A Guide to Which AI to Use in the Agentic Era (www.oneusefulthing.org)

In a notable shift within the AI landscape, a new guide highlights the significant evolution in how we interact with AI systems, moving from simple chatbots to advanced AI agents capable of executing tasks autonomously. This change prompts users to consider three critical components when selecting AI solutions: Models, Apps, and Harnesses. The leading models today—GPT-5.2/5.3, Claude Opus 4.6, and Gemini 3 Pro—offer varying capabilities in reasoning, writing, and image creation. A key takeaway is that the practical application of these models now hinges on the chosen app and its harness, which determines how well an AI can perform complex tasks like web searches or coding. This evolution is crucial for the AI/ML community as it marks a transition from basic conversational interactions to leveraging AI for real-world applications. The complexity of choosing the right AI now depends heavily on the task at hand, making it essential for users to understand the capabilities and limitations of each model and harness. For instance, Claude and ChatGPT's advanced harnesses enable users to not only chat but to execute coded tasks or manage projects, showcasing the advanced functionality available today. As AI continues to integrate more deeply into various sectors, recognizing and utilizing these improvements will be key to achieving effective outcomes.