Tag: app-subdomain-redirection:gemini-google

Since December 2023, Google has not stopped surprising us with its commitment to artificial intelligence. The company launched Gemini in December of that year, an AI model that, over time, has become the backbone of almost all of Google’s intelligent tools. The AI first replaced Bard, Google’s original chatbot, and later was integrated into Android Assistant, Google Docs, Gmail, and many more of the company’s apps.

However, the big leap came in December 2024 with the presentation of Gemini 2.0, which Sundar Pichai, CEO of Google, called the beginning of the “agentic era”. This new phase implies that AI models can carry out complex tasks based on initial instructions, something that is revolutionizing the way we interact with technology.

Although Gemini’s trajectory has had its ups and downs, with moments of confusion due to numerous launches and variations, the truth is that, currently, Google has committed to consolidating this brand as its identity in AI. If you want to better understand what Gemini is, how it works, and why it is so important, keep reading. We are going to break down its universe into different areas.

More than just a “pretty face”

Chatbots are at the forefront of many AI applications, and Google is no exception. The Gemini chatbot was born as an evolution of Bard and Duet AI, combining the best of both worlds. Now, this system is integrated into products as varied as Android Assistant, the Chrome browser, and Google Workspace. Google also launched Gemini Live at the end of September, an alternative to OpenAI’s “Advanced Voice Mode” that functions as a virtual assistant.

The idea is clear: make interaction with devices increasingly smooth. In this way, you can ask Gemini to search for information, organize your calendar, or even edit photos in Google Photos. A strategy with which Google aims to establish itself as the queen of the AI sector, where the competition is increasingly greater and more fierce if possible.

The AI Revolution in Your Pocket

While the chatbot is impressive, where Gemini truly shines is on mobile devices. The Gemini app is available for both iPhone and Android, but its true strength lies in its integration with the Android operating system. This combination allows for advanced tasks to be performed directly from the mobile, such as activating system functions or playing music using voice commands through Gemini Live.

In this regard, Gemini Nano stands out, a lightweight version of the model that developers can use in their own applications without the need to resort to cloud solutions. This, of course, opens up a world of possibilities, especially for tasks that require a lot of speed and efficiency.

A Multimodal Model

Gemini is not just a model that understands text. It is a multimodal AI capable of processing images, videos, audio, and even code. With version 2.0, launched in December 2024, it can also generate content in these modalities, making it a much more versatile tool than many of its competitors.

Google has taken a somewhat discreet approach in the development of Gemini, but the results speak for themselves. With more than 50,000 variants available on Hugging Face, Gemini covers a wide range of languages and use cases, combining different technologies and applications under one name.

The Gemini Family: From Nano to Ultra

The story of Gemini begins with DeepMind, the AI laboratory founded in London in 2010. This team brought legendary models like LaMDA and PaLM to life before reaching Gemini. The first version of the model was launched in three variants: Ultra, Pro, and Nano. Each one has a specific purpose, from high-power tasks to uses in compact devices.

In recent years, Google has faced the following dilemma: should it prioritize search or AI? This internal debate has led to some quite controversial decisions, such as the launch of experimental models and the foray into open models with the Gemma line. However, with Gemini 2.0, it seems that the company has finally found its way.

A Promising Future

Gemini 2.0 marks the beginning of a new era, in which AIs not only answer questions but also act as agents capable of executing complex tasks. With tools like the Flash Experimental version, which allows generating code and using Google search in an integrated way, the company is paving the way towards a future where AI is a natural extension of our capabilities.

Although there are still many doubts in the air about which models are definitive and which are still in the experimental phase, one thing is clear: Gemini is one of the most complete and promising AIs on the market

Google has begun to expand the use of its Gemini artificial intelligence models to new countries such as Vietnam and Thailand, according to Android Police. Among the new features in these regions are Gemini 1.5 with Deep Research and two experimental variants of Gemini 2.0: Flash Experimental and Experimental Advanced. These models promise to meet different needs, from everyday tasks to more complex work.

The Deep Research function, exclusive to Gemini 1.5, allows users to conduct advanced research. Simply enter a topic, and the AI evaluates the content of dozens or even hundreds of web pages to generate a detailed report. Users can adjust the research plan before the AI executes it, and once the process is completed, the results can be exported directly to Google Docs.

Regarding the new Gemini 2.0 models, Flash Experimental focuses on providing speed for daily tasks, while Experimental Advanced is designed to handle more complex tasks with greater precision.

For now, Deep Research is only available to Gemini Advanced subscribers in several regions, including the United States, and can only be used through the Gemini web application, excluding the mobile versions of iOS and Android.

Google is driving the integration of its chatbot Gemini into its family of applications, and its latest update has now reached the Google Files app. Now, users who open PDF documents in this application can enjoy Gemini’s analysis directly. This new feature allows interaction with documents through questions, thanks to an integration that promises to simplify access to the information contained in the files.

The feature, discovered by a user from the Reddit community r/Android, is available on devices with Android 15, such as the Pixel 9. When opening a PDF in the Files app, the message “Ask about this PDF” appears in the Gemini chatbot interface. With a simple tap, the document is processed and ready to answer questions in natural language.

The tool is even capable of analyzing complex documents, such as scientific research articles, showing impeccable performance. This approach eliminates the need to import PDFs into standalone applications, streamlining the workflow. Although the feature is not yet available in all versions of Files, users can use the Gemini mobile app to perform similar tasks; simply attach a PDF from local storage or Google Drive for Gemini to analyze it.

Gemini stands out for its ability to understand both text and multimedia content stored on the device. However, this advanced functionality is limited to devices with Android 15 and accounts with paid access to Gemini Advanced, which could be a drawback for those looking for free alternatives.

For those who do not wish to pay, Google offers NotebookLM, a powerful free tool that allows you to analyze information not only from files, but also from URLs and YouTube videos. Although Gemini remains an innovative solution, alternatives like NotebookLM stand out for their versatility and accessibility for various types of audiences.

Artificial intelligence is changing the way we interact with our devices. With Google Gemini and Apple Intelligence leading this space, we are faced with two quite different and, to some extent, complementary approaches to what AI can offer in our daily lives. Although both solutions are positioned as our best help in daily interactions with our devices, there are key differences that determine how well they fit our needs.

Different approaches for similar goals

Apple Intelligence and Google Gemini have very different philosophies on how to approach artificial intelligence. While Apple focuses on an extremely discreet integration within its ecosystem, Google aims to offer perhaps more powerful tools—although they can also make more notable mistakes. Both strategies have their strengths in implementation and, beyond that, they differ substantially in their approach to privacy.

Apple Intelligence, with the renewal of Siri, focuses on helping us perform tasks within our ecosystem completely transparently. From sending messages to organizing our photos, everything is managed locally on our devices, ensuring that our personal information is protected. This approach takes care of privacy with almost invisible integration. If it weren’t for the publicity it’s getting, the ability to create a memory in Photos from a phrase or describe an emoji to make it appear before our eyes wouldn’t seem like artificial intelligence.

The tools we already know gain an advantage. A discreet one, we might say, but one that invites us to get used to AI in a harmless way. Yes, Softonic readers are probably not intimidated by AI, but not everyone feels the same about artificial intelligence. With Apple’s vast user base, a gradual approach is very interesting.

On the other hand, Google Gemini takes a more generalist, and perhaps more impressive, approach. With an assistant that responds to commands and conversations in an extremely natural way, Gemini is designed to handle a very wide range of tasks, from planning trips to answering virtually all of our questions. However, its reliance on Google’s servers and the way it stores personal data in our Google account raises a very real concern about privacy.

If we continue with the differences, Apple Intelligence incorporates the functions directly into the applications we use every day, such as Photos, Messages, and Mail. The ability to search for an image by saying “Show photos of my dog on the beach” or the option to remove unwanted objects from our photos are examples of how Apple’s AI improves without changing the way we interact with the apps.

For its part, Gemini focuses more on features such as real-time text and image generation and integration with Google Search. This allows us to quickly find information or create personalized content in a second, which is very interesting, but sometimes not so natural. That power and, above all, that vocation to be an AI for everything, comes with a more fragmented and less integrated interface, which can be less intuitive, although very useful once we get used to it.

Another interesting aspect is personalization through our data. Apple Intelligence prioritizes privacy and local processing, which limits some functionalities but ensures that our data remains on the device. In contrast, Gemini collects data through our interactions and uses it to improve its accuracy, a strategy that, it must be said, is very effective. The question is: at what cost?

Is there a winner?

When choosing between Apple Intelligence and Google Gemini, it all depends on what we value more: privacy, integration, or power in specific tasks. If we are already part of the Apple ecosystem, Apple Intelligence is the natural extension of what we already know. Its ability to work across devices and applications makes our interactions simpler and more convenient.

On the other hand, if we are looking for an AI capable of offering us more general versatility, and we are willing to accept a direct approach to our data, Gemini can be an interesting option. If we are on the iPhone, the best thing is that Google’s AI approach to multiple platforms and devices allows us to enjoy one or the other as we need. Especially if we add to that the integration with ChatGPT that comes to the iPhone with Apple Intelligence.

More than looking for a winner, what we have in front of us are two very interesting AIs united by a common goal but separated by strategy. Apple Intelligence stands out in privacy and integration within an ecosystem we already know, while Google Gemini shines in flexibility and power. Both solutions have enormous potential and will continue to evolve rapidly, offering us new features.

In the race for AI, the difference between Apple and Google is quite noticeable, perhaps more than in other functions. Strengths and weaknesses will balance out as the months go by. While Google Gemini is better than ChatGPT in these 5 points, is there really a winner between Google Gemini and Apple Intelligence?

Google is testing a new design for the Gemini app on Android, allowing for a more integrated and seamless experience. Previously, the virtual assistant appeared as a floating window that occupied the entire screen when making queries. However, in August, Google updated the interface to keep the assistant in a small, floating window, allowing users to interact with it without leaving the app they were using. Since then, the assistant has incorporated some improvements, such as a dark mode in October and the option to “ask about this video/screen.”

Now, Google plans a significant redesign that will turn the Gemini floating panel into a text box aligned at the bottom, similar to a chat window, as reported by AssembleDebug on Android Authority. This change would make the assistant look more compact and organized, including suggestions like “summarize,” “ask about this video,” or “ask about this screen” in the form of small capsules. The update also hides some buttons, such as the camera and keyboard, to simplify the interface.

Additionally, Google is preparing a revamp of the extensions page for Gemini. Instead of the current list, the extensions will be organized in a carousel by categories such as “Productivity” or “Communication,” making them easier to find and use.

Google is preparing to make it easier for us to access Google through the iPhone without relying on the classic Google Search. Until now, to enjoy Gemini on the iPhone, we had to open the Google app, navigate to the “Gemini” tab, and access the artificial intelligence features from there. This could change soon, as a new standalone app simply called “Google Gemini” has been discovered in the App Store.

An app for direct access

With this standalone application, Google wants to offer a shortcut from the home screen, and possibly through Shortcuts, widgets, or other similar options, to the company’s AI. As if that weren’t enough, it seems that Gemini Live, a feature that was not yet available in the main Google app, could now be within our reach. With this functionality, Gemini would remain active as a Live Activity while we continue using our iPhone, allowing us to enjoy the voice experience in a more integrated and fluid way.

For now, as reported by 9to5google, there is only one report of the availability of this app in the Philippines region. When trying to download it from other countries, the message appears that the application “is not available in your country or region” for now.

The functionality of Gemini on the iPhone through the Google app is similar to that available on gemini.google.com, but the new design and independence of this app could change things significantly. A step that comes at a time when ChatGPT is integrated into iOS thanks to Apple Intelligence and when the convenience of talking to our favorite AIs is something we value more than ever.

For now, we will have to wait, but everything seems to indicate that sooner rather than later we will have Google Gemini on our iPhone as a standalone app.

Google accidentally leaked a preview version of Jarvis, its new artificial intelligence tool, by briefly publishing it in the Chrome extension store. According to The Information, although some users managed to install it before it was removed shortly after its publication, they were unable to use it as they couldn’t bypass the access permissions. The incident occurred just two weeks after Google’s plans to launch this web assistant became known.

With an advanced version of Gemini as a base, Jarvis is responsible for browsing the Internet and performing actions such as gathering information, purchasing a product, or booking a flight. This AI agent will be launched in December 2024, and could become a top assistant by simplifying online tasks and freeing up time for more complex activities.

The competition to develop assistants that can anticipate user needs has become the new focus of innovation in the tech industry. Anthropic, for example, recently introduced a new tool for its AI Claude that can control the user’s computer. This system allows the model to analyze screenshots to learn from the user’s activity and act accordingly, even being able to control the PC’s mouse itself.

Apple is also not lagging behind in the race for smart assistants, with a similar feature for Apple Intelligence called Onscreen Awareness, which will be capable of observing user activity and reporting it to the system, being able to perform similar tasks later on.

Microsoft has also experimented in this field with Recall, an AI feature that stores PC screenshots (including passwords) to “learn about the user” and offer more personalized assistance. However, shortly after its announcement, Microsoft delayed its launch due to several privacy and security issues detected by some experts, relegating it to members of the Windows Insider program and assuring that it would arrive “later.”

Google is reportedly developing an artificial intelligence agent, internally known as “Project Jarvis”, designed to perform various tasks in a web browser.

According to The Information, this tool would be showcased in December along with the next version of Gemini, its large language model, and would allow users to perform actions directly in the browser without the need for APIs or screen recording techniques, simplifying online research and other activities. It would be enough to just give instructions, and the system would act automatically, performing tasks such as filling out forms, booking flights, or making purchases on the Internet.

The plan to showcase Jarvis in December would be subject to change, according to The Information. Additionally, the outlet claims that Google is considering launching it among a select group of users to test it before releasing it to the general public.

Google is not the only company developing AI agents. For example, Microsoft recently announced the launch of its own agents, capable of performing various tasks without supervision. On the other hand, Anthropic announced a few days ago an agent called “Computer Usage” capable of controlling the mouse cursor to perform basic tasks and automating all kinds of processes on a PC.

As we announced a few days ago, Google’s Gemini Live is now available for free to everyone using the Google Gemini app (in English), as the company announced this week.

Originally, Gemini Live was launched at the Pixel 9 event, but it was only available for Pixel 9 devices and required an advanced Gemini subscription, which costs more than 100 dollars a year.

In September, the company began rolling it out to a subset of Android users, and it should now be available to all users.

Live is now available for all Gemini users in English on the Android app. We can’t wait for you to try it. https://t.co/jev4pnuZJ0

— Google Gemini App (@GeminiApp) September 30, 2024

What Gemini Live is and how you can take advantage of it

Gemini Live is a voice conversation feature for Gemini, Google’s intelligent assistant, that allows users to chat with Gemini for as long as they want. It offers different voice options and better manages the characteristics of real conversations, such as pauses and interruptions.

It also has context retention, which means it will remember previous interactions, making subsequent conversations more meaningful.

Yup it's here pic.twitter.com/DdTUQPbZcX

— Marius Fanu ?? (@mariusfanu) September 30, 2024

For now, Google’s Gemini app is only available for Android. However, it is not inconceivable that it may someday come to Apple’s iOS as well. Apple’s Craig Federighi mentioned the possibility in June, saying that Gemini “might” come to iOS in the future, along with other AI models.

Google wants to conquer all possible users with its artificial intelligence, a challenge that Microsoft, Apple, and OpenAI, the major AI players alongside Google, are also aiming for. Whoever manages to offer the most useful, affordable, and practical AI will win the $200 billion battle.