My AI Toolkit: The Tools, Books & Technology I Recommend for Building With AI

Over the past two decades, I've worked on technology initiatives at AT&T, Nortel, PepsiCo, Wells Fargo and DHS/CISA. Today, as founder of Arsh.AI, I focus on how artificial intelligence can help people and businesses turn ideas into practical solutions.

What excites me most about AI is how much easier it has become to build technology. You no longer need a large team or months of work just to test an idea; AI tools can take you from idea to working demo much faster. Here are the tools, books and technology I use or recommend.

Have an App Idea? Start Building With Lovable

If you've had an idea for an app but didn't know where to start, try Lovable. I use it myself, and I recommend it for its speed and simplicity.

What I like most is how quickly you go from describing an idea to seeing a working application. Instead of spending weeks on specifications before testing a concept, you can start building, experimenting and refining right away. You can create websites, business applications, interactive prototypes, AI-powered tools and minimum viable products.

For entrepreneurs, that means you can validate an idea before investing heavily: build a prototype, show it, gather feedback, and then decide whether it deserves more development. Production software still needs proper testing, security review, performance work and maintenance, but for exploring an idea quickly, Lovable is hard to beat. Start building with Lovable (partner referral link).

Coming Soon: Build Your First App in One Weekend

I'm preparing a new YouTube episode, "How to Build Your First App in One Weekend Using AI (No Coding!)". I'll walk through turning an idea into requirements, generating a first version, refining the interface, testing it and preparing a working demo. The goal is to show that you don't need to be an experienced programmer to build a useful prototype.

Subscribe to OnAirToday with Abbas Mirza on YouTube so you don't miss it.

Another Builder I Use: Replit

Lovable isn't the only builder in my toolkit. I also build with Replit, which lets you create, run and deploy apps in your browser with AI help along the way.

I used Replit to build Shadow AI Detector, now available on the App Store and Google Play. It was a good experience and simple to use, and Replit has added more advanced features since I started with it. Try Replit (referral link).

I also used Replit and Claude to create Bot or Not, a mobile game published on the App Store and Google Play. It's free to download.

Another app I created is Ava, Your Personal Assistant. Ava helps you:

• turn conversations into actionable tasks
• create reminders instantly
• organize contacts and commitments
• reduce mental clutter
• move from thinking to execution

Ava is designed as an intelligent layer that sits above your other tools, handling the structure so you can focus on what matters. It's built with a disciplined AI architecture and human-centered guardrails, so it grows with your workflow while keeping you in control. As I like to put it: the future of productivity isn't more apps; it's smarter execution.

Download Ava on Google Play and try a new way to organize your day.

How I Connect My Tools

I don't use these tools in isolation. I use Claude Code with connectors to work with Lovable, Replit and the other tools I rely on, so I can move between building, editing and checking my projects from one place.

You can see everything I've built with these and other AI tools at arsh.ai/apps. I'll walk through more of them in future videos and articles.

Choosing Hosting for Your Project

Once you've built a website or app, you'll need to think about hosting, security, performance and maintenance. One provider I recommend is SiteGround. Beyond its managed website hosting, it offers cloud hosting built on Google Cloud infrastructure, with management tools, support and security features that make running a site or app simpler for small businesses.

Before you move a project, check what it needs to run. Many AI-built apps depend on databases, authentication and backend services, so validate your idea, test it with real users and understand its technical requirements before choosing a long-term home. Explore SiteGround's hosting options (referral link).

Creating Videos With AI

Not long ago, engaging video required specialized equipment, editing software and a lot of experience. AI creative tools are changing that.

If you want to experiment with AI-generated video, cinematic effects, promotional clips or visual storytelling, take a look at Higgsfield AI. Whether you're a YouTube creator, entrepreneur or marketer, it's worth evaluating.

Start with a short concept, experiment with prompts and styles, and review the results before committing to a bigger production. Quality, pricing, usage limits and commercial-use rights vary between AI video tools, so check the terms. Explore Higgsfield AI (referral link).

My Book: From AI Idea to Business Value

In my experience, technology is most valuable when it solves a meaningful problem. That's why I wrote From AI Idea to Business Value, about moving beyond AI experiments to practical implementation and measurable business results. It's written for business leaders, entrepreneurs, project managers and technology professionals applying AI to real-world challenges.

If you're planning an AI initiative or an AI-powered product, find my book on Amazon, or read more on its OnAirToday book page.

I've also put together a recommended books collection on OnAirToday, with my books and selected titles on AI, cybersecurity, entrepreneurship, technology leadership and innovation. I'll keep adding to it.

Technology I Recommend

I'm always looking for technology that improves productivity, simplifies everyday tasks or offers real value. That's why we created the OnAirToday Tech Shop, with picks across computers, productivity gear, smart devices and everyday electronics. For more ideas, browse Amazon's Tech Refresh collection.

Before buying anything, I ask three questions: What problem does it solve? Will I use it regularly? Is there a better or more affordable alternative? Not every new gadget is worth it; sometimes the simplest solution is the best one.

Building Practical AI Through Arsh.AI

Beyond exploring tools, I build technology solutions through Arsh.AI, focused on AI-powered applications, intelligent automation, digital experiences and AI security.

One initiative is AiFortX, which assesses security risks in AI applications and agents. As AI systems increasingly use external tools, access information and take actions, risks such as prompt injection, data leakage and unauthorized actions matter more and more.

I'm also working on Netzyng, an AI-powered shopping and price-comparison platform that makes it easier to discover products and compare options.

To learn more about my background and projects, visit my portfolio at Mirza.us.

My Advice: Start Small and Build Something

You don't need to know everything about AI before you start using it. If you have an app idea, build a prototype. If you're curious about video, try an AI video tool. If you're thinking about a business, start by validating a real problem. Read, explore and keep learning, but above all, apply what you learn.

Some of the most valuable opportunities in my career started with curiosity and a willingness to experiment. AI makes it easier than ever to explore new ideas. Your first attempt doesn't have to be perfect; you just need to start.

Want to Learn More About AI?

If you want to build your AI skills, find career opportunities or join professional communities, read my companion guide: Want to Learn AI or Advance Your Career? Here Are the Resources I Recommend.

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Let's make AI simple, practical, and useful together.

— Abbas Mirza, Founder & CEO, Arsh.AI · Host, OnAirToday with Abbas Mirza