Last updated August 2025.
What is Generative AI?
Generative AI is a type of artificial intelligence (AI) that can create new information such as text, images, video, or code, in response to questions or prompts input by a user. Generative AI uses natural language, producing original outputs that mimic human expression. A generative AI chatbot is the user interface that allows the user to interact in real time, while the responses come from an underlying large language model (LLM).
Major Publicly Available Generative AI Tools
As of 2025, there are likely hundreds of publicly available generative AI chatbots, agents, and integrated AI tools, with more coming online daily. Below is non-exhaustive list of the most commonly-used generative AI standalone chatbot apps. Most AI apps offer a free basic account and paid premium accounts. Please be aware that the policies and pricing structures of these applications are subject to change at any time.
- Microsoft Copilot When you sign in with your FSU credentials, your interactions with Microsoft Copilot will be covered by enterprise data protection (EDP), as per the terms of FSU's Microsoft 365 licensing. See more details below.
- ChatGPT (OpenAI)
- Google Gemini
- Claude by Anthropic
- Adobe Firefly - Generate images, audio and video with Adobe. There is a very limited free account, but FSU faculty and staff (not students) have access to an Adobe Creative Cloud account. Login with FSU credentials to access more credits for generations and additional features. The models that underly the Firefly web app can also be found in features in other Adobe apps, including Photoshop - which are available to faculty and staff. Most are image/media-based but there is some text-generation (for example, in Adobe Express)
Most of the apps listed above are capable of generating multiple types of content including text, image and video (although video generation is often subject to greater limitations based on account type).
These are by no means the only available AI tools. See "Additional Resources" below for lists that are more comprehensive and more frequently updated.
Which One Should I Use?
When considering which AI tool to use for a given task, Information Technology Services (ITS) has pointed to the benefit of using Microsoft’s AI tool, Copilot, with your FSU account. By signing into Copilot with your campus credentials, you unlock a secure, personalized experience that helps you work smarter while keeping your data safe. Your interactions with Microsoft Copilot will be covered by enterprise data protection (EDP), as per the terms of FSU's Microsoft 365 licensing. The protection includes, for example, that your data will be encrypted, kept private, and not used for training foundation models.
FSU does not hold enterprise licenses for any additional AI tools or services. If you wish to use a non-licensed tool such as ChatGPT, you may be required to create a personal account, and pay any fees for premium services. You should not assume any form of data protection or privacy when using a non-licensed tool. Consult Safety Tips for AI/Chatbot Use as well as FSU's Acceptable Use Policy.
That being said, determining which AI tool will be most effective depends on what you want to do—some tools are good for writing and research, others for creative projects, and many chatbots let you easily try out different options without needing technical skills.
Students: in addition to the guidelines above, if you are considering using an AI tool to assist you with coursework, refer to your course syllabus to determine if there is a policy regarding use of AI tools. If you can't find one, or aren't sure, ask your instructor. Use of AI tools could potentially be interpreted as a violation of the University's Academic Honesty Policy.
Additional Resources
- AI Models and Tools list at Teaching Naked (Jose Antonio Bowen)
- Generative AI Product Tracker , published by Ithaka S+R, lists tools by their primary purposes and includes pricing information, as well as updates on the tools' features and limitations. About the publisher: Ithaka S+R is part of ITHAKA, a not-for-profit organization helping the academic community use digital technologies to preserve the scholarly record and to advance research and teaching in sustainable ways.
- LMArena is an open-source platform for evaluating AI through human preference, developed by researchers at UC Berkeley. LMArena allows users to easily access, explore and interact with the world's leading AI models. By comparing them side by side and casting votes for the better response, the community helps shape a public leaderboard, making AI progress more transparent, and grounded in real-world usage.