Artificial intelligence (AI) tools for general assistance are AI-powered tools made to help users with all sorts of tasks. These AI tools act as personal or professional assistants, simplifying daily routine work and boosting productivity. These AI assistants can perform actions, provide information, and automate different processes by understanding and processing human language.
Artificial intelligence (AI) tools for general assistance use technologies like ML (Machine Learning) and NLP to interact with users in a conversational manner.
They can be found in various forms, including:
- AI Chatbots: Generative AI chatbots that can engage in human-like conversations, generate creative text formats, language translation, and answer your questions in an informative way.
- Productivity and Workflow Tools: These can automate repetitive tasks, manage schedules, organize projects, and provide data-driven insights to help you work more efficiently.
AI tools for general assistance make technology more accessible and easier to use by allowing you to interact with it through natural conversation, ultimately saving you time and effort in both your personal and professional life.
Below is a straight-shooting look at five standouts, ChatGPT, Gemini, Perplexity, Grok, and NotebookLM, what each one is good at, and how to pick the right mix for your stack.
Here are the 5 best AI tools for general assistance to boost your productivity:
1. ChatGPT
ChatGPT is OpenAI's flagship product, a generative AI chatbot that can be classified as a "Swiss Army knife" for the majority of people getting started with AI. OpenAI's ChatGPT is the tool that brought generative AI into the mainstream, and for good reason. It is fast, flexible, and supported by a massive ecosystem of AI models and features, the latest one being the new ChatGPT Agent. The AI chatbot is great for drafting, brainstorming, lightweight coding, and turning rough notes into something publishable.
- ChatGPT is great for generating a variety of written content, like blog posts and articles, social media captions, and product descriptions.
- Growing marketplace of "GPTs" (custom mini-agents) for niche workflows.
- The platform can create images from text prompts and analyze uploaded images, providing descriptions and interpretations.
- ChatGPT can help devs by writing and debugging code, saving time and effort on technical tasks.
2. Google Gemini
Gemini is Google's generative AI chatbot, which was initially launched under the name Bard. It is another heavy-hitter in this AI space with constant model updates, most of which are free to use. Being a Google product, Gemini has deep integration with Google's ecosystem, like Docs, Sheets, Gmail, and more, unlike any other AI tool. If you use Google Workspace, Gemini is the tool to use. A little secret for you, Gemini is my personal favourite.
- Gemini can process and integrate information from multiple sources, allowing for a deeper contextual understanding and more comprehensive responses.
- Acts as both a standalone conversational AI chatbot and an enhancement inside Google Workspace apps like Docs, Gmail, Sheets, and more.
- Great for search-related tasks, using Google's real-time knowledge graph for up-to-the-minute answers.
- It can help with a combination of tasks, such as summarizing emails, coding, drafting documents, creating presentations, and more.
3. Perplexity AI
Perplexity AI was launched soon after ChatGPT, and it combines the best of search engines and AI chat. Think of Perplexity as an "answer engine" that cites sources and updates fast; however, in my experience, it has sometimes provided some outdated information. Still, the information it produces is mostly accurate, cited without the overwhelming search results. Perplexity AI is a powerful research tool for information gathering, offering a more simplified experience than traditional search engines.
- Perplexity can access real-time information from the web, ensuring that its answers are mostly up-to-date.
- Every answer is backed by citations, allowing users to verify the information and explore the sources in more detail.
- The platform's conversational style makes it easy to ask follow-up questions and research a topic in greater depth.
- Supports file uploads (including PDFs and web articles), helping you analyze, summarize, and discuss documents directly within the chat.
4. Grok AI
Grok AI is an AI assistant developed by xAI, which is an Elon Musk company. Initially, Grok was available and integrated with X (formerly Twitter) with a great sense of humor, and a live data tap into the platform's firehose. Now, while still being integrated with X, it is a standalone application. It's designed to be witty and engaging, with a refreshing style that sets it apart from other AI tools. Under the jokes is a model tuned for real-time info and pop-culture context. If you're looking for something refreshing, consider trying Grok AI.
- Grok has real-time access to information from the X platform, ensuring that its responses are current and relevant.
- The platform's personality is designed to be both informative and entertaining, making conversations more enjoyable.
- Grok can handle multiple tasks simultaneously, increasing productivity and efficiency.
- Accesses and summarizes trending posts, news, and social content quickly, making it a favorite for those who want to stay in the loop.
5. NotebookLM by Google
NotebookLM is another Google product in a league of its own, with its AI-powered research and note-taking abilities helping users make sense of complex documents. What was initially just an experimental tool by Google is now a must-have, powerful assistant for students, researchers, and anyone who works with massive amounts of information. This AI tool can answer your questions and act as a second brain that interprets your personal notes alongside broader web knowledge.
- Allows users to "upload" their own notes, research, and files, then interrogate that information through questions.
- NotebookLM can transform documents into conversational podcasts, making it easy to absorb information on the go.
- The platform can generate new ideas and insights based on the content of uploaded files.
- Uses AI to summarize, connect dots, and highlight themes from both your documents and suggested resources.
In Conclusion:
These 5 AI-powered tools are great for general assistance and sometimes for advanced activities. However, there is no single assistant that covers every edge case. The sweet spot is usually when you mix and match based on where you are struggling with your work. The primary "do-everything" general assistance AI tools are ChatGPT or Gemini, whereas Perplexity specializes in research, Grok AI is great for real-time signals, and NotebookLM is for document analysis and note-taking.
