True AI Tools and AI-based Features

Nowadays, AI is commonly used in many areas of our lives. And there are even more AI-based features that most people use for even longer without knowing they are AI. So, I’d like to explain the difference between these two and show that both are extremely useful in modern life.

True AI Tools

When people talk about true AI tools, they usually refer to several categories of instruments.

The first group of instruments includes machine learning (also called deep learning) and neural networks, typical AI tools. These tools are used to find relatively precise answers to complex questions. A good example of machine learning usage could be a weather forecast.

The next group of tools utilizes large language models (LLMs). The typical representative of this technology is ChatGPT. These tools use natural human language for interaction and can quickly find a solution for relatively simple tasks. For example, LLMs could be used to generate automatic responses to emails.

The third group of instruments consists of various systems that adapt one of the approaches above to the specific industry. These could be chats that help quickly submit an order, check the request status, or speech recognition when entering a phone number or writing a message.

AI-based Features

These features are not considered true AI nowadays, but they use many AI techniques that make them useful in everyday life.

First, this group includes various suggesters and helpers. They check your profile, preferences, history, and similar information. When you search or ask for something, they give you results, considering all the information they collected about you.

The next areas are multiple automation tools that you can either set up manually, like macroses, or that offer standard scenarios based on your behavior. They undoubtedly use simple if-else statements under the bonnet, but that does not make them less useful.

Finally, let’s not forget about expert systems that can draw conclusions based on the information you provide. Their accuracy may vary, but good systems can compete with middle-level specialists in the required area.

What is the difference?

True AI features remember the execution context and use it when possible. They also provide suggestions or make changes even if the customer has not asked for them yet.

AI-based features usually follow a predefined flow or scenario, and the customer usually has to ask them to do something they want. In addition to that, they are also simpler and easier to set up and configure.

Which one is better? Both groups have pros and cons, and it is up to the customer to pick the right one. The customer should consider flexibility, simplicity, and cost when making a choice. There is one general recommendation, though: think about the result, not the tools, and you’ll always succeed in the end!