"At the end of 2024, we thought we had a handle on how much AI would change us, but 2025 took the game to an entirely new level with the emergence of agentic AI. Leading the pack has been the rise in agentic coding tools. These tools, such as Gemini Jules, Claude Code, and OpenAI Codex, are capable of writing entire programs and products."
"Keep in mind two factors as you read over this end-of-year accounting. First, I still use many of the free AI tools I've reviewed here on ZDNET. And second, even though I review their products, I pay for all the pro versions of these tools out of my own pocket. That way, you know the AI companies have no influence over what I'm telling you."
Total AI spend in 2025 reached $1,665 across tools and upgrades, with $300 spent on agentic coding tools that accelerated years of coding into days. Agentic coding tools like Gemini Jules, Claude Code, and OpenAI Codex can write entire programs and products; Codex produced four WordPress security plug-ins and Claude Code built a full-featured iPhone app. Early-year paid tools included Midjourney, ChatGPT Plus, and Adobe Creative Cloud, with cumulative January–May spend at $500. Many free AI tools continue in use. Pro versions were purchased independently to avoid vendor influence, and Adobe costs were significantly reduced later in the year.
Read at ZDNET
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