Google’s Gemini Live Goes Free on Android: Here’s How to Use It

Google has announced that its conversational AI assistant, Gemini Live, is now available for free to all English-speaking Android users who have the Gemini app installed on their smartphones. Previously, Gemini Live was accessible only to Gemini Advanced subscribers who paid $20 per month. This new update allows users to engage with the AI in natural, multi-turn conversations without any subscription fees.

Notably, iOS users will not have access to this feature as there is currently no Gemini app available for Apple devices (but there is another way).

Key Features of Gemini Live

Gemini Live, introduced in May, is designed to facilitate dynamic interactions with users. The AI-powered assistant supports interruptions, meaning users can speak while the assistant is responding, and it will pause to incorporate their input. This feature is powered by the Gemini 1.5 Flash model, known for its efficiency in handling conversations.

In addition to voice interactions, both Gemini Live and OpenAI's ChatGPT Voice Mode are expected to eventually integrate visual elements, such as using the phone's camera to enhance contextual understanding. However, neither Google nor OpenAI has specified a timeline for when these visual features will become available.

How to Access Gemini Live

Android users interested in using Gemini Live can update the Gemini app via the Google Play Store. Ensure that your device's language is set to English to access this feature. Support for additional languages is expected to be rolled out soon.

Comparison with ChatGPT Voice Mode

Google's move comes as ChatGPT, another major player in the conversational AI space, is gradually rolling out its Voice Mode feature. Unlike Gemini Live, ChatGPT's Voice Mode is still in alpha testing and is available only to a limited number of ChatGPT Plus subscribers, who also pay a $20 monthly fee. This suggests that while Google is expanding its AI capabilities to a broader audience, ChatGPT's features remain more exclusive and less accessible at this stage.

Apple's AI Advancements

For those using Apple devices, the launch of iOS 18 next week will introduce a new suite of AI features under the umbrella of Apple Intelligence. This includes an upgraded version of Siri.

However, Apple Intelligence will be fully available only to users with the A17 chip, found in the iPhone 15 Pro and newer models. The rollout of these features will be staggered, with some available in October and others to follow later.

Image Credits - Photo by Amanz on Unsplash