How Phil Works
Understanding Phil's teaching approach and conversational AI capabilities.
Introduction
Phil is your AI teacher built on OpenAI's Realtime API. He provides personalized learning through real-time voice conversations, adapting to your pace and understanding.
Voice-to-Voice Conversations
- Real-time responses: Phil processes your speech and responds immediately
- Natural interruptions: Interrupt Phil anytime to ask follow-ups
- Context awareness: Phil remembers what you've discussed in the session
- Text input: Click Phil's name to type instead of speak
Teaching Approach
Socratic Method
Phil asks guiding questions to help you discover answers yourself, promoting deeper understanding.
Scaffolding
Breaks complex topics into manageable chunks, building on what you already know.
Active Learning
Encourages you to work through problems and explain concepts back rather than passively listening.
Study Tools
During sessions, Phil can create study materials on demand:
Practice Problems
Say "give me a practice problem" and Phil creates problems tailored to your topic and level.
Visual Explanations
Ask Phil to "break it down step by step" and he creates visual, interactive explanations with examples.
Flashcards
Request "create flashcards for this" and Phil generates cards covering key concepts.
Subject Expertise
Phil can teach across virtually any topic:
- Math (algebra, calculus, statistics)
- Sciences (chemistry, physics, biology)
- Humanities (history, literature, philosophy)
- Languages (grammar, vocabulary, writing)
- Computer science and programming
- Test preparation (SAT, ACT, AP exams)
What is a Phil Reply?
A "Phil reply" is counted each time Phil finishes responding to you during a voice session. Your subscription includes a monthly allowance of replies.
How replies are counted
- Voice sessions: 1 reply each time Phil finishes speaking
- EdgeAI chat: 1 reply per message sent
- Image uploads: 1 reply per image transcribed (OCR)
- Flashcard generation: 1 reply per generation
- Quiz generation: 1 reply per generation
How far do replies go?
Think of it as back-and-forth exchanges: you ask something, Phil responds - that's one reply.
- 500 replies: If you study 3-4 times a week with ~15-20 exchanges per session, that's a full month covered.
- 1,000 replies: Study daily or have longer sessions - plenty of room for the whole month.
- Unlimited: Never think about it. Study as much as you want.
What's free (no replies used)
- Session summaries after ending a session
- Uploading PDFs and text materials
- Creating and reviewing flashcards manually
- Creating and practicing quizzes manually
- Viewing your stats and session history
What does "fair use" mean?
Our unlimited plan is designed for regular studying. Fair use means using Phil for personal learning as intended - not automation, reselling, or other commercial purposes.
Limitations
- Phil may occasionally make mistakes - verify important information
- Works best when you provide clear questions and context
- Audio quality and internet connection affect conversation quality
Next Steps
Learn about Phil's states, learning sessions, or study tools.