What is Gemini AI?
Gemini is Google’s artificial intelligence virtual assistant and chatbot, formerly known as Bard. It was first announced in late 2023 and the Bard chatbot was renamed Gemini in early 2024.
You can use Gemini for requests related to business, personal, education, and even just for fun. You can ask for information, automate tasks, get help with ideas, generate images and videos, write, enhance, and create content.
Google Gemini uses real-time search to locate data for your requests and integrates with the Google ecosystem for sourcing and usage in apps like Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides, Google Drive, and Gmail.
With Gemini AI, you can type your prompts, use voice input, upload photos, share your screen, and use your camera – giving you flexibility for how and where you use it.
As far as safety, Google has several protections in place for Gemini. However, you should also be cautious of the information you share and the permissions you grant. For complete details, review our How Safe Is Gemini AI guide.
How to Get Gemini AI
If you’re new to Google Gemini, then you’ll need to know how much it costs and how to get it on your desktop and mobile device.
Is Gemini Free?
The Gemini AI assistant is available in both free and paid versions.
The Gemini web and mobile apps are free. Paid versions include the Google Workspace editions, the premium plans Google AI Plus, Google AI Pro, and Google AI Ultra, Gemini API, Google AI Studio API, and miscellaneous upgrades.
Where to Get Gemini AI
You can use Gemini on the web, your mobile device, in Google AI Studio, or with an AI Studio API key. And luckily, each route is super easy.
Web
You can access the assistant on the official Gemini AI website. From there, sign in with your Google account and use the chat-style interface to enter prompts and ask questions or take advantage of voice input.
You’ll see a history, can search, create a notebook, and generate images using the menu items on the left. You can also use tools like deep research, music creation, and Canvas using the plus sign in the prompt box.
Mobile
You can download Gemini for Android on Google Play or Gemini for iPhone on the App Store. Simply search for “Google Gemini,” install the app, and then sign in with your Google account.
You’ll see the same menu options and tools as in the web app. Especially convenient on mobile, you can also use your voice to enter prompts.
AI Studio
You can also use Google AI Studio to enter prompts similar to the Gemini AI website. Sign in with your Google account and select a Google model, insert media or files, use tools like structured outputs and code execution, and more.
To obtain an API key for your project, click Get API key (key icon) on the bottom left. You can then copy the key and project details, set up billing, and view your usage.
Other Locations
If you have a Google Workspace account, you can access and activate Gemini AI directly from one of Google’s apps. Visit Google Docs, Sheets, or Slides and select the Ask Gemini button on the top right.
You’ll then receive additional Gemini details along with a way to “Get started.”
How to Use Gemini AI (With Real-Life Examples)
Because of the deep integration with other Google tools, Gemini can be a truly useful virtual assistant. From brainstorming to planning to research to writing, you’ll appreciate all that Gemini AI can do with your favorite Google apps and services.
Here are several practical uses for Gemini AI that can save you time and improve your workflows.
Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides
In Google Docs, you can use Gemini to create drafts, make edits, and change the tone. You can also summarize long documents, retrieve key points, and generate images.
In Google Sheets, you can use Gemini to organize data, write formulas, and adjust the formatting. You can also have Gemini fill in missing data, create tables, and detect data patterns.
In Google Slides, you can use Gemini to generate new slides, reference Google Drive files for slide content, and insert custom media. You can also draft speaker notes, summarize a presentation, and write or edit content.
Example: To speed up my Google Sheets tasks, I asked Gemini to add drop-down boxes to the columns in my spreadsheet. The response asked which columns and where the choices are from. After receiving my additional input, Gemini added the drop-downs, saving me a ton of time and aggravation doing it myself.
To use Gemini AI: Select the Ask Gemini (star icon) on the top right, enter a prompt in the box at the bottom, or choose a pop-up suggestion.
Google Drive
In Google Drive, you can use Gemini to organize files with suggested folders and groupings, summarize PDFs and video transcripts, and search for items or content with a natural language search.
Example: Because of my messy Google Drive, I used the Suggest file moves preset option. Gemini then listed items to move to an existing folder and others to move to a new folder. This is an ideal action if you have many items and aren’t sure of the best way to organize them.
To use Gemini in Drive: Select the Ask Gemini (star icon) on the top right, enter a description into the Search box, or choose a preset option.
Gmail
In Gmail, you can use Gemini to summarize lengthy conversations, help compose messages, suggest email responses, and search for messages. When it comes to an AI email cleanup, Gemini is useful for finding messages that clutter your inbox; however, there are limitations.
Example: With a lot of back-and-forth emails, I asked Gemini, “Are there any further actions required in this conversation.” The tool responded that no more action is required and gave a brief wrap-up of how the conversation ended. This is helpful if you’re concerned you missed an action in an email thread.
To use Gemini in Gmail: Check out our Gemini AI for Gmail guide which includes more details on using the tool and how apps like Clean Email go beyond Gemini for Gmail by overcoming its cleanup limitations.
Gemini Canvas
With Gemini Canvas, you can create apps, games, infographics, web pages, and more. You can also generate quizzes for education, customize estimates for business, and compose music with the digital synthesizer for fun.
Example: To improve my diet, I asked Gemini to, “Create a heart-healthy meal plan without dairy or gluten.” The results included core nutritional principles, a seven-day meal schedule, a shopping list, and meal prep with cooking tips. This saved time from searching Google and gathering information from multiple sources.
To use Gemini Canvas: Visit the Gemini Canvas website or select Canvas in the Gemini desktop or mobile app.
Gemini Live
With Gemini Live, you can use your camera or share your screen to identify or get more details on what’s displayed. You can also have a natural speaking conversation with Gemini Live and ask it to retrieve information from your Google apps.
Example: Using the camera feature, I shared my screen, pointed at my item, and asked Gemini how to fix my broken rattan chair. I received both oral and written instructions and was asked if I wanted to know where to buy the materials. This is a truly useful tool when it comes to hard-to-describe visuals.
To use Gemini Live: Open the Gemini mobile app and tap the Live button (waveform) or on your desktop, open Google Chrome, click Ask Gemini at the top, and choose Go Live.
Mobile Google Gemini Assistant
With the Gemini AI app on Android or iPhone, you can use it across your Google apps, access Gemini Live, and receive a daily digest from Gmail and/or Google Calendar. You can also get help finding mobile tools, creating images and videos, and automating tasks.
Example: For assistance with finding apps, I asked Gemini, “What are the best mobile apps for financial planning.” It responded with the top choices including links, prices, best for, key features, and a summary checklist to help me choose. This is a great way to find mobile apps without endless hunting and experimenting to locate the best one for you.
Conclusion
Google Gemini AI offers the tools and features you want in a virtual assistant. Whether a simple request for information and instructions or a complex command for an email productivity boost, you can use Gemini across devices, platforms, and apps to accomplish what you need.
