Comparing Two Generative AI Tools – Ryan Schultz

Housekeeping Notice: Yes, I know this blog post is a bit off topic for a blog about “news and views on social VR, virtual worlds, and the metaverse.” But hello, my blog, my rules. 😉

Additionally, this is the first of what I expect will be many blog posts about the Apple Vision Pro spatial computing headset. I want to get my hands on this post as soon as possible! Accordingly, I created a new blog post category called Apple Vision Pro. I have a second blog post about that project that I’ll be posting soon. (The device is not yet available in Canada, and there’s no word yet on when it will be sold here.)

With my focus on Second Life over the past few months, you can expect me to return to the RyanSchultz.com blog with more topics in the future, including but not limited to new VR headsets and the latest in the Metaverse platform. For example, you may not know that I received a Meta Quest 3 VR headset as a test/evaluation device for a virtual reality lab project at my university and am working on a review of that device. It’s not over yet!

Thank you for your continued patience as I try to find some sort of balance between my full-time paying job.Paying the bills!), this blog (It’s not like that!), and the rest of your life (Auntie Ryan is now 60 years old and she needs a good night’s sleep… 😜).

Yesterday, Google announced that its generative AI tool called Google Bard has been renamed Gemini and is now finally available in Canada.Globe and Mail The newspaper provides some background on why the delay occurred). So I signed up and immediately got to work, asking the same questions as OpenAI’s ChatGPT, comparing the responses, and seeing how they differed.

These two generative AI services cost almost the same at $20 per month. As one of the benefits of the new Google One AI Premium plan, I subscribed to Gemini Advanced, which gives users access to Ultra 1.0, Google’s largest and most advanced AI model (an upgrade since I was already a Google One user on cloud storage). You can try Gemini Advanced for two months during a free trial before your credit card is charged.

For my first search, I used both ChatGPT and Gemini to answer a question I’ve been thinking about for the past few days.

I am planning to purchase a MacBook Pro laptop to replace my Windows desktop computer. I plan to use only a MacBook Pro laptop, along with the Apple Vision Pro spatial computing headset when it becomes available in Canada. What should I keep in mind when switching from a Windows environment to a Mac environment?

(This is a question about my work setup, not my home setup. I plan on keeping a high-end Windows 11 PC and a Valve Index VR headset!)

ChatGPT on OpenAI

I wanted to try ChatGPT’s newest model, ChatGPT4, which includes web browsing, advanced data analytics, and integration with the DALL-E image creation app. Unfortunately, today ChatGPT4 didn’t cooperate, so I had to verify my humanity every time I submitted a query, and when the query completed, I got the following error message:

So, after several attempts, I gave up and switched to ChatGPT3.5, which bills itself as “the fastest model suitable for most everyday tasks.” (I use ChatGPT with the free Superpower ChatGPT plugin for Firefox, which allows me to create folders, save chats, etc.)

Here is ChatGPT3.5’s response:

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The transition from a Windows environment to a Mac environment can be seamless, but there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure a smooth transition.

1. User Interface Differences: macOS and Windows have different user interfaces and keyboard shortcuts. Take the time to become familiar with macOS, including the menu bar, Finder, and Dock.
2. software compatibility: Check whether the software you currently use on Windows has a macOS equivalent or an alternative option available. Many popular software applications have versions for both platforms, but some may be Windows-specific.
3. file compatibility: Make sure your important files are compatible with macOS. The most common file formats, such as documents, images, and videos, are interchangeable, but special formats or proprietary software files may require conversion or specific software on macOS.
4. Cloud service integration: If you use a cloud service like Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive, make sure it has a macOS application or web interface. This allows you to seamlessly access your files across platforms.
5. Learn macOS basics: Learn macOS basics, including navigating the file system, using built-in apps like Safari, Mail, and Calendar, and understanding system preferences with online tutorials, guides, and resources.
6. security differences: Both macOS and Windows have built-in security features, but they work differently. Familiarize yourself with macOS security settings and best practices to keep your system secure.
7. backup strategy: Protect your data by setting up a backup strategy using Time Machine or a third-party backup solution. macOS has built-in backup software called Time Machine, which makes it easy to back up and restore your files.
8. hardware compatibility: Make sure all external devices you use, such as printers, scanners, and external hard drives, are compatible with macOS. Most modern peripherals have macOS drivers available, but it’s always a good idea to check before switching.
9. Apple ecosystem integration: Since you plan to use the Apple Vision Pro spatial computing headset, take a look at how it integrates with macOS and what specific requirements or software are required for compatibility.
10. Community support: Join an online forum, community, or user group dedicated to macOS to get help, tips, and advice from experienced users.

Taking these factors into consideration and taking the time to acclimate to macOS will help you transition smoothly from a Windows experience to a Mac experience and get the most out of your new MacBook Pro.

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Now compare this to the response we received from Gemini.

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totally! The transition from Windows to macOS is exciting, and it can be made even smoother with the Apple Vision Pro headset. Here are some key things to consider for a successful transition:

The Basics

• Learning Curve: Expect a bit of a learning curve. The interface and overall philosophy are slightly different between macOS and Windows.

Be patient, give yourself time to adjust, and utilize resources like Apple Support for guidance. Keyboard shortcuts: Learn about Mac shortcuts. The Command key (⌘) replaces the Windows Ctrl key for many key shortcuts (e.g. Copy = ⌘+C, Paste = ⌘+V). “Right-click”: There are several ‘right-click’ methods on your Mac. These include Ctrl-click, two-finger click on a trackpad, and right-click on an Apple mouse. finder: This is the same as Windows Explorer on your Mac. A basic tool for navigating files and folders.

Ecosystem and Software

• Apple Ecosystem: Macs shine within the Apple ecosystem (iPhone, iPad, etc.). Features like AirDrop (seamless file transfer) and Handoff (keep working across devices) are beautifully integrated.
• Software Compatibility: Most major software has a Mac version (Office, Adobe Suite, etc.). But always double-check if you’re using a professional Windows app. You may need to look for a Mac alternative or explore a remote desktop solution.
• iCloud: Apple’s cloud storage is tightly integrated with macOS. Perfect for backing up, syncing files between devices, and storing photos/documents.

Hardware and connectivity

• port: MacBook Pro primarily has Thunderbolt/USB-C ports. If you have peripherals that use older USB-A or HDMI connections, purchase a USB-C adapter.
• teatouch screen: Macs typically don’t have touchscreens, but many gestures are intuitive on a trackpad. Apple Vision Pro may introduce a significantly different touchscreen-based interaction model than macOS.

Preparing for Apple Vision Pro

• System Requirements: Check out the requirements to run Apple Vision Pro. For optimal performance, you’ll need a powerful MacBook Pro model.

• Spatial computing workflow: Concepts such as using ‘ambient’ apps in space or hand gestures will become part of spatial computing. Think about how these interactions will change your typical workflow.
• Developer Resources: If you are interested in developing for Apple Vision Pro, take a close look at Apple’s Software Development Kit (SDK) and development resources.

Useful Resources

Additional Tips

• Data Migration: Apple’s Migration Assistant can help you transfer files and settings from your PC.

Trial period: If possible, try a friend’s Mac or hang out with them at an Apple Store to get a feel for the environment before buying.

If you’d like to learn more about any of these areas or have more specific questions, let us know!

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One difference I immediately noticed was that Gemini incorporated Google search results into its answers. This action highlights the text and provides a clickable link to the referenced Google search result (See the red arrow in the diagram below.):

Interestingly, in one case there was a link but no Google search results! (And since the Apple Vision Pro has its own CPU and GPU, I think any MacBook Pro model will work just fine.)

And, as you can see in the full answer I cited from Gemini, I even provided a direct link to an Apple support article about switching from Windows to macOS! (Plus, this is the second Apple Support article that discusses Apple’s Migration Assistant, another Google search result and potentially useful service.)

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Comparing ChatGPT3.5 and Gemini responses, I found the former to be much more common and overall less helpful than the latter. This reference librarian also hates how ChatGPT spits out answers without telling me. source of information.

Gemini also had features not previously seen in ChatGPT. The ability to see successive drafts of your answer! On follow-up questions I found the following: Mark draft By clicking this link you can switch between the three draft responses to see how they differ from each other.

Anyway, I’ll give Gemini the win on this question at least. (That may not have been fair, since ChatGPT4 wasn’t available. This might have been a fairer head-to-head comparison.) Then again, if ChatGPT was suffering from performance issues due to too many users, that would be a serious problem that OpenAI (supported by Microsoft) would have to solve. It may be. This is definitely a factor to consider when comparing the two services (of course, Gemini may end up being overloaded too).

I will continue to use both Gemini and ChatGPT3.5/ChatGPT4 over the next few months, until I decide to cancel either subscription. Because honestly, I can’t pay $40 a month for both subscriptions. These are essentially services that replicate each other. Stay tuned!

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