Google is on a mission to make waves with its Gemini suite of generative AI models, apps, and services. But what exactly is Gemini and how can you harness its potential? In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the ins and outs of Gemini and its various applications across Google's ecosystem.

Unlock the Future with Google's Gemini

What is Gemini?

Google's Gemini is its long-awaited next-gen generative AI model family. Developed by DeepMind and Google Research, it comes in four flavors: Gemini Ultra, Gemini Pro, Gemini Flash (a speedier version of Pro), and Gemini Nano. All Gemini models are natively multimodal, capable of working with and analyzing audio, images, videos, and text. This sets them apart from models like LaMDA, which are trained exclusively on text data.However, the ethics and legality of training models on public data without consent are murky. Google has an AI indemnification policy, but users should proceed with caution, especially if using Gemini commercially.

What's the difference between the Gemini apps and Gemini models?

The Gemini apps are clients that connect to various Gemini models and provide a chatbot-like interface. They live on the web, Android, and iOS. On Android, you can bring up the Gemini overlay on top of any app to ask questions. Gemini apps can accept various inputs like images, voice commands, and text, and generate images. Conversations carry over between the apps and the web version if signed in with the same Google Account.The Gemini apps aren't the only way to use Gemini. Gemini-imbued features are gradually making their way into Google's staple apps like Gmail and Google Docs through the Google One AI Premium Plan. Gemini Advanced users get extra features like priority access, Python code editing, and a larger context window. It also offers Deep Research for generating extensive reports and trip planning in Google Search.Gemini is available to corporate customers through Gemini Business and Gemini Enterprise plans, with different features and pricing based on business needs.

Gemini across Google services

Gemini has extended its reach across Google's services. In Gmail, it helps write emails and summarize message threads. In Docs, it assists with writing and brainstorming. In Slides, it generates slides and custom images. In Google Sheets, it tracks and organizes data. It's also in Maps for summarizing reviews and offering recommendations. In Drive, it can summarize files and folders. In Meet, it translates captions.Code Assist in Google's development tools is offloading computational tasks to Gemini. Gemini extensions in the Gemini apps allow them to tap into Google services like Drive, Gmail, and YouTube.

Gemini Live in-depth voice chats

Gemini Live enables users to have in-depth voice chats with Gemini. It's available on mobile and Pixel Buds Pro 2 and can be accessed even with a locked phone. You can interrupt Gemini to ask clarifying questions and it adapts in real time. Eventually, Gemini will gain visual understanding. It can serve as a virtual coach for rehearsing and brainstorming.

Image generation via Imagen 3

Gemini users can generate artwork using Google's Imagen 3 model. It's more accurate and creative than its predecessor. However, Google had to pause image generation of people due to user complaints. But in August, it reintroduced the feature for certain paid users.

Gemini for teens

Google introduced a teen-focused Gemini experience with additional policies and safeguards. It's similar to the standard Gemini experience but with an "AI literacy guide" to help teens use AI responsibly.

Gemini in smart home devices

Many Google-made devices use Gemini for enhanced functionality. On Google TV Streamer, it curates content and summarizes reviews. On Nest thermostats and other smart home devices, it will boost Google Assistant's capabilities and provide new Gemini-powered experiences like AI descriptions and natural language video search.

What can the Gemini models do?

Gemini models are multimodal and can perform various tasks like transcribing speech, captioning images and videos. Gemini Ultra can help with physics homework and identify relevant scientific papers. Gemini Pro is an improvement over LaMDA and can handle large amounts of data. Gemini Flash is faster and more efficient, suitable for tasks like summarization and captioning. Gemini Nano can run on phones and powers features like Summarize in Recorder and Smart Reply.

How much do the Gemini models cost?

Gemini 1.0 Pro, 1.5 Pro, and Flash are available through the Gemini API with free options and pay-as-you-go pricing. Ultra and 2.0 Flash pricing is yet to be announced, and Nano is in early access.

What's the latest on Project Astra?

Project Astra by Google DeepMind aims to create AI-powered apps and agents for real-time multimodal understanding. It has been demoed with live video and audio processing and released as an app to a few testers. Google hopes to incorporate it into smart glasses, but there's no clear product timeline yet.

Is Gemini coming to the iPhone?

There are rumors that Gemini might come to the iPhone as Apple is in talks to use it for various features in its Apple Intelligence suite. However, no specific details have been disclosed.This post was originally published February 16, 2024, and has been updated with the latest information about Gemini.