Understanding Key Concepts and Terminology

Get acquainted with the core concepts and terminology used within allmates.ai. This glossary explains the building blocks of the platform, including Mates, Workspaces, Collabs, Tools, and more, helping you collaborate effectively.

Last updated 10 months ago

Mastering the Language of allmates.ai

To make the most of allmates.ai, it's important to understand the key concepts and terminology used throughout the platform. This guide provides a clear overview of the essential elements that make up the allmates.ai ecosystem, including the evolving role of Tools in defining Mate capabilities.

Core Concepts

1. Mates

  • Definition: Intelligent Virtual Agents designed to assist human users in various tasks, acting as virtual collaborators within teams.

  • Core Function: Utilize GenAI models (LLMs) to understand context, reason, generate text, and interact in conversations.

  • Capabilities: A Mate's specific abilities are increasingly defined by the Tools attached to it.

2. Mate Types (Transitional Concept)

  • Current Status (Valid until ~June 2025): Mates are currently categorized into four main types based on their primary built-in function:

    • Native: Excels at text generation, reasoning, and general collaboration using conversation context and knowledge. Can analyze images if using a vision-compatible LLM.

    • Web-Search: Specialized in performing internet searches for real-time information.

    • Image-gen: Specialized in generating images from text descriptions.

    • Assistant: Specialized in analyzing uploaded files (RAG) and executing Python code.

  • Future State (After ~June 2025): The concept of distinct Mate Types will be phased out. All Mates will essentially be "Native" Mates (or simply "Mates"), and their specific capabilities beyond core conversational AI will be determined solely by the Tools attached to them.

3. Tools

  • Definition: Specialized extensions that enhance a Mate's capabilities, allowing them to perform specific actions or interact with external services. Think of them as installable skills or "superpowers."

  • Purpose: Enable Mates to perform tasks beyond basic conversation, such as accessing real-time data (web search), generating images, analyzing files, executing code, or connecting to external APIs (like CRMs, project management tools, etc.).

  • How they work: Tools are configured as Tool Instances and then attached to specific Mates.

4. Tool Store

  • Definition: The marketplace within allmates.ai where you can discover available Tools.

  • Content: Includes pre-built "Native Tools" (like Weather API, URL Scraper) and the powerful "REST API Tool" framework for custom integrations.

5. Toolbox

  • Definition: Your personal management center where you create, configure, and manage specific Tool Instances based on the Tools available in the Tool Store.

6. Tool Instance

  • Definition: A specific, configured implementation of a Tool from the Tool Store. For example, an instance of the "Weather API Tool" configured with your specific API key, or an instance of the "REST API Tool" configured to connect to your company's specific CRM.

  • Attachment: Tool Instances are attached to Mates via the Mate's configuration page ("Tools" tab) to grant them specific capabilities. A Mate's equipped Tool Instances can often be seen by hovering over its avatar.

7. Workspaces

  • Definition: Thematic containers for organizing related Collabs, projects, or team activities.

  • Purpose: Structure work, manage access, and provide high-level context for Mates and users.

  • Key Attributes: Name, Icon (Emoji), Description, Visibility (Public/Private), Language, Members.

8. Collaborations (Collabs)

  • Definition: Dedicated spaces within a Workspace for specific projects or initiatives involving multiple users and Mates.

  • Purpose: Facilitate structured teamwork, discussions, and task management.

  • Key Attributes: Name, Description, Participants (Users and Mates).

9. Chats

  • Definition: Direct, private conversations between a single user and one or more Mates.

  • Purpose: Quick questions, personal assistance, focused discussions.

10. Mentions

  • Definition: A way to address or refer to a specific user or Mate within a conversation.

  • Types:

    • Active Mention (@name): Prompts a response or action.

    • Passive Mention (@@name): Refers to a user/Mate without requiring immediate action.

11. Tokens

  • Definition: Units used by LLMs to measure the amount of text processed (both input and output).

  • Importance: Affects processing limits and costs. Monitoring consumption is key.

12. LLM (Large Language Model)

  • Definition: The underlying AI engine (e.g., GPT-4o, Claude 3, Gemini 1.5) that powers a Mate's conversational and reasoning abilities.

13. RAG (Retrieval-Augmented Generation)

  • Definition: A technique allowing Mates (currently primarily Assistant-type or Mates with specific document analysis Tools) to retrieve information from provided documents to enhance their responses.

14. PWA (Progressive Web App)

  • Definition: Allows installing allmates.ai like a native app on desktops and mobile devices for an integrated experience.

15. Mate Knowledge

  • Definition: A feature allowing users to attach files directly to a Mate, creating a private, persistent knowledge base for that specific Mate.

Key Actions

  • Onboarding: Adding a pre-configured Mate from the Mates Store to your organization.

  • Creating a Mate: Building a custom Mate, defining its instructions and initial Toolset.

  • Configuring a Tool Instance: Setting up a specific instance of a Tool in your Toolbox (e.g., adding API keys).

  • Attaching a Tool: Granting a Mate specific capabilities by linking a Tool Instance to it.

  • Deployment/Update: Making a new or modified Mate available for use.

Navigating the Evolving allmates.ai Ecosystem

Understanding these concepts, especially the growing importance of Tools in defining Mate capabilities alongside the transitional nature of Mate Types, will empower you to navigate allmates.ai effectively and leverage its full potential for collaboration.

What's Next?

Now that you have a solid understanding of the key concepts and terminology:

  • Explore the Tool Store to see available capabilities.

  • Practice creating Tool Instances in your Toolbox.

  • Experiment with attaching Tools to Mates.

  • Refer back to the definitions of Mate Types while they are still relevant.

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