EXPLORING the AI TOOLS of today

In the Terminator franchise we were warned about the machines taking over after Skynet’s capitulation. However, as of 2025, there hasn’t been any sign of Judgement Day as of yet (types ever so cautiously).

Instead, the world has somewhat embraced the use of new and exciting AI tools. In this blog, we take a look at some of 2025’s most useful and accessible AI tools that you can access today.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a digital maestro orchestrating everything from your morning commute (self-driving cars, anyone?) to global economies (AI powered trading). It’s diagnosing diseases faster than doctors, teaching kids math, and even recommending us with what shows on Netlfix to binge-watch next!

But let’s be real: as we let machines take the wheel, are we ready for a future where your boss might be a bot, and your therapist is an algorithm?

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What Is AI? A Quick Intro

AI enables machines to mimic human thought-learning, problem-solving, and decision-making. Starting with Alan Turing’s theoretical work in the 1950s and hitting milestones like AlphaGo’s 2016 victory over a world champion, AI has grown into a transformative force. In 2025, it powers everything from medical diagnostics to smart assistants, seamlessly woven into daily life.

AI Tools in 2025

Here are some of the leading AI tools driving progress this year, each excelling in unique ways:

• Grok (by xAI): Developed by xAI, Grok is designed to provide truthful, concise answers with a fresh perspective on humanity. It shines in real-time research, leveraging access to X platform data for up-to-date insights such as analysing trending topics or user profiles. Grok offers three modes: Think mode for deeper reasoning, DeepSearch for web-based research, and a voice mode (available on iOS and Android apps). It also supports image generation upon user confirmation, using xAI’s Aurora model, and can edit images. In benchmarks like AIME 2025, Grok scores 93.3% in math, surpassing many competitors. However, its sarcastic tone can be less suited for formal writing tasks, although perfect if you’re also looking for a cheap laugh.

• ChatGPT (by OpenAI): A versatile and one of the most well known AI chatbots, ChatGPT uses models like GPT-4o and o1 to handle text generation, coding, and image creation via DALL-E 3. It excels in structured problem-solving such as comparing quotes or writing code and offers a “chain of thought” reasoning display in its o1 model, making it ideal for complex tasks in math, science, and logic. ChatGPT’s voice mode allows conversational interaction, and its Deep Research tool (free but limited) delivers well sourced reports. It scores 79% in AIME 2025 math benchmarks, slightly behind Grok, but its ecosystem and integrations (e.g., with CRM systems) make it a go to for businesses.

• Claude (by Anthropic): Focused on ethical AI, Claude emphasizes safety and conversational clarity. It excels in writing and coding, adapting to user styles for editing or drafting content—like turning voice notes into polished text. Claude scores comparably to Gemini-2 Pro (65 points) in PhD-level science questions. While it lacks some of ChatGPT’s multimodal features, its intuitive data interpretation makes it a strong choice for storytelling and analysis, especially for users prioritising ethical output.

• MidJourney: A leading image generation tool, MidJourney creates high-quality visuals from text prompts, up to 512×512 pixels. Its V7 model offers improved prompt adherence, a “Relax Mode” for unlimited slower generations, and a retexture tool for editing. It’s ideal for artists and marketers needing detailed, artistic visuals, though it lacks deep integration with tools like Photoshop and requires trial-and-error for precision.

• Tesla Autopilot: A semi-autonomous driving system, Tesla Autopilot uses cameras, radar, and GPS to navigate roads, enhancing safety and hinting at fully autonomous futures. It employs neural networks trained on billions of video frames to mimic human driving behavior, with a 50 millisecond response time for real time decisions. While not fully autonomous yet, its end-to-end approach is a step toward artificial general intelligence in real world scenarios, though it faces challenges like safety regulations.

AI’s Influence in Today’s World

AI is reshaping 2025 across industries. Customer service tools like Tidio’s Lyro AI Chatbot handle 70% of inquiries, Tesla Autopilot boosts road safety, and IBM’s Teacher Advisor uses Watson to design lesson plans. A 2023 IBM survey found 42% of businesses use AI, with 38% adopting generative AI—a trend likely higher now. Yet, challenges persist: a 2024 Cisco survey noted 48% of businesses input sensitive data into AI, raising privacy concerns, while 44% of workers’ skills may be disrupted by 2028.

The Future of AI: A Glimpse Ahead

AI’s trajectory could redefine humanity’s path—or challenge it in ways we’re not ready for. Netflix’s Black Mirror gives us a good visualiser of how AI could shape our world so soon, but hopefully less of the mimicking of deceased family members and maybe more of the forever living in a 1980s town.

But back to reality, experts predict that human-level AI might arrive as early as 2045, with capabilities rivaling human cognition across domains. A PwC study projects a 14% global GDP boost by 2030, that’s roughly $15.7 trillion, driven by automation and innovation, with China and North America leading the charge. Jobs will shift dramatically: routine roles like data entry or assembly line work might vanish, while new roles in AI ethics, data curation, and human-AI collaboration could emerge. By 2030, the World Economic Forum estimates 85 million jobs may be displaced, but 97 million new ones could be created, such as AI trainers or “empathy engineers” ensuring that tech stays human-centered to ensure that Judgement Day never really happens. 

Technology will leap forward too. Imagine fully autonomous cities by 2040, where AI manages traffic, energy grids, and even urban farming—Tesla Autopilot’s successors might ferry us around while we work in virtual reality offices. Healthcare could see AI-driven nanobots performing surgeries with precision beyond human hands, potentially increasing life expectancy by a decade. Education might become hyper personalised, with tools like Claude adapting curricula to each student’s pace, though this raises questions about data privacy and screen time for kids.

But risks loom large. AI in autonomous weapons could escalate conflicts if misused—think drones making lethal decisions without oversight. Biased algorithms might deepen social divides, especially if training data isn’t diverse; already, facial recognition systems show higher error rates for non-white faces. Privacy could erode further as AI systems track our every move, your smart fridge might know your diet better than you do! And let’s not forget the sci-fi scenario: if AI surpasses us, will it see us as collaborators or obsolete code? Much to ponder…

How is AI impacting your daily life?

Let us know!