Google Gemini Application, an artificial intelligence-powered chatbot that was earlier only available in the United States was made available by Google in more than 150 countries and regions including India. The Gemini app for Android users was launched earlier this month on February 8, but then it came to the US only. Loaded with new capabilities, it now works in languages like English, Korean, and Japanese. By expanding it to over 150 countries, Google aims to bring power-driven AI capabilities to a global population. 150 countries not only include India but also Brazil, Sri Lanka, Egypt, Venezuela, South Korea, UAE, Malaysia, and more.
Gemini is not only capable of understanding text but also images, videos, audio, and more. Google’s own Bard has been rebranded as Gemini by the brand. It has claimed to roll out a mobile app as well as Gemini Advanced with Ultra 1.0. As for iPhone users, they will have to use Gemini through the Google app as there is no separate app for iOS users.
Google Gemini Availability
For Android– Gemini can be accessed on non-foldable Android devices, Samsung and Pixel foldables with 4GB RAM or more. The device has to be operating on Android 12 and above and the app can be downloaded from Play Store.
For iOS- There is a Gemini tab in the Google App that can be accessed on iPhones running iOS 16 and above.
Gemini’s global rollout began last week and is expected to be completed within the next few days so that everyone can use Gemini seamlessly. Users have to be signed in to a personal Google Account or a Workspace account with a feature enabled by the administrator.
Google Gemini Family
This GenAI model family has been made by Google’s research labs DeepMind and Google Research. It has 3 members-
- Gemini Ultra- flagship model
- Gemini Pro- lite model
- Gemini Nano- distilled model
The Gemini apps are a medium through which certain Gemini models can be accessed.
Google has also announced Gemini 1.5 which comes with various improvements in performance and efficiency. It builds on Gemini 1.0 Ultra and integrates advancements in model development and infrastructure.
Let us now understand how Google Gemini can be used on Android and whether has it replaced Google Assistant completely.
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Using Google Gemini on Android
If you understand how Gemini can be used on Android devices, you can use it to its maximum potential. Not only will your search experience be improved but you will also be able to give feedback about where Google can improve. Using Gemini isn’t very complex as the user will pick up from where he left off with Google Assistant. It is still unclear if Google Assistant is living its last days or if will it continue to run for a while.
Here are the steps to use Google Gemini Application on Android Devices-
- Download the Google Gemini App from the Google Play Store. If you search for it and it doesn’t show up, it means the app is still to be rolled out in your area. If Gemini isn’t available on Play Store, go to Gemini’s website to test it.
- However, those who can download the app will realize Gemini still needs Google Assistant for some tasks. To use the Gemini app, the Google app should be updated and you should be logged in using a personal account. When you opt for Gemini, it takes over as your Google Assistant, and the next time you use your Assistant, Gemini will greet you and complete your tasks. Open the Gemini app.
- Click on ‘Get Started’. You will be shown how Gemini will help.
- Click ‘More’ and choose ‘I Agree’ on the next page.
- Tap where ‘Type, talk, or share a photo’ is displayed.
- You will now be able to use Gemini on Android.
What can Gemini do?
Gemini can be asked what time it is in a certain country or how the weather at a particular place is. It can do most of the things that Google Assistant can do but you can also enable/disable and manage Assistant features in Gemini. To do so, follow these simple steps-
- Tap on the profile thumbnail in the top corner.
- Tap on Settings.
- Tap the Google Assistant Features in Gemini.
- Toggle the feature on if it is off. Individual features can also be managed via this menu.
Getting back to the point, Gemini can do most of the things that Assistant could and even more. The user can search about what is on his/her screen or invoke a search using images from the gallery. To use an image to start a search, click on the camera icon to upload the image and get more information.
For example, I used an image of a Panda Soft Toy and this is what Gemini showed me.
On the website, there is a play and pause button as well, on the top right side so one can ask Gemini to read the text on screen for them in the language of their own choice. Gemini isn’t that accurate with locations as the AI can’t identify the location of an image by analyzing it. It will ask for related information to find out where the picture was taken.
One can ask for places to visit in a new city. However, sometimes results will show text only while sometimes it will show images as well as text. In my case, it did show the text as well as images when I asked about things to do in Goa.
Personal tasks like making a cleaning plan for a week, setting timers, making calls, or cover letters can also be done by Gemini. If you have to understand the gist of a long paragraph and don’t feel like reading it, copy and paste it into Gemini to get a summary. There are suggestions at the top of the home page. You can also find from what book or writeup, certain text is. The book can be translated into other languages for easier understanding.
Insert a picture of an object and ask what will happen to it. Gemini will give all possible outcomes. I asked Gemini if my keyboard would stop working. It displayed ways to keep it working and also asked to get it repaired if it didn’t work. From the image that has a small portion of the keyboard, Gemini detected it is an HP keyboard and offered a link to the HP website as well.
The best part about Gemini is that one doesn’t need a special Android device to access it. It works on all models with Android 12. Just be vigilant while using Gemini as the information can be inaccurate sometimes. Gemini Advanced which costs 19.99 USD a month is more accurate.
Gemini seems like it will be replacing Assistant soon as there are things that Gemini can do and Assistant cannot. These include interacting with Media apps, settings reminders, interpreter mode, routines, etc.
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