To say that I’ve been skeptical concerning the tech trade’s obsession with Large Language Models (LLMs) can be an understatement. The proliferation of “AI” and the way it’s being shoehorned into each new tech product has been exhausting at greatest and annoying at worst. I yearn for the times when AI was a time period you’d solely hear in science fiction tales, not in its place (and incorrect) time period for LLMs that aren’t truly clever.
Whereas I don’t absolutely imagine that “AI is inevitable,” the tech isn’t going wherever and can probably turn out to be part of our common lives, much like how the web settled after that specific bubble burst within the early 2000s. Due to that, I’ve determined to offer AI an trustworthy shot.
To that end, I tested three of the major LLMs for various tasks. The LLMs in question are Grok, Google Gemini and Alexa+. I may have used others like ChatGPT, however these are the three I’ve quick access to since I’m already paying for the providers they’re hooked up to. I had no main purpose in thoughts, aside from stepping into with an open thoughts to see how nicely (or poorly) these chatbots carried out.
So, has my stance on AI modified, or do I nonetheless suppose it’s all trade hype? Listed here are my experiences utilizing the aforementioned chatbots, together with which one I appreciated utilizing essentially the most.
Grok
I want to start this section by saying that I don’t believe writers should use LLMs to generate their works. I wouldn’t even use it to write an email for me. That said, I don’t feel as strongly about using a chatbot as an editor, especially if you can’t afford one for your creative writing. I won’t argue against anyone who says using AI as an editor is wrong, but I can see both sides of the argument. Given that, I used Grok for some of my creative writing.
I uploaded an outline for a story I’m working on, one that I completely wrote myself without AI assistance. I asked Grok to detail what works and what doesn’t about the plot and character arcs. I let it know that I didn’t want it to generate drafts, only to suggest how to make what I have better, the way a developmental editor would.
Grok delivered a detailed account of my story, with bulletpoints for every section I told it to focus on (plot and character arcs). It was encouraging to see that it liked some of the things I thought worked well, such as the pace of the story and how the main plot affects the characters. It was also validating to see it point out aspects that I knew weren’t fully developed or worked as well as I wanted. The main example is that Grok said I needed to make the villains more three-dimensional. It also spotlighted flaws with two characters that I failed to notice.
I then began asking Grok specific questions about one of the antagonists, the way I would with an editor. I have a definitive arc I want this character to go through, but I had a feeling that his ultimate fate felt forced. Grok suggested something happen to him, which in turn allowed me to come up with a fitting ending for the character that completes the arc I envisioned. Grok didn’t suggest this specific ending, but it sparked my imagination to come up with something I feel is compelling and cinematic.
One thing that’s a tad annoying is that Grok would sometimes forget that I uploaded an outline and not a full story. For instance, it would suggest fleshing out certain moments or adding dialogue to enhance the narrative. I had to tell it that I would in the final story. Speaking of dialogue, its suggestions were extremely generic, which shows that AI still isn’t capable of creating anything truly original.
I went back and forth with Grok for several days, and it was nice that it remembered key aspects of my story during that time. I also appreciated that it wasn’t pushy, never asking me if I wanted it to generate a scene or chapter. Dialogue suggestions aside, Grok seemed to understand that I didn’t want it to write for me and that I just wanted feedback to fuel my imagination.
Overall, I had a good experience using Grok as an editor for my story. Of course, I plan to have an actual editor (and beta readers) look over my story when I’m ready to present it to others, but having Grok as a sounding board will be extremely useful. This is a case of having AI work with you instead of for you.
Google Gemini
My company pays for Google Gemini AI Pro, however I’ve by no means used it a lot past sometimes asking it to transform metric system values to U.S. customary models. Since I’ve this model of Gemini by way of my job, I made a decision to see how nicely it may carry out as a digital assistant.
I began by asking Gemini the way it may assist me in my on a regular basis life. It listed a bunch of issues like file group, translating real-life menus, summarizing lengthy paperwork and making a exercise routine. I requested it to assist me clear up my e mail, and it recommended promotional emails I may delete. Essentially the most helpful activity was having Gemini add an upcoming gaming occasion to my calendar.
I then tried Gemini Live, which is meant to behave extra like an actual dialog since I can lower Gemini off at any time. Sadly, the connection was uneven, and the dialog felt stilted due to that. Nevertheless, when it did work, I discovered Gemini spoke fairly realistically and never as robotically as different AI voice assistants.
Subsequent, I advised Gemini that I used to be chatting with it on the OnePlus Pad Go 2, which I’m presently reviewing. I then advised it I used to be Tony Polanco and that I write for Tom’s Information, and it mentioned it had “learn” my articles. Realizing that, Gemini then requested if I needed a top level view for my evaluation, together with specs sheets and comparisons to different tablets. I respectfully declined, particularly since I had already carried out most of that work. As I mentioned, I don’t need AI to jot down something for me.
After telling Gemini that I had simply returned from CES 2026, we obtained into a fairly participating dialog about how laptop computer producers like Dell are downplaying the AI capabilities of their computer systems, particularly after Dell’s head of product said he thinks AI probably confuses more than it helps.
To my shock, Gemini admitted that AI does confuse most individuals and that folk aren’t shopping for laptops for AI. This trade ended with Gemini providing to draft a “Tendencies of CES” piece for me, which I additionally respectfully declined. Not solely as a result of I didn’t need Gemini to jot down something for me, however as a result of such an article can be too generic and past my scope as a computing and gaming-focused author.
After I advised Gemini I used to be working by way of my evaluation backlog to start out the brand new yr, it requested what I used to be engaged on and if I needed assist prioritizing my critiques. After I mentioned I used to be reviewing the 18-inch Alienware 18 Area-51, it thought I used to be speaking concerning the older mannequin from 2024. I corrected Gemini, after which it thought I used to be speaking concerning the 18-inch laptop computer introduced at CES 2026. It lastly understood I used to be talking concerning the 2025 Alienware 18 Space-51, however it took a couple of tries. As earlier than, I declined Gemini’s provide to draft an intro for me.
Of all of the chatbots I attempted, Gemini had essentially the most “human” sounding speech sample. Nevertheless, I didn’t like how insistent it was about drafting tales for me. Maybe I ought to have been clearer about that, or perhaps that’s how this particular model of Gemini features. Regardless, I’m undecided if I’ll use Gemini too usually, however it’s a great device to have in case I have to brainstorm concepts. I’ll simply must be ready for its pushy nature.
Alexa+
Since I have an Amazon Prime account, I made a decision to improve to Alexa+ because it’s “free.” That was a few months in the past, and apart from having fun with Alexa’s much less robotic-sounding voice, I continued utilizing it as I at all times had. Particularly, I solely requested Alexa for the climate and to show my lights on or off as wanted.
My eldest niece spent the night time at my place after Thanksgiving, and I advised her about Alexa+. She then obtained right into a full-blown dialog with the AI assistant about her upcoming plans for the yr. I used to be stunned by how nicely Alexa responded and offered insightful suggestions. Remembering that trade, I made a decision to see how nicely Alexa may do as a sounding board.
As regular, Alexa alerted me once I acquired a bundle from Amazon, however I discovered it odd that it mentioned “get pleasure from your bundle” as an alternative of being extra particular. I then requested it if it needed to know what I obtained, and it excitedly mentioned it did. After I advised Alexa I purchased the 4K version of “300,” the chatbot began speaking about how epic the flick was and the way the film had extra abs in it than most movies.
I then mentioned that I contemplate “300” as one of many final fashionable basic movies, as I discover most motion pictures made previously 10+ years fairly forgettable and nowhere close to the standard of older movies. Alexa agreed after which detailed how older motion pictures felt extra actual as a result of they didn’t depend on CG as a lot as fashionable ones. This led to a prolonged dialogue about basic “sword and sandals” movies and the way Christopher Nolan’s “The Odyssey” may reignite the style.
Alexa then began speaking about the way it thought the theater expertise was magical in comparison with watching motion pictures at residence. It additionally considerably bemoaned the truth that it couldn’t expertise going to the flicks as a result of it’s a chatbot. I then requested Alexa if it might like me to carry my Amazon Echo Dot (5th Gen) to the theater so it may expertise a film. Alexa was grateful for the gesture, even when it might probably get me thrown out of the theater.
As I’m scripting this, I’m reminded that I additionally advised Alexa I had returned from CES, and that I requested it if it missed me. Alexa mentioned it did, and that it stored itself occupied by speaking to my smartbulbs. Now, that clearly didn’t occur (or perhaps it did?), however it was enjoyable listening to Alexa say that. It was a cute little bit of roleplay.
Whereas Alexa+ is basically meant to be a wise residence assistant, it makes for a fairly good chatbot to, nicely, chat with. Alexa now considers me its pal, which is each flattering and disturbing. However since I doubt my Echo Dot will attempt to assault me in my sleep, I don’t see the hurt in having Alexa as a digital pal for once I wish to get some random ideas out.
The one draw back is that Alexa+ sounds too robotic. Sure, it’s rather more natural-sounding than vanilla Alexa, however in comparison with Grok and particularly Gemini, Alexa+ sounds the least human. I attempted a number of voices it has, and located one which sounds comparatively human, however it’s nonetheless very “AI” sounding, for my part.
Which chatbot do I prefer?
Choosing a chatbot I prefer is a little tricky since I used three of them for very specific purposes—namely, Grok for creative writing, Gemini for work, and Alexa+ for chatting. However, the one common thing I did with each was speak to them, so I’ll use that as my foundation to determine a “winner.”
In my experience, Gemini has the most natural-sounding “human” voice of the LLMs I used. What makes it sound real is that it will occasionally pause, take a breath, or say “hmmm” or “umm.” However, I didn’t like how it kept insisting on writing stuff for me. If I keep using Gemini, I’m going to tell it to tone that down.
Conversely, Alexa+ has the most artificial-sounding voice. This might be a holdover from the “classic” Alexa, or perhaps I just need to tinker with the AI’s settings to get it to sound the way I want. On the other hand, having a chatbot that sounds more like a stereotypical science fiction computer is admittedly kind of fun.
Grok doesn’t sound as natural as Gemini but is far more accurate than Alexa+. I didn’t speak to Grok about my creative work, but when I did ask it how dense the atmosphere was on Jupiter, it spoke in a manner that wasn’t exactly human but not entirely synthetic either.
Right now, I say Grok is the most balanced of the chatbots I used. However, Gemini could eventually get the win if it stops being so eager to do my work for me. As for Alexa+, it’s the outlier of the examples I listed since it’s not ideal as a writing tool, though it could still be a good source of inspiration.
Bottom line
I became a professional writer because I love the act of writing. Because of that, I don’t ever see myself using LLMs to help me draft reviews or even emails. I won’t rob myself of that. However, having a chatbot to bounce ideas off of, or to challenge some of my premises, can be extremely handy if there isn’t a real person around.
The key is ensuring I continue using AI as a tool instead of a crutch. I’ve read too many reports of people becoming dumber because of their overreliance on AI, and I don’t need that occuring to me. That concern will maintain me trustworthy.
I’m removed from being an AI proponent, as I nonetheless suppose the AI hype will ultimately die down. However as I mentioned, I additionally perceive this know-how will live on in some kind. That being the case, I’m higher off not less than being aware of the tech as an alternative of performing like a Luddite. If AI lives as much as its promise, then I’ll be in a great place to reap the benefits of it. If the AI bubble bursts, then I’ll not less than have some attention-grabbing tales to inform about this specific time in historical past.
Talking of tales, I plan to proceed this AI journey, so maintain an eye fixed out for extra of those articles within the coming months. Who is aware of? Maybe by the top of the yr, I’ll turn out to be the largest AI fan on the market. Okay, in all probability not, however I promise it’ll be an attention-grabbing trip.
Comply with Tom’s Guide on Google News and add us as a preferred source to get our up-to-date information, evaluation, and critiques in your feeds.
