Despite access to state-of-the-art models, most ChatGPT users defaulted to older versions. The cognitive load of using a "model picker" and uncertainty about speed/quality trade-offs were bigger barriers than price. Automating this choice is key to driving mass adoption of advanced AI reasoning.

To appeal to the "layperson" rather than tech early adopters, Comet's designers made the core browser experience familiar, like Google Chrome. This reduces cognitive load, allowing users to focus their limited learning bandwidth on the novel AI features, even if it disappoints power users expecting a radical redesign.

Anthropic's Cowork isn't a technological leap over Claude Code; it's a UI and marketing shift. This demonstrates that the primary barrier to mass AI adoption isn't model power, but productization. An intuitive UI is critical to unlock powerful tools for the 99% of users who won't use a command line.

Despite Google Gemini's impressive benchmarks, its mobile app is reportedly struggling with basic connectivity issues. This cedes the critical ground of user habit to ChatGPT's reliable mobile experience. In the AI race, a seamless, stable user interface can be a more powerful retention tool than raw model performance.

Gemini's UI leverages Google's 25-year brand equity in search by explicitly stating it's "searching Google." This simple message creates a psychological sense of reliability and fact-verification, making users more confident in the results, even though all modern AI models access the web.

The future of AI interaction won't be a multitude of specialized apps. Instead, it will likely converge into a smaller number of powerful, generalized input boxes that intelligently route user intent, much like the Chrome address bar or Google's main search page.

Despite comparable model capabilities, OpenAI's thoughtful UX, like providing trending templates in a TikTok-style feed for image generation, successfully guides users. In contrast, Google's blank-slate interfaces can intimidate users, proving that small product details are crucial for adoption.

Perplexity's CEO argues that building foundational models is not necessary for success. By focusing on the end-to-end consumer experience and leveraging increasingly commoditized models, startups can build a highly valuable business without needing billions in funding for model training.

Gemini is converting daily ChatGPT users not just with model capabilities, but with superior UX like better response sizing and perceived speed. Crucially, the trust in the Google brand for search is transferring to its AI, making users more confident in its reliability, even with less complex reasoning.