With the launch of Apple Intelligence, Samsung AI, HONOR AI, and OpenAI’s integrations, every major tech company seems to have its own AI system. Enter Google Gemini, Google’s answer to the AI assistant race. But is Gemini just another voice assistant, or could it be the best one yet?
Today, I’ll explore what Gemini can actually do right now, as it rolls out across the Pixel 9 series and thousands of Android devices. While Apple’s AI focuses on flashy features like GenMojis and Image Playground, Gemini aims to provide practical functionality. Let's find out how it stacks up.
What is Google Gemini?
First, let’s break down Gemini’s ecosystem:
- Gemini Basic
Replacing Google Assistant, this is the standard AI for most Android phones. - Gemini Advanced
A premium subscription service (free for Pixel 9 buyers for a year), offering:- Interaction with Gmail and Google Docs.
- Gems: Personalised AIs tailored for specific roles (e.g., fitness coach, storyteller).
- Extensions: Integrations with Spotify, Google Flights, YouTube, and more.
- Gemini for Business and Enterprise
For Google Workspace users, offering enhanced AI functionality within the business ecosystem.
Activating Gemini
Triggering Gemini is simple:
- Say “Hey Google” to your phone or earbuds.
- Hold the power button to launch it.
For this review, I’ll demonstrate what Gemini and Gemini Advanced can do today.
Basic Tasks Done Right
Let’s start with the basics:
- Timers and Alarms
“Start a 20-minute timer for sausages and a 12-minute timer for fries.”
Later, you can ask, “How long do the sausages and fries have left?” - Shopping Lists
“Add sausages to my shopping list.”
“Rename the list to ‘Weekly Shop.’” - Contextual Awareness
Gemini keeps track of conversations. For instance, you can say,
“Delete both timers and alarms,” and it knows exactly which ones you’re referring to.
Conversational AI: Practical and (Mostly) Accurate
Here’s where Gemini shines: real conversations.
I asked:
“I’m looking for an electric drum kit under £2,000 with mesh heads. Any recommendations?”
Unlike other assistants that redirect you to a webpage, Gemini provided a list of suitable options. However, it’s not perfect. For example, asking, “Who is the president of the United States?” resulted in an overly cautious response, avoiding a straightforward answer due to its “political nature.”
Gemini Live: AI You Can Chat With
Gemini Advanced introduces Gemini Live, allowing back-and-forth conversations.
For example:
- “Where can I get a good burger near Romsey?”
- “What about a place that also serves chocolate brownies for dessert?”
The responses are impressively helpful, making Gemini Live feel like a genuine conversational assistant.
Travel Planning with AI
I tested its ability to plan a holiday:
“Find a morning direct flight for two adults and two kids to Dubai, staying at a 5-star hotel near Palm Island, returning in five days.”
Gemini quickly suggested flights and accommodation options. This seamless integration of tasks into real-world planning is where Gemini begins to stand out.
Productivity Powerhouse
For professionals, Gemini Advanced is a game-changer:
- Google Workspace Integration
Gemini can interact with Docs, Gmail, and Calendar. It summarises emails, schedules tasks, and even provides insights into shared documents.
For example:
“What is the tone of the ICT Tender Response document?”
It analyses the content and offers a thoughtful summary.
Gems: Personalised AI Helpers
One standout feature of Gemini Advanced is Gems—AI personas designed for specific needs.
For instance, I’ve struggled with retirement planning using other AI tools, but Gemini successfully analysed my investments and offered accurate, actionable advice. It’s these personalised touches that set Gemini apart.
Everyday Tasks
Here’s a quick look at what Gemini handles on the go:
- Messaging: “Send a WhatsApp to James saying, ‘I’ll be there at 5.’”
- Media: “Play my favourite Spotify playlist.”
- Email: “Summarise the dentist appointment emails and add them to my calendar.”
The Shortcomings
While Gemini excels in many areas, it’s not without flaws:
- Multiple Account Integration: It struggles to unify data across multiple Google accounts, which is frustrating for users with personal and work profiles.
- Android Auto: Gemini hasn’t made its way to Android Auto yet, which feels like a missed opportunity for an AI designed to assist seamlessly.
Final Thoughts
Gemini Advanced is a strong contender in the AI assistant space. It’s more practical and reliable than Apple Intelligence (at least for now) and offers a wider range of functionalities compared to other systems.
With Gemini 2.0 on the horizon, Google seems committed to incremental improvements. Whether that’s enough to tempt iPhone users to switch remains to be seen.
What do you think? Is Google Gemini the best AI assistant? Let me know in the comments below, and stay tuned for more updates as AI evolves in 2025.
