no techy headaches)

I’m not the most tech-savvy person, so I love it when an app doesn’t make me feel like I need a degree in computer science just to use it. Gizmo AI’s interface was clean, intuitive, and responsive. From uploading files to navigating between flashcards and quizzes, everything was smooth.

There were no confusing menus or hidden features buried under layers of clicks. Even when I was tired or distracted, I could jump right in and get studying without fumbling around. That ease of use kept me coming back.

4. Social learning tools make collaboration easy

Studying alone is fine, but sometimes you want to bounce ideas off others or share resources. Gizmo AI’s social features were a pleasant surprise. I could share flashcard decks with classmates, collaborate on quizzes, and even join group study sessions within the app.

This made group projects and exam prep much more efficient. Instead of emailing files back and forth or trying to coordinate study topics, we had a shared space to build and review material together. It felt like studying got a little more fun and a lot less isolating.

5. Strong privacy and security

I was initially hesitant about uploading my notes and study materials to a cloud service. But Gizmo AI’s clear privacy policies and strong encryption reassured me. Knowing my data was protected gave me peace of mind, especially since some of my notes contained sensitive personal insights and academic work.

This trust factor is huge for me. I wouldn’t use a tool that felt sketchy about data security, and Gizmo AI passed that test with flying colors.

What could be better in Gizmo AI 

1. Advanced features are paywalled

Here’s the thing: while the free version of Gizmo AI is solid, many of the features that really elevate the experience (like unlimited quizzes, advanced spaced repetition customization, and detailed analytics) are locked behind a paywall.

I get it; developers need to make money. But sometimes, the free tier felt like a teaser rather than a full experience. If you’re a casual learner, that might be fine. But if you want to dive in deep and get the most out of the app, you’ll need to subscribe.

I found myself debating whether the monthly fee was worth it, especially since some competitors offer similar features for free or cheaper. Still, the premium features are well-designed and genuinely useful if you’re serious about studying.

2. Occasional technical glitches, especially with large files

Most of the time, Gizmo AI ran smoothly. But when I uploaded really large PDFs or lengthy videos, the app sometimes lagged or threw error messages. It wasn’t a dealbreaker, but it could be frustrating during a study session.

For example, one time, I tried to upload a 100-page research paper, and the app stalled for several minutes before timing out. I had to manually break the file into small, which felt like taking a step backward. Very unprogressive. And don’t get me started on the time I spent—time I didn’t have. 

I hope future updates improve stability for heavy users like me who regularly deal with big files.

3. No offline mode (an issue for anyone without constant internet access)

This one was a bit frustrating. I often study in places with spotty Wi-Fi. It’s that unavoidable no thanks to the fluctuating nature of these internet providers. And Gizmo AI requires an internet connection to function, so if you’re offline, you’re basically locked out.

This limitation could be a dealbreaker for some, especially students who want to study anywhere, anytime.

An offline mode or downloadable decks would be a fantastic addition.

4. Lacks audio and multilingual support for now

While Gizmo AI is excellent at processing text and video transcripts, it doesn’t yet offer audio and support for multiple languages. As a person who sometimes likes to listen to study material on the go, this was a missed opportunity.

Also, the lack of multilingual flashcard generation limits its usefulness for non-English speakers or those studying foreign languages.

Adding these features would make Gizmo AI more inclusive and versatile.

Gizmo AI pricing tier 

Gizmo AI operates on a freemium and premium subscription model. 

Free plan

• Daily lives: Users receive 15 free lives each day. Each incorrect answer in a quiz costs one life. When all lives are used, users must wait 10 minutes for lives to replenish before continuing.

• Quiz creation limit: Free users can generate up to 10 AI-generated quizzes per day.

Unlimited plan

• Unlimited lives: The subscription unlocks unlimited lives, allowing uninterrupted learning sessions without waiting for lives to replenish.

• Unlimited quiz creation: Subscribers can create an unlimited number of AI-generated quizzes daily, removing the 10-per-day cap.

• Unlimited AI tutor 

• Unlimited cards 

• Unlimited hearts 

• Unlimited imports

Pricing:

• Weekly: $13.99 per week

• Yearly: $2.98 per week 

($155.22 per year)

Students discount 

• Weekly: $6.99  per week

• Yearly: $1.48 / week

($77.22 billed yearly)

Additional features: The subscription may also include the ability to create and share decks, access to a marketplace of public decks, and upcoming features like integrated note-taking.

So, what are my recommendations?

Having used Gizmo AI, I can — from a place of surety — say it’s a tool worth trying if you’re juggling a tight schedule. I’d recommend it to students, professionals, or anyone balancing multiple roles since it would simplify their lives, help them stay organized, and save time. 

That said, it’s not perfect. While its features are great, some areas could benefit from more remodeling to suit individual needs and certain situations. Ready to experience what Gizmo AI can do?  Start with a free trial to see if it’s right for you.

But, 

Have you used Gizmo AI before? If yes, what features did you find most helpful, or do you think something is missing that could make it even better? I’d love to hear your thoughts.

Also, if you’re currently working with other learning-focused AI tools, let me know which ones you think give Gizmo AI a run for its money or completely outshine it. Do well to subscribe to this us for more firsthand unique reviews of AI tools to help you work smarter, not harder!