Gemini

What it does

Gemini is Google’s AI assistant. It answers questions, writes and summarises, and works inside Google’s own apps: Gmail, Docs, Drive and Android phones.

If your day runs on Google, it can find and use what is already in your account.

Why use it

• It works inside Gmail, Docs and Drive, where your work already is.
• It can search the web and pull in up-to-date information.
• On Android it can replace the old Google Assistant.
• A generous free plan with a personal Google account.

How it works

1. Sign in with your Google account at gemini.google.com or in the Gemini app.
2. Ask for what you need in plain English, or upload a file or photo.
3. Connect it to Gmail and Drive if you want it to search your own emails and files.
4. Ask follow-up questions to refine the answer.
5. Use “Double-check” or the links it gives to verify important facts.

How hard is it to use?

Beginner Easy to start. You need an account, not any technical know-how.

Easy for anyone with a Google account. The most useful parts, inside Gmail and Docs, need a little setting up the first time.

What it costs

Free plan; paid plans. Free with a Google account. Google’s paid AI plan unlocks its most capable models and more storage, and Google Workspace business plans include Gemini for work.

Prices change often, so check Gemini’s own site before you pay.

Watch out for

• Answers can be wrong or out of date. Check important facts.
• Features differ between personal and work accounts, and by country.

Your data

With a personal account, Google can review and use your conversations to improve its products while Gemini Apps Activity is on; you can turn it off. Work and school accounts get Google Workspace’s data protections.

Gemini doesn’t offer UK data storage, so check where it keeps your data before you share anything private or about other people.