AI Explained

Plain-English explanations of artificial intelligence: what these systems actually do, where they fall short, what they cost, and how they are changing the devices you already own. No hype in either direction. Start with what AI can and cannot do today, then read the rest as the questions come up.

Three subscription cards on a table, representing whether AI subscriptions are worth paying for.

AI Subscriptions in 2026: Is Paying for ChatGPT, Google AI, or Copilot Worth It?

01/01/2026

I like new technology. I have also gotten more careful about it as I have...

A sealed glowing enclosure far from a distant structure, representing Apple Intelligence processing on your device rather than in the cloud

Apple Intelligence: How Private Is It, Really?

12/10/2025

In the 1990s I downloaded a lot of free software. Shareware discs taped to magazines,...

A wind-up gear beside a glowing orb, representing the difference between automation and AI.

AI vs. Automation: What’s the Difference and Why It Matters?

12/01/2025

A player piano is a genuinely astonishing machine. Feed it a paper roll and it...

Five distinct glowing orbs on a shelf, representing the top AI systems compared.

Top 5 AI Systems: Which One Fits Your Life?

11/25/2025

People ask me which AI they should use, and they’re usually expecting a name. What...

A phone's inner glow balanced against a cloud, representing on-device AI versus cloud AI.

On‑Device AI vs Cloud AI — Performance, Security, and Apple’s Secure Cloud vs Google

10/22/2025

Ask your phone to set a timer and it happens instantly. No pause, no spinner,...

Illustration of everyday tasks floating above a laptop, representing AI tools for everyday productivity.

Beginner’s Guide to Using AI Tools for Everyday Productivity

09/10/2025

Have you heard of ChatGPT, Google Gemini, or Microsoft Copilot, but aren't quite sure how...