Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming the way we live, work, and interact with technology. Here are some AI products, services, and tools that regular consumers can buy or use today. Each of these offerings is highlighted for its accessibility, usefulness, or innovative application of AI technology.
Why it's popular: Amazon Alexa is a voice-controlled virtual assistant that can perform a wide range of tasks, from playing music and controlling smart home devices to answering questions and managing schedules. It’s integrated into various devices like Echo speakers, making it a central part of many smart homes.
Why use it: Alexa is ideal for anyone looking to automate their home, manage daily tasks hands-free, or enjoy entertainment through voice commands.
Price: Alexa devices like the Echo Dot start at $49.99, with more advanced devices like the Echo Show available for $129.99 and up.
Website: Amazon Alexa
Why it's popular: Google Assistant is a powerful AI assistant that’s available on smartphones, smart speakers, and other devices. It’s known for its natural language processing, which allows it to understand and respond to voice commands effectively. Google Assistant can help with navigation, setting reminders, controlling smart home devices, and more.
Why use it: Google Assistant is perfect for users who want seamless integration with Google services, including Google Calendar, Maps, and Home, as well as those looking for a versatile, voice-activated assistant.
Price: Google Assistant is free to use on smartphones and is integrated into devices like the Google Nest Mini, which starts at $49.99.
Website: Google Assistant
Why it's popular: Siri is Apple’s AI-powered voice assistant, integrated into all Apple devices, including iPhones, iPads, Macs, and the Apple Watch. Siri can perform tasks such as sending messages, setting alarms, and searching the web, all through voice commands. It’s widely used due to its seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem.
Why use it: Siri is best for users who are deeply integrated into the Apple ecosystem and want a voice assistant that works effortlessly across all their Apple devices.
Price: Siri is included with all Apple devices, such as the iPhone, starting at $699 for the latest models.
Website: Apple Siri
Why it's popular: Microsoft Cortana is an AI virtual assistant that’s available on Windows devices and Microsoft 365 services. While it’s been scaled back as a consumer-facing assistant, Cortana is still useful for managing tasks, setting reminders, and integrating with Microsoft’s productivity tools.
Why use it: Cortana is ideal for users who are heavily invested in the Microsoft ecosystem and want an assistant that integrates with Windows and Office 365 tools.
Price: Cortana is free to use on Windows devices and within Microsoft 365 subscriptions, which start at $69.99/year.
Website: Microsoft Cortana
Why it's popular: IBM Watson is a powerful AI platform that offers a range of AI services, including natural language processing, machine learning, and data analysis. While Watson is often used by businesses, it also offers tools that can be used by individual developers and tech enthusiasts for creating AI-powered applications.
Why use it: IBM Watson is excellent for developers, data scientists, and businesses looking to leverage advanced AI capabilities for data analysis, chatbot development, and more.
Price: IBM Watson offers a free tier with limited access, with paid plans starting at around $0.002 per API call, depending on the service.
Website: IBM Watson
Why it's popular: Replika is an AI chatbot designed to be a personal companion. It uses natural language processing to engage in conversations and learn from interactions with the user. Replika is popular among users who enjoy having a virtual friend or companion to talk to.
Why use it: Replika is ideal for individuals seeking a non-judgmental companion for conversation, mental well-being, or simply to explore AI-based interactions.
Price: Replika offers a free version, with a premium subscription available for $7.99/month or $49.99/year for additional features.
Website: Replika
Why it's popular: Grammarly is an AI-powered writing assistant that helps users improve their writing by providing suggestions on grammar, punctuation, style, and tone. It’s widely used by students, professionals, and anyone who wants to enhance their writing quality.
Why use it: Grammarly is perfect for anyone who writes regularly and wants to improve the clarity, correctness, and engagement of their content, from emails to essays.
Price: Grammarly offers a free basic version, with premium plans starting at $12/month when billed annually.
Website: Grammarly
Why it's popular: Tesla’s Autopilot is an advanced driver-assistance system that uses AI to provide semi-autonomous driving capabilities. It can control the car’s steering, acceleration, and braking, making driving safer and more convenient. Autopilot is one of the most prominent consumer applications of AI in the automotive industry.
Why use it: Tesla Autopilot is ideal for Tesla owners who want to enhance their driving experience with features like automated lane-keeping, traffic-aware cruise control, and more.
Price: Tesla’s Autopilot is included with new Tesla vehicles, with Full Self-Driving capability available for an additional $15,000.
Website: Tesla Autopilot
Why it's popular: Adobe Sensei is an AI and machine learning platform integrated into Adobe’s creative tools. It helps users by automating mundane tasks, enhancing images, and providing intelligent editing suggestions. Sensei is a favorite among creatives for improving workflow efficiency and creative output.
Why use it: Adobe Sensei is perfect for creative professionals who use Adobe products like Photoshop, Illustrator, and Premiere Pro, offering AI-powered enhancements and productivity tools.
Price: Adobe Sensei is included in Adobe Creative Cloud subscriptions, which start at $52.99/month.
Website: Adobe Sensei
Why it's popular: ChatGPT is an AI-powered chatbot that can generate human-like text based on the input it receives. It’s used for a variety of applications, including customer support, content creation, and even entertainment. Its ability to produce coherent and contextually relevant responses has made it a popular tool among both consumers and businesses.
Why use it: ChatGPT is great for anyone needing assistance with content creation, idea generation, or just experimenting with AI-powered conversations and responses.
Price: ChatGPT offers a free tier with basic access, and ChatGPT Plus is available for $20/month, providing faster response times and priority access to new features.
Website: ChatGPT by OpenAI