In the tech world, there is currently a lot of drama surrounding artificial intelligence (AI). Despite the controversies, I decided to focus on whether AI chatbots are useful. I compared the free versions of ChatGPT from OpenAI, Google Gemini, and Perplexity to see how they performed in real-life scenarios. To test their capabilities, I asked the bots to help me with various tasks. When it came to drafting an email to politely decline a family meal, ChatGPT was too dramatic, Perplexity seemed impersonal, while Gemini acknowledged the effort put into the gathering and even suggested an alternative. Next, I asked the bots to pitch my business idea for a phone case that locks the handset to minimize distractions. Gemini highlighted the product's benefits for productivity and attention, Perplexity came up with a simple name and a tagline, but ChatGPT impressed with its creativity and made-up quotes. For planning a hike, Gemini focused on ambiance and recommended safety gear.

Perplexity's advice was vague but included helpful links. However, ChatGPT stood out with clear and concise bullet points, reminding me of essential preparations and environmental considerations. Ultimately, ChatGPT came out on top with 2 points, while Gemini scored 1 and Perplexity scored 0. Although AI chatbots still have room for improvement, they offer a starting point for avoiding social awkwardness and providing guidance. To stay updated with the latest in technology, you can listen to my podcast, "Kim Komando Today, " where I discuss tech news, answer tech questions, and more. You can find it on Apple, Google Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast player.