After Google announced last week that it’s beginning to roll out Gemini Live for free users, it has now made its way to the first lot of Android devices.
This follows the initial release which was to Advanced subscribers last month, with Google then sharing the news that it will be rolled out free of charge from September 12.
We're starting to roll out Gemini Live in English to more people using the Android app, free of charge. Go Live to talk things out with Gemini, explore a new topic, or brainstorm ideas. Keep an eye out for Gemini Live in the Gemini app 👀 pic.twitter.com/0VL0c7E6Gw
— Google Gemini App (@GeminiApp) September 12, 2024
News outlet 9to5Google reports gaining Gemini Live on a free account on a Pixel 6 Pro device after having seen rumors about others starting to see it on their devices. They describe seeing an icon appear “in the bottom-right corner of both the Gemini overlay and the fullscreen experience.”
When the AI tool is launched, there’s a walkthrough experience where a voice can be chosen and some instructions are given.
More accounts will likely see the AI assistant appear soon, as it’s only at the beginning stages of the release. The full rollout to iOS devices and the expansion into more languages are said to follow in the coming weeks.
What is Gemini Live and what features are included?
Gemini Live is Google’s approach to a generative AI tool for mobile, dubbing it as an “AI-powered mobile assistance that will offer a new level of help – all while being more natural, conversational and intuitive.”
The tool has been integrated with several Google apps, so users can use the assistant without “having to jump between apps and services.”
To utilize the tool, users can do a long press on the power button or say the infamous line “Hey Google” and Gemini will pop up. If other platforms are being used, there will be an ‘Ask about this screen’ suggestion that people can press to get help.
Features include being able to talk hands-free and without typing, with Gemini responding verbally. The team describes it as “like having a sidekick in your pocket who you can chat with about new ideas or practice with for an important conversation.”
Featured Image: Screenshot from Google blog post