Google’s AI tool, Gemini, is now available on many devices. Initially exclusive to Android users, iOS users can now also install Gemini on their iPhones. This allows them to use it even before the official EU launch of Apple Intelligence on their devices.
One of the main features of Google’s AI is Gemini Live. This is an advanced speech mode that allows you to have smooth conversations with the AI. You can ask questions, interrupt, ask follow-up questions, and change the direction of the conversation. Google recommends using Gemini Live for brainstorming ideas, getting detailed information on topics, or preparing for dialogues, such as in job interviews.
Gemini’s power comes from its integration with various Google services. These services can be activated through the “Extensions” menu. You can activate or deactivate each Gemini extension individually. For example, if you want to use Google Flights without linking to your Gmail account, that’s possible. When activated, you can use them in the chat by typing “@”. A menu will appear showing all linked services, allowing you to perform different tasks.
Unlike many other AI programs, you can generate images for free with Gemini. No subscription to Gemini Advanced is necessary, although there may be occasional restrictions. Some users have reported receiving a notification about exhausted usage limits, but these are typically replenished the next day.
After the introduction of Google Gemini, the AI replaced Google Assistant. You can use the AI on Android devices only if you disable the Assistant. Initially, Gemini couldn’t control smart home devices, but Google has improved this feature. Now, the AI can access all lights, smart switches, and more that you have integrated into the Google Home app.
Gemini can also easily generate texts, such as email drafts. A useful function is the ability to adjust the text afterward without entering a new prompt or manually editing it. You can click on the three dots under most answers from Google Gemini and choose “Change Answer” from the menu. Here, you can shorten or lengthen the text, generate it in simpler language, or change its tone to be more informal or formal.
Another helpful feature is the fact-checking option. Under each text, you see a Google icon. Selecting it will check Gemini’s response in Google’s search engine. This process may take a moment but is worthwhile if the AI generates misinformation. Verified information is highlighted in green, while discrepancies are marked in red, indicating a need for further research.
Google offers a paid model called Gemini Advanced, costing 21.99 euros per month after a trial period. It provides access to a more powerful AI model, allowing faster and more precise answers. You can input context windows with a million tokens, enabling the processing of PDFs with over 1,500 pages. With the subscription, you can also integrate Gmail, Google Drive, and Google Docs into the AI, with two terabytes of storage space for Google One.
One of the biggest selling points of Gemini Advanced is the creation of “Gems,” custom chatbots that can be configured to meet your needs. For instance, you can create a Gem to summarize YouTube videos. You need to call the Gem, insert the link, and submit it to get the desired result. You can also create Gems to provide feedback on texts, assist with coding, or help plan trips. You can even give the Gem a specific dataset or PDF via Google Doc or Google Drive for the chatbot to reference in its responses.