Should You Use Gemini Live? I Tested It for a Few Weeks to Find Out

I have been writing about the mobile technology industry for a long time. Over the years, I have always been excited next big thing. However, I am confused about artificial intelligence.

While AI has the potential to significantly change the way we use mobile devices in the future, its success is uncertain. My concern isn’t about the usefulness of AI tools—I think they have huge potential—but whether companies like Apple and Google have a long-term plan for them.

I’ve been testing Gemini Live for the past few weeks to see how it works, if it’s helpful, and if it’s worth the hassle. Here’s what I found out.

What is Gemini Live?

Gemini Live was announced in May at Google I/O 2024. Since then, it has slowly made its way to mobile devices via the Gemini app (Android) or Google (iOS). Google calls Gemini Live “a new conversational mobile experience that lets you have casual, natural conversations with Gemini.”

In general, it’s probably wise to think of Gemini Live as your new digital best friend on your mobile device. It’s ready and able to answer any questions you have, help with homework, plan a trip abroad, and more. In other words, it’s designed to do a lot of things.

Gemini Live was initially available as part of a Gemini Advanced subscription, but on September 12, Google made it free to all Android users.

How Gemini Live works

To interact with Gemini Live, tap the “Live” button in the app or say, “Hey Google, go Live with Gemini” to get started. Gemini Live uses speech technology to understand your questions and provide natural, conversational responses. You can interrupt, ask follow-up questions, or change the subject at any time, just like in a real conversation. Plus, you can continue the conversation with Gemini in the background or when your phone is locked.

You can end a conversation with Gemini Live at any time by tapping the end button or the pause button to temporarily end it. All discussions with Gemini Live are stored as a transcript in the app for at least 72 hours. If you maintain your activity on Gemini apps, the information may be stored for up to 36 months. Otherwise, the transcript will be deleted after 72 hours.

You can also export the transcript to Docs, type it up in Gmail, and publish it for everyone to see. Depending on the conversation, this can be useful.

While Gemini Live is set to come to iPhone via the Google app, I couldn’t find the option on my iPhone 15 Pro Max. Instead, I ended up using it on my Google Pixel 8 Pro.

What Gemini Live Can Do

The best way to understand Gemini Live’s capabilities is to ask it questions. That’s how I approached it and how I recommend you start using it.

Gemini Live provides information and knowledge on general queries, real-time information, and language translations. It also summarizes long articles, documents, and web pages well.

When it comes to productivity and creativity, Gemini Live can help with brainstorming, idea generation, learning and education, code generation, and debugging. As a personal assistant, Gemini Live can offer recommendations on topics such as movies, books, restaurants, and travel destinations. It can also perform basic tasks such as setting reminders.

Additionally, Gemini Live can tell jokes, engage in interactive storytelling, and play games.

How I use Gemini Live

Understanding the capabilities of Gemini Live is good, but seeing it in action is probably more meaningful. In the following section, I provide four examples of how I used Gemini Live. In each example, I initiated a discussion in Gemini Live and responded with a few questions.

Brainstorming

Brainstorming Question: “Hey Google, tune in to the live stream from Gemini. I need ideas for a Halloween party for teenagers.”

When I asked, Gemini quickly suggested themes I could use for the party and some fun activities with a teen twist. I mentioned that there would be 15 teens at the party, and Gemini suggested that I split the group into two. One group could create a haunted house in the garage, while the other could focus on creating an awesome music playlist. Gemini also noted that all the teens could work together to carve pumpkins.

I also mentioned that I didn’t have a lot of money for the party. Gemini then suggested things we could do at the party that wouldn’t require a big budget, including DIY activities.

Google Gemini seemed excited, competent, and, yes, like a real person.

How to do it

In the next example, I asked Gemini, “How do you make a frozen daiquiri?”

In this example, Gemini did not pronounce the word “daiquiri” correctly, although everything he said next impressed me.

First Gemini told me what a frozen daiquiri usually contains, then asked if I wanted the recipe. When the recipe called for alcohol, I asked for the virgin recipe, which quickly followed.

Finally, I asked for suggestions on what food would go best with a daiquiri. For something “specific,” Gemini recommended grilled chicken or fish tacos. For a snack, he said salty chips would work. On the way, Gemini said to let him know if I didn’t like a suggestion so he could recommend something else.

Finally, Gemini told me to enjoy my drink.

Trip

In the example below, I tried to confuse Gemini by asking a specific question about travel: “Is it possible to travel from London to Stonehenge in one day?” The answer was detailed and informative.

Gemini confirmed that it was possible to travel between locations and even suggested the best time to arrive to avoid the crowds. It also asked me if I wanted a tour recommendation, including the option of a guided tour or a private driver. When I chose a private driver, Gemini explained the benefits of that.

As the conversation about the trip was coming to an end, Gemini noted that there might be better options given my limited time. If I preferred staying in London, it was recommended to visit the sights and more. This continuation pleasantly surprised me because it was not unannounced.

Science

I asked Gemini to explain geometry for my final exam, but instead Gemini explained geography, its goals, and practical applications. When I asked why we should study geometry, Gemini used a real-life example, discussing the specific shape of a hibachi grill for cooking.

Normally, learning about a subject like geometry would bore me quickly. However, Gemini made the topic more engaging by providing casual conversation and easy-to-understand examples, moving the discussion outside of the digital classroom.

Is Gemini Live worth using?

Gemini Live is an impressive product with a variety of uses, suggesting it could benefit a variety of people. Getting them to use it may prove to be a challenge, though a company the size of Google is likely to rise to the challenge, assuming it is patient and allows its use to grow organically.

I don’t think the average Google user will be willing to pay $20/month for Gemini Advanced, just as I don’t think iPhone users will want to pay a premium for additional Apple Intelligence features if the time ever comes. As such, Google’s recent move to make Gemini Live free (at least on Android) is very welcome.

What does this mean for you? If you have an Android phone, you might as well give Gemini Live a shot. It’s free right now, and depending on what you want to get out of it, it can be quite helpful. If you have an iPhone, you still have to pay for a Gemini Advanced subscription, which complicates things.

Going forward, I don’t plan on canceling my Gemini Advanced subscription anytime soon, and yes, I’m paying for it out of pocket. I’m willing to pay a premium because I can’t wait to see how the product evolves and improves in the coming months.

Is Gemini Advanced worth considering? Yes, especially since new users can try it for free for at least a month. However, before you sign up, commit to using it and trying it out. Otherwise, you may end your free trial feeling dissatisfied, which is unfair to the hard-working people behind it and constantly making improvements.