GPT-5.5 retired from Codex with ChatGPT sign-in on October 14, 2026. Switch to gpt-6-sol (Plus and up) or gpt-6-luna (Free, Go); only API-key Codex keeps it.
Gemini 3.5 Flash supports coding, document analysis, and tool workflows with text output. In Google's Developer API, its old model ID now automatically serves Gemini 3.6 Flash; Cloud has a separate lifecycle.
Google AI Pro gets Gemini 4 Argon in the Gemini app and AI Mode; Ultra adds Antigravity and AI Studio quota. App limits reset every 5 hours up to a weekly cap.
Gemini 4 Argon opened to paid API users on October 13 at $2/$10, doubling December 1. At matched effort it ties Opus 5.5 per task and costs 6.2x GPT-6.1 Sol.
As of October 14, 2026, you can call GPT-6.1 Sol and Gemini 4 Argon, available since October 13. Fable 5.5 is unannounced, and GPT-6.1 Astra was shelved.
For a photo editor like ChatGPT, start with Gemini’s upload-and-describe workflow. Choose Firefly when you want to mark an area, or Recraft and Ideogram when references belong in a larger design. Keep the original available and compare the details before accepting an edit.
At max effort on Artificial Analysis, Claude Opus 5.5 scores 58 to Muse Wonder's 52, but Wonder costs 24% less per task. Wonder Full has no API.
Nano Banana 2 is deprecated: use 2.1 for most image work, Lite for fast, cheap 1K drafts without grounding or 2K/4K, and Pro when exact text must match.
Keep Gemini 3.1 Flash-Lite for routine work that passes validation. An old 3.5 Flash API configuration now serves 3.6 Flash; compare current costs before switching.
Both APIs are available. GPT-5.5 is the first test for an existing Responses integration; Opus 4.7 has lower standard output rates and no long-input premium. Choose on accepted-task cost, not a universal coding ranking.
Start with Claude Code when your next job is a repository change you can inspect and test. Choose OpenClaw when you need a running Gateway to coordinate models, messages, and recurring work. Both now support memory and automation; the useful differences are where work runs, who can trigger it, and which account pays.
Use /code-review to look for bugs, /simplify to clean up changed code, and an official skill when design, browser testing, or document work needs a more specific method. Install for the right scope, then check discovery and a real task result.
Claude Sonnet 5.5 cache reads cost $0.10 per million tokens since October 7, 2026, down from $0.20. Your bill falls by half the share cache reads took of it.
You can start with GPT Image 2 through Puter's free monthly allowance, but each user covers their own usage. OpenAI's API has no Free tier, and ChatGPT's current free image tool is Images 2.5.
Choose Nano Banana Pro for an official image API and size control, or Midjourney v8.2 for a visual workflow with style references. Both now support instruction-based editing. Compare their controls, first steps, and costs per requested job before choosing.
Both Wan 2.7 and Seedance 2.0 now generate video. Start with Wan for a short 720p or 1080p job with a matching operation; choose Seedance 2.0 standard for native 4K or its omni-reference workflow for richer media guidance. The right comparison includes input eligibility and the cost of accepted clips.
Use AI outpainting to add space beyond a photo’s borders. Firefly offers a browser workflow, Photoshop lets you retain the original in a layered edit, and ChatGPT handles conversational changes. The right choice depends on how much of the photo must stay unchanged.
Open Claude Code Agent View with claude agents, give independent tasks their own background sessions, and use the dashboard to check progress and step in. Review and preserve each result before deleting its session.
Claude is currently unlisted on laozhang.ai. For actual Claude access, choose an eligible direct, supported cloud, or organizational gateway path, then confirm its credentials, features, and backup plan.
Gemini offers free image generation, but its new Auto setting does not guarantee Nano Banana 2 on every request. For a trial that names the model, BananaGen advertises 12 new-user credits and a six-credit base Nano Banana 2 generation; the actual resolution and quote determine how far the credits go.
Use an existing room or model view to explore finishes, furniture, and lighting. Give each reference a clear role, compare every candidate with its source, and save the chosen concept alongside the measured design.
As of October 10, 2026, GPT Image 2.5 leads Arena's image ranking, low-quality GPT Image 2 is cheapest at about $0.006, and Nano Banana Pro costs $0.134.
As of October 10, 2026, a free AI kissing video means sign-up credits or a daily clip, usually watermarked. Use only photos of you and a partner who agreed.
As of October 10, 2026, Google Flow, PixVerse, Firefly and Canva still give free image-to-video that resets. Runway is a one-time trial; Pika is packs only.