What is The Great AI Explosion?
The Great AI Explosion tracks AI model releases from the top six AI platforms so you do not have to. Large language models launch, change, and retire quickly, so this app records what is out, who made it, when it appeared, and when it gets retired. Each model card includes the release date, knowledge cutoff when available, a natural-language "vibe," and key features you can see by flipping the card.
Who is it for?
Curious humans. Small business owners, creators, students, professionals, and anyone who wants to understand the AI landscape.
Which AI should I use?
This app helps you decide which AI is likely to help solve your problem. The free advisor asks a few questions and points you toward strong choices for your situation. If you want a custom conversation about your specific problem and the best AI solution, you can book an AI Clarity Session with a real human and get practical guidance on which AI is most suited to your situation.
What is on each model card?
Each model card shows the model name, provider, release date, knowledge cutoff when available, and the "vibe," which describes what the model is best suited for. Flip the card to see key features and a sharper summary of what makes that model different.
Why does knowledge cutoff matter?
A model’s knowledge cutoff tells you the latest point in time its built-in training knowledge may reliably cover. Some models can search the web or use tools, but the cutoff still helps you understand what the model may know by default before live tools or browsing are added.
How does the app choose which AI models to include?
We include public-facing models released by six major providers: OpenAI, Anthropic, Google, Meta, xAI, and Mistral. Each entry is grounded in an official provider source and a date of last review. Smaller labs, API-only releases, rumored models, and speculative entries are intentionally excluded.
Why does it focus on OpenAI, Anthropic, Google, Meta, xAI, and Mistral?
There are hundreds of AI and open-source models available, but most people use a smaller set of mainstream tools with accessible interfaces, free tiers, or low-cost paid plans. These six providers ship many of the AI tools the general public can actually use. Keeping the scope focused makes the timeline accurate and maintainable, instead of trying and failing to be a complete research archive.
What does public-facing AI model mean?
A model that is widely available through an official consumer product, app, or platform. That excludes private models, internal benchmarks, API-only previews, leaked weights, niche research releases, and rumored models that have not actually shipped.
How often is the app updated?
Often, with human review before anything reaches production. We track provider announcements, verify sources, and update entries as official evidence appears. A validation script and changelog support the workflow.
What is Grok Mode?
A toggle on the timeline that flips the app into a darker, spicier mood and surfaces a short roast for each model. Same data, different vibe. It is built for fun, not for ranking models.
What is the Extinction Addendum?
A short field guide that explains why models get retired and how each provider has handled their recent transitions. Think of it as the story behind the deprecations on the timeline.
What is The AI Experience?
The AI Experience is a bridge between AI and the rest of the world, designed to provide practical, fun, and interesting experiences through a human-centered product world built by Carol Wynn Maier for the Age of Intelligence. Its founding idea is "a theme park for the mind and hands-on AI for everyone." The Great AI Explosion is one of its flagship products.
What is an AI Clarity Session?
A focused 30 to 40 minute 1:1 video call about one real AI question you have. You bring the problem. Carol listens, recommends a tool, explains why it fits, and follows up with a short email summarizing your best next step. It is practical guidance, not enterprise consulting.
How much does an AI Clarity Session cost?
$49 USD. Flat rate. One session, one focused conversation, one short follow-up email. No subscription, no recurring charge, no surprise upsell.
What happens after someone buys an AI Clarity Session?
You will get a scheduling email from hello@theaiexperience.com within 24 hours to pick a time that works. Sessions are scheduled in Pacific Time. After the call, Carol sends a short follow-up email with your top 1 to 2 recommended AI tools and a recommended next step.
Still have a question?
Email hello@theaiexperience.com, or book an AI Clarity Session for a focused 1:1 conversation.
Book a $49 AI Clarity SessionThe Great AI Explosion is a product of The AI Experience™.