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.

Developer
Google
Free Tier
Yes

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

  1. Visit gemini.google.com
  2. Sign in with your Google account
  3. Accept terms and conditions
  4. 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

  1. Use "@" mentions: Type "@" to reference Google Docs, Drive files, or Gmail
  2. Export conversations: Export chats to Google Docs for future reference
  3. Voice input: Use microphone icon for hands-free interaction
  4. Multiple images: Upload several images to compare or analyze together
  5. Follow-up questions: Gemini maintains context, so ask clarifying questions
  6. 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

PlanPriceFeatures
Free$0Gemini Pro, Google integrations, limited usage
Gemini Advanced$20/monthGemini 1.5 Pro, 1M token context, priority access, 2TB storage
Workspace Add-on$20-30/user/monthEnterprise features, admin controls, data protection

Additional Resources

Ready to try Gemini?

Start exploring its multimodal capabilities and Google integrations.