Why It's Useful to you. AI assistants are everywhere, but figuring out which one works best for your needs is tricky. Dr. Ethan Mollick, a well-regarded AI expert and TIME 100 Most Influential figure, provides an updated, no-nonsense guide to the top AI tools available today. His advice can save you time and help you use AI like a pro—whether for work, creativity, or personal organization.
Key Practical Insights
There's a growing number of AI models that we can all easily plug into. Mollick breaks down his favorite AI systems, each excelling in unique ways:
Claude by Anthropic: Claude is designed with a strong focus on reliability and safety. It’s less likely to produce bizarre or risky outputs, making it a great choice for those new to AI or needing a tool that "just works." Think of it as a dependable co-pilot.
Google’s Gemini: The new kid on the block, Gemini combines powerful capabilities with Google's ecosystem, like seamless search and document integration. If you live in Google’s world, this could be your perfect match.
ChatGPT by OpenAI: ChatGPT, especially its GPT-4 Turbo version, is a Swiss Army knife for AI tasks. It’s great for brainstorming, drafting emails, coding, or even explaining complex topics in simple ways.
Frontier Models vs. Older AIs: Mollick emphasizes the importance of "frontier models," or the latest versions of these AIs. They’re not just updates—they’re leaps forward in how accurately they understand and respond to you. Using older models is like sticking with a flip phone while others have smartphones.
Costs and Benefits: Free versions of these tools can be handy, but Mollick suggests springing for subscriptions (about $20/month). Paid tiers often grant access to the newest features, higher limits on usage, and better performance—totally worth it if you use AI daily.
Why AI is Getting Smarter: Modern models are no longer just "chatbots." They process visuals and audio, like analyzing an image or transcribing a meeting in real time. This live interaction capability makes them feel almost like talking to a tech-savvy friend.
Specialized Models for Niche Tasks: If you need something outside the mainstream picks, consider Elon Musk’s Grok (a mix of sarcasm and smarts), Microsoft’s Copilot (geared for professional use in apps like Excel), or even DeepSeek for specialized searches.
The AI Learning Curve: Mollick reminds us that, just like learning to use a new app, there’s an adjustment phase with any AI. But once you get familiar, these tools can boost creativity, productivity, and even help solve problems in ways you might not expect.
Trust the Source: What sets Mollick apart? He isn’t paid by AI companies, so his reviews are unbiased. That independence, combined with his academic expertise, makes this guide a rare gem in the hype-heavy AI world.
Read Ethan Mollick’s full breakdown here: