Gemini Guide
Gemini is Google's multimodal AI that can understand and generate text, images, code, audio, and video. It integrates seamlessly with Google's ecosystem of tools and services.
What Makes Gemini Unique?
Key Strengths
- Native Multimodality: Gemini 3 handles text, audio, video (Veo 3.1), and images (Nano Banana Pro).
- Deep Think Mode: A new reasoning mode for solving complex math and logic problems.
- Google Ecosystem: Deep integration with Workspace, Maps, YouTube, and Android.
- Agentic Capabilities: Can autonomously perform multi-step tasks across Google apps.
- Code Execution: Writes and runs Python code in real-time.
Available Models
- Gemini 3 Flash: The efficiency king, perfect for high-frequency tasks.
- Gemini 3 Pro: The core model, now with "Deep Think" capabilities for complex reasoning.
- Gemini 3 Ultra: The absolute peak of Google's AI, designed for scientific discovery.
Getting Started
1. Access Gemini
- Visit gemini.google.com
- Sign in with your Google account
- Accept terms and conditions
- Start chatting or upload files/images
2. Using with Google Workspace
Gemini integrates directly into:
- Gmail: Write, summarize, and organize emails
- Google Docs: Generate and edit content
- Google Sheets: Analyze data and create formulas
- Google Slides: Create presentations
Multimodal Capabilities
Working with Images
Upload images and ask Gemini to:
- Describe what's in the image
- Extract text from screenshots or documents
- Identify objects, people, or places
- Answer questions about the image content
- Analyze charts, diagrams, or infographics
Example Image Prompt
Upload a chart → "Analyze this sales chart and summarize the key trends. What months had the highest growth?"
Working with Documents
Upload PDFs, spreadsheets, or presentations:
- Summarize long documents
- Extract specific information
- Compare multiple files
- Generate reports from data
Best Practices
1. Leverage Google Search Integration
Unlike ChatGPT's free tier, Gemini can access current information:
"What are the top news stories about AI today?"
"Find the best restaurants in Tokyo that opened in 2024"
2. Use Extensions for Productivity
Enable extensions to connect with Google services:
- Gmail: "Summarize my unread emails from this week"
- Google Flights: "Find me flights to Paris next month under $500"
- YouTube: "Find me tutorial videos on watercolor painting"
- Google Maps: "What's the best route to avoid traffic?"
3. Combine Text and Images
Take advantage of multimodal understanding:
[Upload food photo] "Is this dish healthy? Estimate the calories and suggest a healthier alternative."
4. Use Code Execution
Ask Gemini to write and run Python code for:
- Data analysis and visualization
- Mathematical calculations
- File processing
- Algorithm testing
Best Use Cases
Research & Information
- Real-time news and current events
- Product research and comparisons
- Travel planning and recommendations
- Academic research with citations
Content Creation
- Blog posts and articles
- Social media content
- Email drafts and responses
- Presentation outlines
Data & Analysis
- Spreadsheet analysis
- Chart interpretation
- Statistical calculations
- Data visualization
Learning & Education
- Explain complex topics
- Create study materials
- Practice problem sets
- Language learning
Pro Tips
- Use "@" mentions: Type "@" to reference Google Docs, Drive files, or Gmail
- Export conversations: Export chats to Google Docs for future reference
- Voice input: Use microphone icon for hands-free interaction
- Multiple images: Upload several images to compare or analyze together
- Follow-up questions: Gemini maintains context, so ask clarifying questions
- Fact-check mode: Ask Gemini to verify its answers with Google Search
Limitations
Important Notes
- Free tier has usage limits (resets after a few hours)
- Responses sometimes less detailed than ChatGPT
- Extensions require granting Google access permissions
- Image generation not yet available (use Gemini + Imagen)
- May be slower than alternatives during peak times
Pricing
| Plan | Price | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 | Gemini Pro, Google integrations, limited usage |
| Gemini Advanced | $20/month | Gemini 1.5 Pro, 1M token context, priority access, 2TB storage |
| Workspace Add-on | $20-30/user/month | Enterprise features, admin controls, data protection |
Additional Resources
Ready to try Gemini?
Start exploring its multimodal capabilities and Google integrations.