What Is Google Gemini, and Why Did It Replace Google Assistant?

Gemini is an advanced AI model developed by Google that comes in three versions: Ultra, Pro, and Nano. It has literally replaced Google Assistant and offers a wide range of features including app launches, message sending, web searches, games, and jokes.

To use Gemini, you will need an internet connection. However, it does not have media integration, reminders, routines, or real-time translation capabilities. Google was a bit late to the AI game, with the release of Bard in early 2023, after ChatGPT and Microsoft Copilot. Bard initially didn’t receive much praise, but it has since undergone significant improvements and rebranded as “Gemini,” with the aim of competing with Google Assistant. So, what is Gemini, and why did it replace Google Assistant? Let’s find out!

What Is Google Gemini and How Is It Different From Bard?

Google Gemini is a versatile AI model that can understand and reason with different types of information like text, code, audio, image, and video. It comes in three sizes: Ultra, Pro, and Nano.

Gemini Ultra is the largest and most powerful version, capable of handling complex tasks in various areas such as math, physics, and coding. It is the most advanced variant.

Gemini Pro is the standard version suitable for general tasks and queries. It strikes a balance between model performance and speed.

Gemini Nano is the smallest and most efficient version, designed to run locally on mobile devices like the Pixel 8 Pro. It offers quick on-device AI processing without the need for cloud servers.

Previously known as Bard, Gemini was rebranded in February 2024. Bard was an AI chatbot that used a lightweight version of LaMDA, a large language model that generates natural and engaging responses. Bard could access the internet for information using Google search.

The main difference between Gemini and Bard is that Gemini is more advanced, utilizing the Ultra model, Google’s largest and most state-of-the-art AI model. Unlike Bard, Gemini is available on Android, iPhone, and the web.

There is also a premium version called Gemini Advanced that unlocks additional features of the Ultra version. It offers expanded abilities with multimodal inputs, advanced coding tools, deeper data analysis, and more. Gemini Advanced can be accessed for $20/month after a free two-month trial as part of Google One’s AI Premium Plan.

What Can Google Gemini Do as a Replacement for Google Assistant?

Once you install the Gemini Android app, you will be prompted to replace Google Assistant with Gemini. Gemini then becomes your personal AI assistant, providing assistance with various everyday tasks:

• Launch Apps: You can ask Gemini to open any app on your phone, like WhatsApp or Spotify, simply by saying “Open WhatsApp” or “Launch Spotify.”
• Send Messages: Gemini enables you to send messages to your contacts by voice or typing. For example, say “Send a message to John” or “Text Lisa,” and Gemini will prompt you to compose the message.
• Make Calls: Gemini can make phone calls through voice commands or tapping. Just say “Call Mom” or “Dial 911,” and Gemini will connect you to the appropriate number.
• Search the Web: Gemini can help you find information on the web, such as weather updates, news, sports scores, or trivia. Just ask questions like “What’s the weather like today?” or “Who is at the top of the Premier League?” and Gemini will provide relevant search results from Google.
• Screen Awareness: Gemini can understand the contents of your screen and provide relevant actions. By tapping “Add This Screen,” Gemini will capture the details of your current screen. You can then ask it to generate text or answers based on what’s visible on your screen. For example, while reading an article, you can ask Gemini to summarize it or ask questions about the article.
• Play Games: Gemini offers fun games such as trivia, hangman, and tic-tac-toe. You can say “Let’s play a game” or “I’m bored,” and Gemini will suggest games for you. You can also challenge Gemini to a game of rock-paper-scissors or coin-flip.
• Make Jokes: Gemini can entertain you with funny jokes, puns, or memes. Just say “Tell me a joke” or “Show me a random meme,” and Gemini will surprise you with hilarious content.

Gemini is continuously learning and improving, so expect new features and updates in the future.

Google Gemini Limitations 

While Gemini is a powerful AI assistant, it does have some limitations compared to Google Assistant. Here are a few tasks that Gemini cannot perform (yet):

• Operate Offline: Unlike Google Assistant, Gemini requires a constant and stable internet connection to function. Without internet access, Gemini won’t be available.
• Media Integration: Gemini currently does not support media integrations. You won’t be able to use it to play podcasts, news broadcasts, radio stations, or music from platforms like Spotify.
• Reminders: Gemini does not have the capability to set reminders. If you ask it to remind you of something, it will apologize for not having that feature.
• Routines: Gemini does not support routines, which allow Google Assistant to execute multiple smart home actions with a single voice command. For example, it won’t be able to dim the lights and turn on the TV during a “movie night” routine.
• Real-Time Translation: Unlike Google Assistant’s Interpreter mode, Gemini does not have access to Google’s real-time translation feature. It cannot act as an intermediary for conversations in different languages.

However, the good news is that Google Assistant can still help Gemini with some of these tasks. For instance, if you’re using Gemini as your default assistant on Android, Assistant will handle tasks like timers, alarms, controlling smart home devices, and more.

Getting Started with Google Gemini AI

Excited to try out Gemini? You can start using it right away through the web version or by downloading the Gemini app on your Android device. If you have an iPhone or iPad, you can access Gemini through the regular Google app.

Gemini demonstrates Google’s commitment to advancing AI technology, moving beyond simple question and answer interactions to more conversational experiences. Although Google Assistant is still available, Gemini is poised to become the primary smart service across Google’s products. Rather than replacing Google Assistant, Gemini is taking it to the next level, offering a more natural and conversational Google experience. Overall, this is just the beginning of a new era in AI.