Overview of AI models

What is AI (Artificial Intelligence)?

What is generally referred to as AI today is a complex software system capable of performing tasks that normally require human intelligence. Like, for example, understanding human language, engaging in conversation, translating text into many languages, recognizing patterns and so on. A more precise definition is LLM (Large Language Model), since AIs do not possess actual intelligence or self-awareness. What they really do is compare the input they receive with a huge database of training material, and produce answers based on the word associations they find. For example, if you asked an AI what colour is snow, it will certainly reply that it's white, since that’s how the words “snow” and “colour” are most commonly found together. But the system has no actual understanding of what snow, white and colour are.

How are AI models used in today’s world?

AIs are used for a multitude of tasks: chat, translation, research, image generation and so on. An AI model is the trained “brain” of an AI system that turns input data into useful outputs. They are a useful tool providing invaluable support, as long as the user understands their capabilities and limitations. AI systems can be found almost anywhere, they are even being included in the operating systems of modern phones. That can be handy for many users, but extended AI usage also raises some ethical problems, like privacy and excessive dependence. In the end, like all tools, the usefulness of an AI is tied to how well it is used. Anyone can use a brush, but not everyone is Michelangelo.

What are the most popular AI models?

There are dozens of different AI models available to the public, each with their own strong points and shortcomings. Some are multipurpose tools, capable of doing anything from chatting in human language to analyse data and generate images. Others are specialized in a single task, like producing high quality images or sifting through huge quantities of data. The most well-known ones are ChatGPT, Gemini and Grok.

Are AIs free to use?

While several AIs require users to create a profile and sign up, many of them allow free access to some extent. Everyone can interact with ChatGPT or Grok to find answers, research something or perform other everyday tasks. Other AIs, like Midjourney, only allow paid access, but it’s generally worth it if you need their capabilities. Even free AIs often offer a paid subscription, providing advanced functions and faster, more detailed results. For example, ChatGPT Plus (the paid subscription to ChatGPT) offers the following features:

• Higher message limits or unlimited use
• Faster responses and priority access when servers are busy
• Access to more powerful AI models
• Advanced tools (data analysis, coding help, document processing, etc.)
• Better voice and multimodal features (images, files, sometimes video)
• Early access to new experimental features

Best AI for each task

What AI do I use for making art?

• Midjourney
• DALL·E
• Stable Diffusion
• Adobe Firefly
• Leonardo AI

What are the best AIs for generic questions?

• ChatGPT
• Claude
• Gemini
• Perplexity
• Microsoft Copilot

What AIs are best suited for coding?

• GitHub Copilot
• ChatGPT
• Claude
• Cursor
• Codeium

What are the best choices for translation?

• DeepL
• ChatGPT
• Google Translate
• Microsoft Translator
• Claude

Which AI is the best?

There is no definite answer to this question, since each AI is best suited to something. Midjourney is one of the best for pictures, ChatGPT is a very good general-purpose AI, but safety filters sometimes limit its answers. Grok has fewer safety features, making it better and worse at the same time. Check our info boxes for a quick overview of the most popular AIs, so you can pick the one best suited to your needs.