Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1533191
10 OPINION maltatoday | WEDNESDAY • 12 MARCH 2025 ARTIFICIAL intelligence (AI) is advancing incredibly, trans- forming how we write, research, design, and even create videos. But with so many different AI tools available, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. ChatGPT, Gem- ini, Bing Copilot, Grok, Sora— these names are everywhere, but what do they actually do? More importantly, how can everyday users access and use them ef- fectively? Understanding these tools is the first step in making AI work for you, whether a stu- dent, professional, or creative. At its core, an AI model is de- signed to assist with specific tasks by analysing vast amounts of data and generating responses based on user prompts. Unlike traditional software, which fol- lows strict programming rules, AI adapts, learns from interac- tions, and provides more natu- ral, human-like outputs. Some models focus on generating text, others create images, and some produce hyper-realistic videos. Knowing which AI model suits your needs can save time, en- hance creativity, and improve efficiency. ChatGPT by OpenAI is one of the most widely used models for text-based AI. Available at chat.openai.com, it allows users to type questions or prompts and receive detailed, well-struc- tured responses. The free ver- sion runs on old models, while the paid version, GPT-4, offers better reasoning and accuracy. It's beneficial for writing essays, generating creative content, answering research questions, and coding. Similarly, Gemini, Google's AI assistant, can be accessed at gemini.google.com. Gemini integrates with Google Search and Google Docs, making it a convenient tool for students and professionals working with- in Google's ecosystem. While the free version is powerful, the premium version offers more advanced reasoning capabilities. Another option is Bing Copilot, a free AI model embedded in Microsoft's Bing Search (bing. com). It provides AI-assisted answers alongside search re- sults, making it a valuable tool for quick fact-finding. Howev- er, it tends to be more limited in depth compared to ChatGPT and Gemini. AI has also made significant strides in visual content cre- ation. DALL·E, developed by OpenAI, generates high-quality images from text descriptions and is integrated into Bing and ChatGPT for pro users. This tool is ideal for designers, marketers, and content creators looking to produce unique visuals without traditional design software. An- other AI model, Grok (https://x. com/i/grok), developed by xAI, is known for generating imag- es with fewer content restric- tions, allowing more flexibility and raising ethical concerns. If AI-generated video content is what you're looking for, Qwen by Alibaba (https://chat.qwen. ai/) or Sora (https://sora.com/), OpenAI's latest innovation, can create hyper-realistic videos from text prompts. While not widely available, it represents a significant breakthrough in AI-driven filmmaking and digi- tal content production. AI is also proving invaluable for research and analysis. Grok and Gemini can process vast amounts of information, sum- marise key points, and help users digest complex materi- als with their Deep Research feature. These tools are useful for journalists, researchers, and students, capable of processing large datasets consisting of more than 100 documents. However, while AI-generated summaries are convenient, they are not al- ways accurate. Cross-checking information remains essential, particularly for academic or pro- fessional work. One of the most practical ap- plications of AI is in creating presentations and infograph- ics, making it easier than ev- er to transform complex ideas into engaging visuals. Instead of spending hours manually formatting slides and charts, AI-powered tools now auto- mate the process, allowing users to focus on content rather than design. Napkin.ai is a tool that converts raw text into structured diagrams and flowcharts, mak- ing it ideal for brainstorming sessions, project planning, and strategic mapping. Infograph.ai takes this further by generating visually appealing infographics from data, helping users pres- ent statistics, comparisons, and key insights in a more digestible format. Gamma is a powerful AI tool for those creating full pres- entations that builds PowerPoint slides from simple text prompts, structuring information logically while maintaining a professional layout. Google's Notebook LM is another innovative tool that assists users in compiling infor- mation from multiple sources to create structured presentations. Instead of manually organising notes, Notebook LM extracts key points and arranges them coherently in a podcast, making it especially useful for research- ers and educators who must present findings effectively. These AI-driven tools simplify what was once a tedious process, allowing professionals and stu- dents alike to create compelling presentations with minimal ef- fort. While AI offers incredible op- portunities, it also comes with challenges. Issues such as mis- information, bias, and content restrictions must be considered. Some AI models, like Grok, have fewer safeguards, raising con- cerns about the responsible use of AI-generated content. On the other hand, platforms like ChatGPT and Gemini imple- ment stricter guidelines to pre- vent misuse. As AI-generated content becomes more sophis- ticated, distinguishing between human and machine-created AI's so confusing! Which AI tool does what? Prof. Alexiei Dingli is Professor of Artificial Intelligence Alexiei Dingli While AI offers incredible opportunities, it also comes with challenges