Terrain.

How to read AI: the types of access, plus a plain-English glossary.

Types of AI access

From simplest to most autonomous — the ladder of what AI can do for you.

You type, it replies. The simplest interface — a conversation with a model.

A chat that can use tools — search the web, read files, call APIs — when you ask it to.

Given a goal, it plans and executes multiple steps on its own, deciding which tools to use.

Runs in the background with minimal supervision — monitors, decides, and acts over time.

Controls a real screen, keyboard, and mouse — interacts with software the way a human would.

Always-on, context-aware AI that knows your schedule, habits, and preferences.

Every status label we use on tools, and what it means.

The maker's headline product — the one they stake their reputation on.

Consistently at the top of independent benchmarks or expert rankings.

The default choice in its category — the one most people reach for first.

Settled, stable, widely adopted — the kind of tool that disappears into your workflow.

Model weights are publicly available for download and self-hosting.

Actively developed and shipping updates, but not yet a category leader.

Publicly accessible but still in testing — expect rough edges.

Announced or leaked but not yet available to the public.

The maker has officially ended development or shut down the service.

Bought by another company — may be absorbed, rebranded, or left to wither.