Google Launches Gemini Live: A New Era for AI Assistants

Is Gemini Live worth $20? Not while Google's best digital assistant is free

What started with AI chatbots will inevitably snowball into advanced AI assistants, This is why we're closer than ever to doing away with familiar voices such as Siri and Google Assistant -- and why Microsoft has already put Cortana out to pasture. However, Tuesday saw Google signal what might be the beginning of the end for its long-time virtual Android aide, announcing that Google Gemini would replace Google Assistant by default on phones going forward. However, while those picking up one of Google's latest Pixel 9-series smartphones will be granted a year of free access to Gemini Advanced (and the Gemini Live feature), other Android users will need to sign up for a more costly Google One plan to access the company's next-gen chat mode for the Gemini chatbot. To which I have to ask: Is it actually worth it? Look around the internet for even the briefest moment and you'll be greeted by many a report of the Gemini Live experience, and for the most part that coverage will be quite positive. And why shouldn't it be highlighted as such? Gemini Live, much like ChatGPT's advanced Voice Mode, is a breakthrough moment for human-computer interfaces that sees these natural language models adopt natural speech patterns that deliver the most human-like responses to date. However, join me in momentarily peeking behind the curtain (as majestic as it may be) and it becomes apparent that these impressive voice modes are little more than safe-for-work chatbot chatlines. In decades gone, they'd be services offering little difference to the seedy calling cards found within public payphones. "For a good time, subscribe to Gemini Live." However, instead of sparking conversation with avatars of lust at per-minute pricing, you're paying a premium to talk with the world's fastest Googlers (or 'Bingers' in the case of ChatGPT). It's no small premium either. Access to Gemini Live is shielded behind the $19 monthly paywall of Google One's Gemini Advanced tier. For that much, it'd better have something impressive to offer ahead of Google's default assistant for Android, but does it? Gemini Live might be brilliant, but is it better than Android's already well-established auxiliary, Google Assistant? Well, Gemini Live definitely has more personality than Android's default assistant, but it's lacking in a few key areas of functionality. One area is your ability to take notes or build lists on the fly. Google Assistant will happily link up with Google Keep to ensure all of your notes are securely stored. Gemini Advanced. and in turn Gemini Live, fails to do so, either handing you a reply that is formatted like a list or claiming it can't take notes as a language model. Ask Gemini Live to bring up your favorite TV show or podcast and you'll similarly be met with a wall of text telling you how you can watch these shows or a list of YouTube results that match your request as close as possible. On the other hand, Google Assistant will simply bring up the podcast in your app of choice. I encountered similar results when asking Gemini to filter through and find a particular saved picture of mine. While Google Assistant will launch Photos and attempt to find you the images you're looking for, Gemini will simply shrug off your request as something beyond its limitations. Gemini has some way to go before snugly slipping into the shoes of Google Assistant -- which makes its default adoption for newer Pixel phones all the more jarring. I can only assume that Google is seeking to rapidly patch its next-gen offering or provide enough extensions to deliver similar results. However, until then, I wouldn't recommend anybody break into a sprint for the Google One dashboard and sign themselves up for Gemini Advanced any time soon. In fact, I'm not even certain any of the current AI chatbot heavyweights are worth their ~$20 per month premium tiers -- for most people, anyway. Google and OpenAI seem to be targeting the ~$20 monthly subscription to host their latest AI voice models for public consumption, though their free versions offer very similar functionality that most people wouldn't be able to tell the difference from beyond the new text-to-speech features. That's not to say there aren't many benefits to these higher tiers of AI access. Subscriptions like Gemini Advances and ChatGPT Plus offer access to the fastest and latest versions of each company's AI models, and often a host of expanded functions and extras like image generation or Google's offer of 2TB of cloud storage. As impressive as they might be, you should ask yourself what you might need to use services like this before you sign up for them. All that glitters isn't gold, after all. Having to fork over a monthly stipend for a service you're unlikely to gain from beyond the subtle buzz of a more fleshed-out conversational tone for your smartphone's assistant might not be the most compelling way to blow $20 a month. But that's not to say it isn't a cool way to do it, either. The majority of Android users will probably be better off sticking with Google Assistant for now. Though once Google has fully converted its AI to cover everything its current assistant can, it makes little sense to hold out. Still, the free version of Gemini will be more than enough for most. So don't feel compelled to upsell yourself over a fancier set of voices. If you're desperate to experience Google's Gemini in all its talkative glory, then you can sign up for a free 30-day trial of Gemini Advanced through Google One. Gemini Live is rolling out to English-speaking Gemini Advanced subscribers on Android, with iOS and additional languages expected to receive the feature over the coming weeks.

Gemini Live Is Here To Replace Google Assistant As The New AI-Powered Chatbot And Is Google's Response To OpenAI's Advanced Voice Mode

The Made by Google event 2024 revolved around some major product announcements, and although the event seemed to be hardware-oriented, Gemini seemed to have been the core of the keynote, with the event kicked off with the advanced AI capabilities it is bringing to the new devices and the integration across the ecosystem. Google is actively working on evolving its technology by expanding the Gemini across and replacing the classic Google Assistant feature with a new voice chat version. The Made by Google 2024 event finally unveiled the plethora of devices it had been working on for a while and was slated for hardware releases. While it was one of Google's biggest hardware events for the year, the Gemini AI and live demos were a major portion of the keynote. Even though the Gemini live demo took a while to run smoothly, Google has developed its own version of OpenAI Advanced Voice Mode, which will now be the default assistant on the new models launched, so you can now bid farewell to Google Assistant. Google spent a lot of time showcasing the feature and its vision for it, and did not just limit the demo to Pixel phones but also used the generative AI assistant on other devices to take users through the tool extensively. Gemini Live is the voice chat version of Gemini AI that helps users have real conversations through simple text prompts. It is available for Android devices with the Gemini Advanced subscription user base and comes with the Google One AI Premium Plan for $20 per month. For the first year, it is free for the Pixel 9 Pro and the Pro XL. Google assures users that their privacy is intact as the cloud-based data processing is secured, and Google's on-device generative AI emphasizes that data generally does not leave your phone. Google's in-depth voice feature is AI-powered and uses an advanced speech engine to bring a more emotionally responsive and consistent chatbot. It has the capability to understand tones and adapt accordingly and can be interrupted for follow-up questions. Since Gemini 1.5 Pro and Gemini 1.5 Flash drive the generative AI feature, it has the capacity to interpret and respond to a larger context window, and users can have conversations with Gemini Live for a longer period. Even though Gemini Live seems packed with advanced voice capabilities, it is still missing the multimodal input, which we could see it later this year.

Google Launches Gemini Live Mobile AI Assistant

Google has unveiled its latest innovation, Gemini Live, an AI-powered mobile assistant designed to transform how users interact with their devices. Unlike traditional digital assistants, Gemini Live leverages generative AI to offer a more natural, conversational, and intuitive experience. This groundbreaking technology aims to save users hours by assisting with complex tasks, making it a catalyst in the realm of mobile assistance. With its advanced capabilities and seamless integration with various Google apps, Gemini Live is poised to transform the way users manage their daily lives through their mobile devices. Gemini Live offers a unique conversational experience, allowing users to have free-flowing discussions with the AI. Whether you're brainstorming career options, preparing for an important conversation, or simply seeking advice, Gemini Live is like having a personal sidekick in your pocket. The assistant can be used hands-free, allowing continuous interaction even when your phone is locked or the app is running in the background. This feature ensures that users can access Gemini Live's capabilities at any time, without the need to physically interact with their devices. Additionally, users can choose from 10 new voices to make the interaction feel even more personalized, catering to individual preferences and enhancing the overall user experience. Gemini Live is currently rolling out to Gemini Advanced subscribers on Android devices, with plans to expand to iOS and additional languages in the coming weeks. The service is integrated into the Android user experience, providing context-aware capabilities that are exclusive to Android. This integration allows Gemini Live to leverage the full potential of the Android ecosystem, offering users a seamless and efficient experience. Pricing details for Gemini Advanced subscriptions can be found on Google's official website, ensuring that users can easily access this innovative technology. As Gemini Live continues to evolve and expand, it is expected to become an essential tool for mobile users across various platforms. One of the standout features of Gemini Live is its seamless integration with various Google apps and tools. From managing shopping lists in Keep to creating playlists on YouTube Music, Gemini Live simplifies everyday tasks without requiring users to switch between multiple apps. This integration allows users to streamline their workflows and save valuable time by leveraging the power of AI across different aspects of their digital lives. Upcoming extensions will further enhance its capabilities, including integration with Google Calendar, allowing users to manage their schedules effortlessly. As Gemini Live continues to evolve, it is expected to integrate with an even wider range of Google services, making it an indispensable tool for users who rely heavily on the Google ecosystem. The introduction of Gemini Live highlights the growing importance of AI in the realm of mobile assistance. By leveraging advanced natural language processing and machine learning algorithms, Gemini Live can understand and respond to user queries in a more human-like manner. This level of sophistication enables the assistant to provide accurate and relevant information, as well as offer personalized recommendations based on user preferences and behavior. As AI technology continues to advance, it is expected that mobile assistants like Gemini Live will become even more capable, offering users an unprecedented level of support and convenience in their daily lives. Google Gemini Live represents a significant step forward in the evolution of mobile interaction. By combining the power of AI with a user-friendly interface and seamless integration with various apps and services, Gemini Live is set to redefine how users engage with their devices. As more users adopt this technology, it is likely that AI-powered assistants will become an integral part of the mobile experience, transforming the way we communicate, work, and manage our daily tasks. With its innovative features and vast potential for growth, Gemini Live is poised to lead the way in this exciting new era of mobile assistance. For those intrigued by the capabilities of AI-powered assistants, other areas worth exploring include the integration of AI in smart home devices, advancements in natural language processing, and the future of AI in healthcare. These topics offer a broader understanding of how AI is shaping various aspects of our daily lives, making it an exciting field to watch. As AI continues to evolve and permeate different industries, it is likely that we will see even more innovative applications that transform the way we live and work. By leveraging the power of AI, Google Gemini Live is set to redefine mobile assistance, making it an indispensable tool for users worldwide. As the technology continues to advance and expand, it is clear that AI-powered assistants like Gemini Live will play an increasingly important role in our digital lives, offering unprecedented levels of support, convenience, and efficiency.

You may not get Gemini Live straight away -- Google confirms rollout happening 'over coming weeks'

Gemini Live launched earlier this week, with a focus on offering a "free-flowing, hands-free conversation" with the chatbot. It is Google's answer to ChatGPT Voice and lets users talk to Gemini as if it were a human, including interrupting it mid-flow. Initially, Gemini Live is available to anyone with a modern Android handset, a $19 per month Gemini Advanced subscription and language settings set to English. Google said during its keynote it would be available immediately -- but it isn't that simple. Some users who meet those requirements found themselves unable to get access to the voice assistant feature. We asked and Google told Tom's Guide that while it has launched, it would slowly roll out over "the coming weeks". So, when can you expect to brainstorm ideas with your new chatbot bestie? It's hard to say but probably before the end of September. In the meantime, you might want to consider whether the Gemini Advanced subscription is really worth the price. While it's natural that it'd start life on Google's own Android platform, Google also confirmed it will be coming to iOS and non-English speaking users, but didn't say exactly when that would happen beyond "the coming weeks". It is likely the Android rollout will have to be completed before it comes to iOS. Even when the rollout is complete, it won't be the full, final version of Gemini Live with vision capabilities. That's because at present, Gemini Live will be audio-only, with multimodal capabilities slated for later this year, including an AI view through your phone's camera. Thankfully you can interrupt Gemini's voice mid-flow, something OpenAI's Advanced Voice update has offered to a very small percentage of users. Although, unlike Advanced Voice, Gemini Live still has to convert speech-to-text, send it to the AI and convert the AI's text responses back to speech. Advanced voice is speech-to-speech. Google hasn't yet said anything about a free Gemini option, however, so that $ 19-a-month membership is likely to be your best bet when it comes to features being added, even if the free version outperformed the paid model in our testing.

Gemini Live first look: Better than talking to Siri, but worse than I'd like | TechCrunch

Google launched Gemini Live during its Made By Google event in Mountain View, California, on Tuesday. The feature allows you to have a semi-natural spoken conversation, not typed out, with an AI chatbot powered by Google's latest large language model. TechCrunch was there to test it out firsthand. Gemini Live is Google's answer to OpenAI's Advanced Voice Mode, ChatGPT's nearly identical feature that's current in a limited alpha test. While OpenAI beat Google to the punch by demoing the feature first, Google is the first to roll out the finalized feature. In my experience, these low latency, verbal features feel much more natural than texting with ChatGPT, or even talking with Siri or Alexa. I found that Gemini Live responded to questions in less than two seconds, and was able to pivot fairly quickly when interrupted. Gemini Live is not perfect, but it's the best way to use your phone hands-free that I've seen yet. Before speaking with Gemini Live, the feature lets you choose from 10 voices, compared to just three voices from OpenAI. Google worked with voice actors to create each one. I appreciated the variety there, and found each one to sound very humanlike. In one example, a Google product manager verbally asked Gemini Live to find family-friendly wineries near Mountain View with outdoor areas and playgrounds nearby, so that kids could potentially come along. That's a far more complicated task than I'd ask Siri -- or Google Search, frankly -- but Gemini successfully recommended a spot that met the criteria: Cooper-Garrod Vineyards in Saratoga. That said, Gemini Live leaves something to be desired. It seemed to hallucinate a nearby playground called Henry Elementary School Playground that is supposedly "10 minutes away" from that vineyard. There are other playgrounds nearby in Saratoga, but the nearest Henry Elementary School is more than a two-hour drive from there. There's a Henry Ford Elementary School in Redwood City, but it's 30 minutes away. Google liked to show off how users can interrupt Gemini Live mid-sentence, and the AI will quickly pivot. The company says this allows users to control the conversation. In practice, this feature doesn't work perfectly. Sometimes Google's project managers and Gemini Live were talking over each other, and the AI didn't seem to pick up on what was said. Notably, Google is not allowing Gemini Live to sing or mimic any voices outside of the 10 it provides, according to product manager Leland Rechis. The company is likely doing this to avoid run ins with copyright law. Further, Rechis said Google is not focused on getting Gemini Live to understand emotional intonation in a user's voice - something OpenAI touted during its demo. Overall, the feature seems like a great way to dive deeply into a subject more naturally than you would with simple Google Search. Google notes that Gemini Live is a step along the way to Project Astra, the fully multimodal AI model the company debuted during Google I/O. For now, Gemini Live is just capable of voice conversations, however, in the future Google wants to add real-time video understanding.

Gemini Live launched with Pixel 9 series: what is it, how to use it

You can interrupt it and steer the conversation the way you want. Made by Google 2024 was eventful with both hardware launches like the Pixel 9 series and new software and AI announcements like the titular Gemini Live. Gemini Live is like OpenAI's Advanced Voice Mode for ChatGPT. Gemini Live is a shorter simpler name. We can give it that. But, let's see how to access it, how it works, how to use it, its various uses and more. Gemini AI gets a voice chat mode called Gemini Live which offers a "natural" and "free-flowing" conversation capability. In the official demo, Gemini Live appears to be interactive and can be interrupted mid-response. You can talk at your pace, interrupt, add new details, ask for clarification, pause the conversation and continue it later. You also get a transcription of the conversation in the Gemini app. You can select from 10 voice options with different tones and styles. The ones demoed seem very human-like. Step 1: You can access it by tapping a waveform-like button on the bottom right corner of the Gemini app's homescreen. This opens the Gemini Live interface which starts by giving you a demo of the different voices. Step 2: Choose the voice you like by tapping on the Start button. Step 3: You will see a Hold and End button on the full-screen Gemini Live interface. You can start talking to it and have a conversation like you would do with a human. Pressing the Hold button pauses the bot and the End button ends the conversation. Gemini Live can be accessed through Google Messages too. Between the conversation, you can leave the Gemini app and Gemini Live will work in the background. So, you can continue talking to it hands-free while using other apps or with the phone locked. Gemini Live currently works in the English language and is available to Gemini Advanced users on Android (Pixel 9 series gets one year of Google One AI premium plans that include Gemini Advanced). In the coming weeks, it will be rolling out on iOS.