[WARNING] - this is a long email because I share with you the actual output from each AI model. Feel free to skip the outputs and just focus on the prompt.

I’ve been giving a lot of talks lately about AI.

That includes AI models like ChatGPT, Perplexity, Claude and Gemini - the big four.

A question that keeps being asked is which is the best?

That’s a hard question for anyone to answer.

It’s like asking - what is the best car to drive - Ford, Toyota, Honda or Kia.

Ask 5 different people and you will get 10 different answer.

So what did I do?

I did what any good technology strategist would do.

I asked each platform :)

I used the same prompt on each platform.

“You are a Generative AI expert. I am very confused by the difference between ChatGPT, Perplexity, Claude and Gemini. Please create a detailed blog post breaking all of them apart so my readers can understand the differences and be able to make the right decision of what AI they should use.”

Here is what each of them said, but before you look, do me a favor.

After reading each, reply to this email and let me know which answer you like better.

My favorite - look at the end of this post to find out.

^{From ChatGPT:}

Understanding the Differences Between ChatGPT, Perplexity, Claude, and Gemini: Which AI is Right for You?

Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming how businesses and individuals operate, especially in the field of generative AI. With numerous AI models available, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one. In this post, we will break down four popular AI models—ChatGPT, Perplexity, Claude, and Gemini—so you can make an informed decision about which one best suits your needs.

1. ChatGPT (OpenAI)

Overview: ChatGPT, developed by OpenAI, is one of the most well-known generative AI models. It’s based on the GPT (Generative Pre-trained Transformer) architecture and is widely used for generating text, summarizing information, and answering questions. It's continuously evolving, with versions like GPT-4 offering enhanced capabilities.

Pros:

Versatile: ChatGPT is widely used in various industries like customer service, content creation, and research.

User-Friendly Interface: Easy-to-use through platforms like OpenAI’s API or directly on websites like ChatGPT.

Customizable: OpenAI provides API access for developers to fine-tune models for specific tasks.

Integration: Easily integrates into business workflows, apps, or custom systems.

Cons:

Data Limitations: The model's knowledge is typically limited to data available up to its last update. Real-time browsing may not always be available unless using a paid version.

Cost: Free tiers have limited features, with more advanced capabilities reserved for premium subscriptions.

Best For: Users who need a reliable and versatile text generator for various applications, from content creation to code suggestions.

2. Perplexity AI

Overview: Perplexity AI is designed as a search engine that leverages large language models for providing real-time answers. Unlike traditional search engines, it generates conversational responses to queries, often sourcing from real-time web data.

Pros:

Real-Time Information: It continuously browses the web, providing up-to-date and relevant information.

Cited Sources: Perplexity provides links to its sources, making it easy to verify information.

Interactive Experience: Perplexity aims to provide deeper, conversational-style answers with context, making it feel more like a dialogue than just search results.

Cons:

Limited Creativity: While excellent at providing factual and real-time data, it is less creative compared to models like ChatGPT in generating fictional content or nuanced dialogue.

Search Focused: Better suited for answering queries based on current data rather than creative problem-solving.

Best For: Those looking for a real-time AI-driven search tool with a conversational interface. Ideal for research and quick fact-checking.

3. Claude (Anthropic)

Overview: Claude is an AI assistant developed by Anthropic with a focus on safety, reliability, and helpfulness. Anthropic's mission is to make AI safer and more interpretable, and Claude reflects these values in its design.

Pros:

Safety-First: Built with safety and ethical considerations at its core, making it less likely to generate harmful or biased outputs.

User-Centered: Designed to assist users in a helpful, thoughtful manner, often excelling at tasks that require careful, responsible AI responses.

Highly Interpretable: Claude often provides more transparent reasoning in its answers, aiming to be clear and understandable in decision-making processes.

Cons:

Less Known: Claude isn’t as widely adopted as ChatGPT, meaning fewer integrations and community support.

Not as Feature-Rich: While safe and reliable, Claude may not offer the same level of creative flexibility or customization as ChatGPT.

Best For: Users who prioritize safety and ethical AI, particularly in sensitive industries like healthcare or finance, where AI biases can have serious consequences.

4. Gemini (Google)

Overview: Gemini is an AI model developed by Google DeepMind (previously Google’s AI division), and it leverages Google's vast data and infrastructure. It is built to integrate tightly with Google’s suite of services, providing seamless functionality for businesses already within Google’s ecosystem.

Pros:

Integration with Google Ecosystem: Gemini works well with Google products like Google Workspace, making it easy for businesses already using these tools to adopt Gemini.

Advanced Capabilities: Being from Google, Gemini often leads in cutting-edge features, such as real-time translation, summarization, and complex task automation.

Scalability: Backed by Google’s powerful cloud infrastructure, it is well-suited for scaling across large organizations.

Cons:

Limited Availability: Gemini is not as widely available or recognized in the market as ChatGPT, making access more limited.

Potential Lock-In: If your business isn’t already using Google’s services, adopting Gemini might require more substantial changes to your workflow.

Best For: Companies and individuals already using Google products who want an AI model that integrates seamlessly with their existing infrastructure.

Final Thoughts: Which AI Should You Use?

Choose ChatGPT if you need a versatile, creative, and customizable tool for tasks like writing, programming assistance, and casual Q&A.

Opt for Perplexity if real-time, accurate answers with cited sources are a priority, particularly in research-based settings.

Use Claude if safety, ethical AI, and transparent reasoning are critical to your work, particularly in fields where AI biases could pose risks.

Go with Gemini if you are already in the Google ecosystem and need a powerful, scalable AI integrated with Google's suite of tools.

Each model has its strengths and weaknesses. Your choice will depend on your specific needs, the kind of work you do, and the integrations you require.

From Perplexity:

Understanding the Landscape of Generative AI Chatbots

In recent years, the field of generative AI has seen remarkable advancements, with several prominent chatbots emerging as powerful tools for various applications. This blog post will delve into the key differences between ChatGPT, Perplexity, Claude, and Gemini, helping you make an informed decision about which AI assistant best suits your needs.

ChatGPT

ChatGPT, developed by OpenAI, has become one of the most well-known generative AI models. It's based on the GPT (Generative Pre-trained Transformer) architecture and has been trained on a vast amount of text data.

Key Features:

• Versatile language understanding and generation

• Ability to engage in human-like conversations

• Frequent updates and improvements

Use Cases:

• Creative writing assistance

• Code generation and debugging

• General knowledge queries

• Language translation

Strengths:

• Broad knowledge base

• Contextual understanding

• Ability to generate coherent, long-form responses

Limitations:

• May occasionally produce inaccurate information

• Limited real-time information access

• Potential for biased responses

Perplexity

Perplexity AI offers a unique approach by combining language models with real-time web search capabilities.

Key Features:

• Integration of up-to-date information from the internet

• Ability to provide source citations for its responses

• Focused on delivering factual, research-based answers

Use Cases:

• Academic research

• Fact-checking

• Current events queries

• Data-driven decision making

Strengths:

• Access to recent information

• Transparency through source citations

• Reduced likelihood of outdated or inaccurate information

Limitations:

• Less versatile in creative or open-ended tasks

• Responses may be more structured and less conversational

Claude

Claude, developed by Anthropic, is known for its strong emphasis on safety and ethics in AI.

Key Features:

• Advanced language understanding and generation

• Strong focus on ethical considerations and safety

• Ability to handle complex, multi-step tasks

Use Cases:

• Content analysis and summarization

• Ethical decision-making assistance

• Technical writing and documentation

Strengths:

• Robust safeguards against generating harmful content

• Excellent at following detailed instructions

• Capable of nuanced understanding of context and tone

Limitations:

• May be more conservative in its responses

• Less widely available compared to some alternatives

Gemini

Gemini, developed by Google, is a multimodal AI model designed to understand and generate text, images, audio, and video.

Key Features:

• Multimodal capabilities

• Advanced reasoning and problem-solving skills

• Integration with Google's vast knowledge base

Use Cases:

• Visual content analysis and generation

• Complex problem-solving tasks

• Cross-modal information processing

Strengths:

• Versatility in handling multiple types of data

• Potential for more comprehensive understanding of complex queries

• Cutting-edge performance on various benchmarks

Limitations:

• Relatively new, with ongoing development and refinement

• Full capabilities may not be widely accessible yet

Choosing the Right AI for Your Needs

When deciding which AI to use, consider the following factors:

1. Task Specificity: For general queries and creative tasks, ChatGPT might be suitable. For research-oriented tasks requiring up-to-date information, Perplexity could be a better choice.

2. Ethical Considerations: If safety and ethical AI use are paramount, Claude might be the most appropriate option.

3. Multimodal Requirements: For tasks involving multiple data types (text, images, audio), Gemini's capabilities could be advantageous.

4. Accuracy and Reliability: Perplexity's real-time information access might provide more reliable and current information for certain queries.

5. Availability and Accessibility: Consider which platforms are most readily available and easy to use for your specific needs.

In conclusion, each of these AI assistants has its own strengths and is suited for different use cases. By understanding their unique features and capabilities, you can choose the most appropriate tool for your specific requirements, enhancing your productivity and decision-making processes in this exciting era of generative AI.

From Claude:

Choosing the Right AI Assistant: A Comprehensive Comparison of Leading Models

In today's rapidly evolving AI landscape, it can be challenging to determine which AI assistant best suits your needs. This guide will break down the key differences between ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, and Perplexity, helping you make an informed decision.

Overview of Major AI Assistants

ChatGPT (by OpenAI)

Best for: General use, coding, creative writing

• Strengths:

  • Extensive knowledge base

  • Strong coding capabilities

  • Excellent at creative tasks

  • Large ecosystem of plugins and integrations

• Limitations:

  • Can sometimes be overly verbose

  • Knowledge cutoff date varies by version

  • Free tier has limited features

Claude (by Anthropic)

Best for: Analytical tasks, research, long-form content

• Strengths:

  • Exceptional analytical capabilities

  • Handles very long contexts

  • More nuanced responses

  • Strong at academic and professional writing

• Limitations:

  • Less widespread adoption than ChatGPT

  • Limited visual capabilities

Gemini (by Google)

Best for: Multimodal tasks, real-time information

• Strengths:

  • Strong multimodal capabilities (text, images, code)

  • Integration with Google's ecosystem

  • Real-time information access

• Limitations:

  • Relatively new, still evolving

  • Performance can be inconsistent

Perplexity

Best for: Real-time research, fact-checking

• Strengths:

  • Real-time internet search integration

  • Cites sources for information

  • Good for current events and factual queries

• Limitations:

  • Less powerful for creative or coding tasks

  • Limited conversational abilities compared to others

Choosing the Right AI Assistant

Consider Your Primary Use Case:

1. General Purpose: ChatGPT is a solid all-rounder

2. Analysis & Research: Claude excels at deep analysis

3. Visual & Multimodal: Gemini handles various input types well

4. Fact-Checking & Current Events: Perplexity shines with real-time info

Key Differentiators

1. Knowledge Access

• Perplexity: Real-time internet access

• Gemini: Recent data through Google

• ChatGPT: Varies by version (GPT-4 with web browsing available)

• Claude: Regular updates, no real-time browsing

2. Pricing Model

• ChatGPT: Freemium (GPT-3.5 free, GPT-4 paid)

• Claude: Free with usage limits

• Gemini: Free with paid Pro version

• Perplexity: Free with premium plans

3. Specialized Capabilities

Practical Recommendations

1. For Developers:

   • Primary: ChatGPT

   • Secondary: Claude for code analysis

2. For Writers:

   • Creative writing: ChatGPT

   • Academic/Professional: Claude

3. For Researchers:

   • Current events: Perplexity

   • Deep analysis: Claude

4. For Visual Tasks:

   • Gemini or ChatGPT-4V

Pro Tips for Getting the Most Out of Each AI

1. ChatGPT:

   • Use system prompts for better context

   • Try both GPT-3.5 and GPT-4 for different tasks

2. Claude:

   • Leverage its large context window for complex tasks

   • Great for iterative document editing

3. Gemini:

   • Excellent for tasks combining text and visual elements

   • Use for tasks requiring recent information

4. Perplexity:

   • Best when you need cited sources

   • Great for fact-checking other AI outputs

Conclusion

Each AI assistant has its strengths and optimal use cases. While ChatGPT remains the most versatile option, Claude's analytical capabilities, Gemini's multimodal features, and Perplexity's real-time information access make them valuable alternatives for specific needs. Consider your primary use case and the unique features of each assistant when making your choice.

For most users, having access to multiple AI assistants and knowing when to use each one will provide the best results. As these technologies continue to evolve, the distinctions between them may shift, so staying informed about their capabilities is essential.

From Gemini:

A Comparative Analysis of ChatGPT, Perplexity, Claude, and Gemini

Introduction

The landscape of generative AI has seen a rapid evolution, with new models emerging at a staggering pace. Among the most prominent players are ChatGPT, Perplexity, Claude, and Gemini. While these models share the ability to generate human-quality text, they each possess distinct characteristics and strengths. Let's delve into a comparative analysis to help you understand their differences and make an informed choice.

ChatGPT (OpenAI)

• Known for: Conversational abilities, creative writing, and code generation.

• Strengths:

  • Exceptional fluency and coherence in text generation.

  • Capable of engaging in long-form conversations on a wide range of topics.

  • Can write different kinds of creative content, such as poems, scripts, and stories.

• Limitations:

  • May sometimes generate incorrect or misleading information.

  • Can be biased, reflecting biases present in the training data.

Perplexity AI

• Known for: Knowledge-based responses and factual accuracy.

• Strengths:

  • Utilizes a combination of natural language processing and search technology.

  • Provides more informative and accurate responses compared to other models.

  • Well-suited for tasks that require factual information or research.

• Limitations:

  • May be less creative or flexible in its responses compared to ChatGPT.

  • Can be limited by the quality and quantity of the information it has access to.

Claude (Anthropic)

• Known for: Safety and reducing harmful outputs.

• Strengths:

  • Designed with a focus on reducing harmful biases and generating less harmful content.

  • Offers a more controlled and predictable experience compared to other models.

  • Well-suited for applications where safety and reliability are paramount.

• Limitations:

  • May be less creative or flexible than models like ChatGPT.

  • Can be less informative on certain topics compared to Perplexity.

Gemini (Google AI)

• Known for: Multimodal capabilities and advanced reasoning.

• Strengths:

  • Can process and generate text, code, images, and audio.

  • Capable of complex reasoning and problem-solving tasks.

  • Well-suited for a wide range of applications, including content creation, research, and education.

• Limitations:

  • Still under development and may have limitations in certain areas.

  • The full extent of its capabilities may not be fully realized yet.

Choosing the Right Model

The best model for you depends on your specific needs and priorities. Consider the following factors when making your decision:

• Task: What kind of tasks do you want to perform with the AI?

• Accuracy: How important is factual accuracy in your application?

• Creativity: Do you need the AI to generate creative content?

• Safety: Is safety a primary concern for your use case?

• Cost: What is your budget for using an AI model?

By carefully evaluating these factors, you can select the AI model that best aligns with your requirements and delivers the desired outcomes.

Conclusion

Each of the models discussed in this article offers unique strengths and weaknesses. By understanding their key differences, you can make an informed decision about which one is the best fit for your specific needs. As the field of generative AI continues to evolve, it is likely that new models and features will emerge, further expanding the possibilities of what these powerful tools can achieve.

Any surprises?

A few for me:

1. ChatGPT was the “cleanest” one I could use without doing too much editing. That makes sense since I’ve trained ChatGPT to write like me.

2. Claude included the 5-star graphic (which I thought was pretty neat)

3. Perplexity suggested that a limitation of Claude is that it can be more conservative in its response.

Reply back on this email (or send me an email to [email protected] if you are seeing this on the blog) and let me know which AI you use and which you like best.

Until next time….

Ted