Google rolls out free custom AI assistants to all Android users
Google has expanded the reach of its Gemini AI lineup, rolling out custom AI assistants, known as Gems, for all Android users at no cost. This rollout follows the introduction of fresh Gemini updates designed to streamline user experience.
Gems are versatile tools, allowing users to personalize AI assistants tailored to specific needs. Users can select pre-made options or create their own from the ground up using the ‘New Gem’ button, adding nuanced details by uploading files during setup. This step ensures the AI assistant can generate more contextually relevant responses.
Gemini offers five pre-built Gems out of the box:
- Brainstormer: Assists in generating creative ideas.
- Career Guide: Provides insights and advice on career development.
- Coding Partner: Helps with writing and debugging code.
- Learning Coach: Aids in educational endeavors.
- Writing Editor: Offers guidance on writing projects.
For users seeking more personalized experiences, the platform supports custom AI assistant creation on any subject. Gemini users must access Gems via gemini.google.com on a computer, while on Android, custom Gems can only be accessed, not created.
The creation process involves:
- Website access: Visit gemini.google.com from a computer.
- Instructions and naming: Give the AI assistant specific instructions and assign a name.
- Gem management: Find your Gems in Gemini’s ‘Gems Manager’ section in the account menu on mobile devices or the side panel on the web.
Gems function similarly to OpenAI’s custom GPTs, allowing users to define rules, assign names, and share their creations. However, Google has made Gems accessible for free, unlike OpenAI, which charges $20 per month for creating custom GPTs through its ChatGPT Plus subscription. This move aligns with Google’s strategy of converting premium features into standard offerings, suggesting potential upgrades for Gemini Advanced subscribers in the future.
With Gems, Google has nudged generative AI towards personalized utility, cleverly outmaneuvering competitors by offering these tools for free.
By providing users the power to fashion AI assistants tailored to their needs, the tech giant has ensured that people steer the course rather than being passengers.
Making user-customized AI easily accessible is more than a strategic business move, it’s a leap towards democratizing sophisticated technology.
Currently, mobile users can only engage with but not create these custom Gems. This distinction echoes Google’s pragmatic approach, leveraging Androids ubiquity without compromising control across platforms. Android users who aren’t ready to use AI tools could start customizing the tool to cater to their daily routing task and adapt to personal and professional management.