AI just got a big boost with the release of OpenAI’s o1 model. But before you swap out your trusty GPT-4o, let’s take a closer look at what o1 does (and doesn’t) do. Each model has its time to shine and knowing when to use which can make all the difference.
What o1 Does Best:
Think of o1 as the AI that really thinks before it speaks. In fact, you can see it thinking as it processes your prompt! It’s built to handle complex tasks that need deep reasoning—perfect for problems like solving advanced math, coding, or analyzing scientific data. If you’re asking tricky questions or need thoughtful, multi-step solutions, o1 is your new AI go-to. It’s like having a REALLY smart best friend who sits next to you all day. It even manages to give solid answers with less instruction than other models, this means your prompts should be short and sweet, rather than the longer, detailed, prompts that need frameworks with other models.
What o1 Can’t Do (for Now):
Despite how smart o1 is, it’s not ready to be as creative. It can’t browse the web, upload files, or create or analyze images. If your task involves research or attachments, you’ll still need GPT-4o for those. But OpenAI says o1 is just getting started, and more features will be coming soon.
When You Need 4o:
GPT-4o is still your everyday go-to. It’s better for general tasks like drafting emails, summarizing content, or answering everyday questions. It’s creative and can create images, assist with social media posts and campaigns – basically, if you’re in a hurry or need something creative, fun, and fast, 4o will get it done quickly and efficiently without overthinking things.
Which Should You Use?
For complex problem-solving or anything that requires deep reasoning, o1 is your choice. But if your day is full of varied tasks or requires specific features like browsing or file handling, stick with 4o for now. It’s all about using the right tool at the right time!
With AI evolving this quickly, it’s exciting to think about what’s next for both o1 and 4o. Stay tuned—there’s always more to come!