AI, translated · 4 min read
The AI tools worth knowing by name
There are only a handful that matter. Here's who's who — ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, Copilot — in plain terms, so the names stop being a blur.
The names blur together — ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, Copilot, and a dozen more you've half-heard. The good news: you only need to recognize a few, and they're more alike than the marketing suggests.
The big three (plus one)
- ChatGPT (from OpenAI) — the one that started the wave. A capable all-rounder and the default most people mean when they say "AI."
- Claude (from Anthropic) — known for careful, natural writing and for working through long documents patiently.
- Gemini (from Google) — built into Google's apps and Android phones; handy on the go and for talking out loud.
- Copilot (from Microsoft) — the same kind of engine, living inside Word, Excel, and Outlook where you already work.
Under the hood they're all the same idea: the eager, well-read assistant from "What is AI, really?" Any of them will handle the everyday tasks well.
You don't need all of them. Pick one, use it for a month, and it'll do the large majority of what you need.
How to choose without overthinking
- Mostly on your phone, or like talking out loud? Start with Gemini.
- Live in Microsoft Office all day? Copilot is already right there.
- Long documents and careful writing? Claude leans that way.
- Just want to start? ChatGPT is the default for a reason.
The one thing to do
You don't have to try them all. Pick one this week and give it one real task — the differences barely matter until you're a regular.
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