3. Meet the AI assistants (ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini)

An AI assistant is a program you can talk to in plain language — the same way you text a friend. You type a question or request, the assistant reads it, and it writes back a helpful answer.

Think of it like a very well-read helper sitting inside your phone or computer. You can ask it to explain something, write a letter, translate a sentence, summarise a long article, or help you plan something. It works in many languages, including Amharic.

The three biggest assistants right now are:

• ChatGPT — made by OpenAI (a company in the United States)

• Claude — made by Anthropic (also a US company)

• Gemini — made by Google

All three are free to start using with a basic account. All three can hold a conversation, answer questions, and help with everyday tasks.

ChatGPT was the assistant that introduced most of the world to AI conversation. It was released to the public in November 2022 and gained one million users in just five days — faster than any product in history.

To use ChatGPT, you go to chat.openai.com, create a free account, and start typing. The free version (called GPT-3.5 or now GPT-4o mini) handles most everyday tasks well: answering questions, summarising texts, writing emails, giving ideas, or helping you study.

ChatGPT is especially popular for:

• Writing and editing (letters, CVs, messages)

• Answering factual questions

• Brainstorming ideas

• Explaining complex topics in simple language

One important limit: ChatGPT's knowledge has a cut-off date. It was trained on text up to a certain point in time, so it may not know about very recent events. If you ask about something that happened last week, it might not know.

Claude is made by Anthropic, a company founded by researchers who focused on AI safety — making sure AI is helpful, honest, and harmless. That focus shows in how Claude behaves.

You can use Claude at claude.ai. The free version is generous and handles long documents and complex reasoning very well.

Claude is especially good at:

• Reading and summarising very long documents (whole reports, contracts, textbooks)

• Careful reasoning and step-by-step thinking

• Writing that needs a thoughtful, nuanced tone

• Explaining sensitive topics with balance and honesty

• Saying 'I am not sure' when it does not know, rather than making something up

Users often notice that Claude feels more careful and less likely to say something wrong or harmful. If Almaz uploads a long Amharic contract and asks Claude to summarise it, Claude will try its best — even for Amharic text.

Gemini is Google's AI assistant. Because Google also runs Search and Gmail and Google Docs, Gemini is integrated into many products you may already use.

You can try Gemini at gemini.google.com, or you may notice it appearing inside Gmail (where it can help you write or summarise emails) or Google Docs (where it can help you write and edit documents).

Gemini is especially useful when:

• You want the AI to search the internet for current information (it can browse the web)

• You are already using Google Workspace (Gmail, Docs, Sheets)

• You want quick answers with links to sources

• You want to search for images or use Google Maps together with AI

For example, Sara in Addis Ababa could ask Gemini: 'What is the current price of teff per quintal in the market?' Because Gemini can search the web, it may find a recent answer — something ChatGPT or Claude cannot do without extra tools.

Starting a conversation with an AI assistant is simpler than most people think. Here is how to do it step by step:

1. Open the website (for example: claude.ai or chat.openai.com).

2. Create a free account using your email address or Google account.

3. Find the text box — it usually says 'Message…' or 'Ask me anything'.

4. Type your question or request in plain language. You do not need special words.

5. Press Enter or click the send button.

6. Read the reply, then type a follow-up if you need more.

You can write in Amharic. For example, you could type: 'ጤና ይስጥልኝ፣ ቴሌብርን ለአንድ ወጪ ሪፖርት ስጠቀም ምን ያህል ደህና ነው?' and the assistant will answer in Amharic.

There is no wrong way to start. Just type naturally, as if you are texting a knowledgeable friend.