As the host of Techsambad, I've had the privilege of exploring the cutting edge of technology with industry experts. In my recent podcast, I sat down with Mouli, a product manager at a stealth-mode consumer AI startup, to demystify the current AI landscape that seems to change by the minute. Here are my key takeaways from our enlightening conversation.
The "Deluge of Models": Not All AIS Are Created Equal
During our discussion, Mouli highlighted a crucial point that resonated with me: the sheer number of AI models available today is daunting. From Chatgpt, which has almost become a generic term like "Xerox," to offerings from Google (Gemini), Anthropic (Claude), Meta (Llama), and many others, it's a crowded field that can confuse even tech enthusiasts.
What sets them apart? I learned that:
Training Data & Parameters: Each model is trained on different datasets with varied parameters, leading to unique strengths and weaknesses. Some excel at coding, others at content creation, reasoning, or image generation.
"Personalities": these models can have distinct "personalities." Mouli described how one might be very professional, another more "brash," assuming you know nothing, and another very polite and instructive.
Accessibility: While powerful, many top-tier models require paid subscriptions, which can be challenging for the average user wanting to explore multiple options.
Finding Your AI Match: Trial, Error, and Leaderboards
As someone who helps others navigate technology, I was particularly interested in how a typical user, busy with daily work, might figure out which model to use. Mouli suggested a two-pronged approach that I find reasonably practical:
Trial and Error: Experiment with accessible models to see which performs best for your needs. You might stumble upon a gem, like someone who found a lesser-known programming model amazingly effective for their specific coding tasks.
Leaderboards: Resources like Chatbot Arena (a UC Berkeley project) attempt to benchmark and rank models. While not infallible (and potentially "gamifiable," as some creators admit), they can offer a starting point, often categorising top models for specific tasks.
I was also intrigued by his insights on the open-source movement, where models and their "weights" are made available. This fosters wider hosting and integration, even if proprietary models often offer a more polished user experience.
Enter the Agents: The "Apps of the AI Era"
One of the most clarifying moments in our conversation was when Mouli defined "AI agents" - the new buzz in tech circles. He explained that an agent combines a sequence of deterministic steps with intelligence to make decisions or complete a task. Think of buying a mobile phone, writing a report, or even a YouTube agent who finds specific information within a video and transcribes it. I love his description of agents as "the apps of the AI era" - it perfectly captures their specialised, purpose-driven nature.
Embrace AI: It's Time for a Symbiotic Relationship
In my work, visiting schools and colleges to give lectures on technology, I often hear concerns about AI giving wrong answers or students misusing it for homework. Mouli's advice resonated with me profoundlyy:
Get Conversant: Don't be intimidated. Start using AI for everyday questions. Prompt engineering isn't complex magic; it's about giving clear context.
Symbiosis, Not Replacement: We need to foster a relationship where humans teach AIS through feedback, making them more meaningful assistants.
Educators, Encourage Use: Instead of banning AI, design assignments that test understanding, even with AI use, preparing students for a future where AI literacy is essential.
A Note on Hallucinations:
I also raised the common concern about AI "hallucinations" or incorrect information. While this issue is improving, Mouli emphasised that AI is currently an assistant. Human oversight remains crucial for critical tasks, but for many everyday applications, if an AI veers off course, you can often start a new chat or try a different model, much like restarting a misbehaving computer.
My conversation with Mouli left me optimistic and empowered. AI is not just a fleeting trend; it's a transformative technology here to stay. By understanding the basics, experimenting, and embracing a learning mindset, we can all harness its power to become more productive and informed in our personal and professional lives.
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