Gemeni? Gemine? Germini? Meet the Real Gemini AI, by Google

What is the name of Google’s AI chatbot? Is it "Gemeni"? "Gemine"? “Gemii" perhaps? Or maybe even "Germini"? It’s actually called Gemini and here’s what you should know about it.

What is Google Gemini?

Gemini is your access to Google’s AI, offering support for tasks like writing, planning, learning, image generation, and much more.

Gemini relies on large language models trained on trillions of words. These models recognize patterns in language to answer your questions in natural, conversational ways. They also learn from your prompts and feedback, though they may occasionally make mistakes or generate inappropriate responses.

Gemini isn’t human. It doesn’t have thoughts or feelings and cannot replace people in your life, do your work for you, or make critical decisions.

But when used properly it can help you finish tasks much faster with much less effort. To get the most out of this tool, you must first be mindful of “hallucinations”.

What’s a Hallucination?

In AI, a "hallucination" happens when systems like Gemini provide incorrect or fictional information. These errors can sound convincing, and Gemini might present them with confidence.

What Do AI Hallucinations Look Like?
Examples of AI hallucinations include:

• Made-up facts

• Invented people

• Incorrect statistics

• Random inaccuracies

How to Handle AI Hallucinations:

• Double-check responses: Use the Google button under Gemini’s answers. It lets you compare Gemini’s statements with search results to confirm accuracy.

• Trust your judgment: Don’t rely on Gemini for professional advice. If in doubt, consult a trusted adult or expert.

Why Does Gemini Get Things Wrong?

Generative AI, while impressive, is still developing. Gemini may produce errors or even offensive content despite continuous improvements.

Large language models (LLMs) like Gemini prioritize responding to your prompts. Sometimes they confidently generate these “hallucinations” because they are generated to create a response but not aware that their thought process is inaccurate in that setting.

One way to ensure you do not get hallucinations is to write great prompts that explicitly state your needs, offer in-depth details, and inform the model of what it can and can’t do.

Does Gemini Have Usage Limits?

Yes, Gemini has usage limits to ensure a smooth experience for everyone. These limits may restrict the number of prompts or conversations you can have within a set timeframe, but your capacity is regularly replenished so you can continue using Gemini soon.

What Affects Usage Limits?

Your limits depend on several factors, such as:

• The length and complexity of your prompts.

• The size and number of uploaded files.

• The duration of your conversations with Gemini.

How Will You Know?

Gemini will notify you if you’re nearing your usage limit, so you’ll always be aware when you’re close to the cap.

Using Extensions in Gemini Apps

Gemini Apps integrate seamlessly with extensions, allowing you to connect with Google services and beyond for enhanced, intuitive assistance. Here's how extensions can help:

Key Extensions and Examples

Google Workspace:
Effortlessly search, summarize, and retrieve information from your Gmail, Google Calendar, Docs, Drive, Keep, and Tasks.

• Example: “What dates did Erik propose in the email about the Grand Canyon hiking trip?”

Google Flights:
Access real-time flight details for personalized travel planning.

• Example: “Show me flights to Tokyo and give me ideas of things to do. How about Seoul too?”

Google Hotels:
Find accommodations tailored to your preferences.

• Example: “Find hotels in Phuket for a week in March and suggest a packing list.”

Google Maps:
Get location-based insights for your adventures.

• Example: “How long does it take to walk from Buckingham Palace to Big Ben in London? What about from Big Ben to Trafalgar Square?”

YouTube:
Discover videos and get detailed answers about them.

• Example: “Find videos of how to quickly get grape juice out of a wool rug.”

• Example: “Break down the key points of this video in a bulleted list with explanations of what they mean {LINK TO YOUTUBE VIDEO HERE}.”

YouTube Music:
Search, play, and explore songs, artists, and playlists.

• Example: “Play songs where Beyoncé and Jay-Z feature together.”

OpenStax:
Retrieve educational content from openly licensed textbooks.

• Example: “@OpenStax definition of a Lewis acid.”

Gems on Gemini Advanced

Gemini Advanced users can unlock Gems—personalized AI assistants designed to streamline tasks, offer tailored advice, and help you with anything throughout your day.

Start with Premade Gems

Gemini Advanced offers a collection of premade Gems to get you started, including:

• Brainstormer for creative ideas.

• Career Guide for professional advice.

• Coding Partner for programming help.

• Learning Coach for study support.

• Writing Editor for refining your work.

Find these in the Gems section of the side panel or in the Gem Manager. If one isn’t quite right, you can duplicate it and tweak its instructions, making it uniquely yours—no copying and pasting required.

Gems for Repetitive Tasks

If you frequently ask Gemini for similar help, Gems can save you time. Create a Gem for tasks you repeat often, like simplifying sentences or drafting emails. For example, instead of retyping a prompt to “act as a writing coach,” a Writing Editor Gem can handle it with one click.

Generate Gem Instructions with Gemini

Not sure how to write effective instructions? Use Gemini itself! When creating or customizing a Gem, tap the magic wand icon in the text box. Gemini can refine or expand your instructions, helping you craft better prompts. You can also upload files, add images, or connect apps like Google Maps, YouTube, or Google Flights to give your Gem more context

Talk with Gemini Live

Gemini Live allows you to have natural, conversational interactions with Gemini by speaking instead of typing. It supports up to two languages, making it easy to engage in free-flowing dialogue. You can even interrupt to add details or shift the topic—just like talking to a person.

What Can You Do with Gemini Live?

• Have Verbal Conversations: Speak to Gemini, and it will respond verbally, eliminating the need to type.

• Get Real Time Information: Ask Gemini to search the internet for information.

• Brainstorm Out Loud: Plan events, generate gift ideas, or work through business strategies by talking it out.

• Explore Topics: Dive deeper into subjects that interest you through a natural back-and-forth dialogue.

• Practice Speaking: Rehearse important conversations or presentations for a more natural, confident delivery.

Note: Gemini Live is not available on the Gemini web app, Google Messages, or the Gemini tab in the Google app for iPhone. Gems are also not compatible with Gemini Live at this time.

Is Gemini Free?

Yes, there's a free version with access to the basic Gemini experience, including the ability to have text conversations. You can access this at gemini.google.com.  

But if you want the most powerful features and latest models, you'll need to consider Gemini Advanced.

Gemini Advanced: This is a paid subscription that gives you access to Google's most advanced models, like Gemini 1.5 Pro. It also includes features like a larger context window (meaning Gemini can "remember" more of your conversation), faster response times, and priority access to new features.  

Upgrade to Gemini Advanced

To upgrade to Gemini Advanced, subscribe to the plan in Google One.

1. Go to gemini.google.com.

2. At the top, tap Menu

3. At the bottom, tap Upgrade to Gemini Advanced.

4. Follow the on-screen instructions.