Google Launches Gemini: A Revolutionary AI Chatbot for All

Google has introduced Gemini, its latest generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) chatbot, which aims to enhance user interaction across various platforms. Launched in February 2024, Gemini serves as an upgraded version of Google’s previous AI model, Bard. It operates on a large language model (LLM) of the same name, which was first introduced in December 2023 as a successor to LaMDA. Currently, Gemini supports over 40 languages and is accessible in more than 200 countries worldwide.

At the recent 2024 Google I/O keynote, the company announced that Gemini will be integrated into numerous Google products such as Android, Chrome, Photos, and Workspace. This move positions Gemini as a versatile tool designed to facilitate various tasks and enhance productivity.

Accessing and Utilizing Gemini

Users can engage with Gemini through a dedicated app available for free on both Android and iOS devices. Android users have the option to set Gemini as their default digital assistant, which allows activation by saying “Hey Google” or by long-pressing the power button. Once the app is set up, users can type their requests or use voice commands by tapping the microphone icon. Additionally, a feature called Live mode enables real-time conversations that replicate a natural dialogue.

For desktop users, Gemini can be accessed via its official website, making it a highly accessible tool for a variety of tasks. It is advisable to be specific in interactions with Gemini, as detailed prompts yield better responses. Users can even assign a persona to the chatbot, instructing it to act as a fitness coach or a journalist, tailoring the style and tone of its responses to fit their needs.

Should the output not meet expectations, users can request clarifications or revisions, such as asking Gemini to present a response in a more professional manner.

Capabilities and Features of Gemini

Gemini boasts a broad range of functions. According to the chatbot, it excels in brainstorming ideas, clarifying complex concepts, and summarising information. Specific capabilities include:

– Text generation
– Proofreading
– Information retrieval
– Summarising content
– Language translation

By default, users engage with the Gemini 2.5 Flash model, optimized for speed and efficiency. For more complex tasks, users can switch to Gemini 2.5 Pro, which is designed for enhanced reasoning and accuracy.

One of the standout features of Gemini is its ability to perform real-time searches through Google. Unlike static AI models that rely solely on pre-existing data, Gemini can assess the need for up-to-date information and conduct multiple Google Search queries simultaneously to deliver the most relevant results. This capability allows it to answer questions about current events and provide citations to original sources for deeper exploration.

In addition to text-based tasks, Gemini also includes an image generation model called Imagen 3, which became available to users in October 2024. This feature offers image generation at no cost, subject to daily limits based on system demand and prompt complexity.

For users interested in multimedia, Gemini can summarise YouTube videos, although this functionality is currently accessible only to developers via the Gemini API.

Cost and Future Developments

The standard version of Gemini is free for signed-in users, providing unlimited access to the 2.5 Flash model, limited access to the 2.5 Pro model, and image generation features. Additionally, users can take advantage of a one-month free trial for the AI Pro plan, which costs £18.99 per month after the trial period. This plan includes advanced features such as video generation and access to Gemini directly in other Google applications like Gmail and Docs. For users requiring even more capabilities, the Google AI Ultra plan starts at £119.99 per month.

In March 2025, Google announced plans to upgrade Google Assistant users on mobile devices to Gemini. Google Assistant has long served as the voice-activated tool for millions, allowing users to manage various tasks using voice commands. The transition to Gemini is expected to enhance these capabilities significantly.

Currently, Android users can easily switch between Google Assistant and Gemini, while iPhone users must download the Gemini app from the App Store. Google has confirmed that by the end of 2025, the traditional Google Assistant will be phased out in favour of Gemini, which will also be rolled out to other devices, including tablets and smart home products.

In a recent announcement, Anish Kattukaran, Chief Product Officer at Google Home & Nest, stated that Gemini will offer “an all-new voice assistant for the next generation of help at home,” highlighting its potential to manage complex tasks across smart devices.

In comparison to OpenAI’s ChatGPT, Gemini presents both similarities and differences. While both are based on large language models, Gemini was designed to be natively multimodal, which may give it an edge in handling images and audio. Conversely, many users have found ChatGPT excels in generating creative text and adapting its tone to user preferences.

As Google continues to develop Gemini, it aims to integrate the AI more deeply into its ecosystem, positioning it as a preferred option for both personal and professional use.