Google Assistant on your Android device lets you questions, launch apps, and perform different tasks. But there’s another tool you might find more useful: Google Gemini.Google’s AI can help you gain a deeper understanding of a topic through back-and-forth conversations or summaries in the form of a list, table, or chart. It can also help generate content, correct grammar, and translate other languages. You can ask Gemini to search Gmail, set an alarm or timer, make a phone call, turn off the lights, or take and analyze a photo.On an Android phone, you can use Gemini as your primary AI source. For now, Gemini is in the learning stage, so it still relies on Google Assistant for certain tasks, such as the “Hey Google” wake phrase and Voice Match. If you set up Gemini as the primary mobile assistant, other assistive features like driving and navigation will be directly controlled by Google Assistant, as will TVs, smartwatches, speakers, headphones, and Pixel tablets.For this to work, you’ll need a personal Google account or a Google Workspace account, and you can’t use Gemini with a Google account managed by Family Link or with a Google Workspace for Education account for people under the age of 18. Here’s how to get started.Confirm Google Assistant as Your Default Assistive AppBefore you can use Gemini, make sure that Google Assistant is the default assistive app. On your Android device, go to Settings > Apps > Default apps. Confirm that Google is listed as the choice for Digital assistant app. If not, tap that entry, select Default digital assistant app, and change it to Google.
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Set Up Google GeminiThe Gemini app may already be on your Android phone. If not, install it from Google Play. To use Gemini as the active assistant on your device, launch the Gemini app. A screen may pop up asking if you want to switch from Google Assistant to Gemini. If so, tap the Switch button, then read the key info for accessing Gemini and tap Use Gemini.
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If you don’t see the screen prompting you to switch, tap your profile icon in the upper right. At the menu, go to Settings > Digital assistants from Google. Change the assistant from Google Assistant to Gemini if necessary.
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How to Launch GeminiYou can start Gemini by pressing down on the on/off button for a few seconds. A notification should pop up at the bottom of the screen inviting you to type, talk, or share a photo with Gemini. You can then ask a question or submit a request. Tapping anywhere on the screen removes the notification.
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Another option is to use the familiar “Hey Google” phrase to trigger Gemini by voice. To make sure this is turned on, go to Settings > Apps > Assistant. Tap the setting for Hey Google & Voice Match and turn on Hey Google. From any screen, say “Hey Google,” and the Gemini notification will appear.
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What Actions Can Gemini Perform?Once Gemini is launched, you can use it for a variety of tasks that Google Assistant can’t normally perform. To type a question, tap the keyboard icon and tap out your request. You could start with something simple, like asking for the weather. When done, tap the arrow key to submit your question and await the response.
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You might ask Gemini to open a specific app, such as Gmail, by voice. After triggering Gemini, just speak your request, and it should launch the app you requested.
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Ask Gemini to tell you about a famous person, place, or event. You can ask follow-up questions to conduct a back-and-forth conversation about the topic.
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You can ask Gemini to generate content, such as an email, text message, or document. Give it the topic and describe what you want. You can then react to the response by giving it a thumbs up or thumbs down or sharing it via an app or with a specific person. You’re also able to export it to Google Docs, send the draft to Gmail, or modify the response.
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Need to time something? You can ask Gemini for help. Activate Gemini and then ask it to set a timer for a certain number of seconds, minutes, or hours. The timer appears on the screen and then chimes in when the time is up.
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Need to translate a word or phrase? Give Gemini the phrase and ask it to translate from one language to another. Gemini displays and speaks the translation.
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The next time you need to make a call, ask Gemini to place it. Just tell Gemini who you want to call by the contact name or phone number, and the call is placed.
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Looking for a specific email in Gmail? Give Gemini details about the message, such as the sender or subject, and it will display and read it for you.
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You can snap a photo on your phone and ask Gemini to analyze it. At the Gemini screen, tap the image icon, take your photo, and then tap the Attach button. With the photo displayed, ask Gemini to identify the subject or answer any questions about it.
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About Lance Whitney
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I’ve been working for PCMag since early 2016 writing tutorials, how-to pieces, and other articles on consumer technology. Beyond PCMag, I’ve written news stories and tutorials for a variety of other websites and publications, including CNET, ZDNet, TechRepublic, Macworld, PC World, Time, US News & World Report, and AARP Magazine. I spent seven years writing breaking news for CNET as one of the site’s East Coast reporters. I’ve also written two books for Wiley & Sons—Windows 8: Five Minutes at a Time and Teach Yourself Visually LinkedIn.
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