How to use Google Gemini AI: Step-by-Step Guide for 2024

Since its launch earlier this year, Google Gemini has quickly become a top choice among large language models (LLMs). It's versatile, capable of generating text, images, and even code. But how exactly does it function?

This guide will walk you through using Google Gemini and provide some initial prompts to help you get started.

Main Points:

• Google Gemini is Google's premier multimodal LLM.

• Gemini can handle inputs in text, voice, image, and code formats.

• You can use Gemini to ask questions, create images, and more.

• Be cautious of inaccuracies and always verify the information it provides.

What is Google Gemini?

Google Gemini, named after the Latin word for "twins," is a family of multimodal models introduced in December 2023. It can handle inputs in text, voice, image, and code formats. Originally launched as Google Bard in March 2023, it was rebranded to Gemini in February 2024.

How Google Gemini Works

Users can input text, voice, or images, and Gemini’s AI, using machine learning techniques like natural language processing (NLP) and natural language generation (NLG), processes these queries. The AI then generates responses based on a wide array of data sources, including proprietary data and information gathered from the web.

What is Google Gemini Used For?

Google Gemini serves primarily as a research assistant, enabling users to query data from across the web. It functions similarly to a search engine but also has the capability to create content. However, users should be aware that it can sometimes produce inaccurate information.

How to Use Google Gemini

Using the Google Gemini app is straightforward. Here’s a brief guide on how to sign up and make the most of your prompts.

How to Sign Up for Google Gemini for Free

To use Google Gemini, you'll first need a Google account. If you don't have one, you can create it here. Once you're signed in with your Google account, visit the Google Gemini landing page to sign up. Click on the "Chat with Gemini" button and accept the terms of service to start using Gemini.

Note: If you're using a Google Workspace account, you might see a warning that says, "Your admin may not have enabled access to Gemini." In this case, contact your administrator to request access to early apps. Additionally, you must be over 18 to use the chatbot.

How to Use Gemini Prompts

To interact with Gemini, simply type a question or command into the text box. You can also use voice clips or images by clicking the microphone or image icons.

For example, to start with a text prompt, type “When was the U.S. Constitution written?” and press enter. Gemini will generate an answer for you.

Below the response, you'll see five buttons for interacting with Gemini’s answers:

• Like
• Dislike
• Modify response (options: shorter, longer, simpler, more casual, more professional)
• Share & export
• Double-check response

It's always a good idea to verify factual information either through the double-check icon or independently via a search engine and reputable sources, as LLMs can sometimes provide incorrect details.

Beyond asking questions, you can use Gemini to create content like articles, blog posts, emails, messages, or stories. For instance, entering “Write me an article on SEO best practices” will prompt Gemini to generate a relevant piece.

How to Create Images in Gemini

Gemini can also generate images from text descriptions. Simply type a prompt describing the image you want, and the model will create it. For example, typing “Create me an image of a T rex in New York City” will produce a relevant image. Providing more details about the style, such as photorealistic or cartoon, can enhance the quality of the output.

How Gemini Uses Your Data

Google collects data from your interactions with Gemini, including the content of conversations, your location, IP address, and feedback. This data helps improve the model’s performance and may be reviewed by humans. Therefore, avoid sharing confidential information in your inputs.

To further protect your data, you can stop Gemini from saving your conversations to your Google account by turning off Google Apps Activity:

• Visit the Gemini Apps Activity page.

• Under the Gemini Apps Activity subheading, click on the "Turn off" drop-down menu.

• Select "Turn off" or "Turn off and Delete Activity" (the latter will also delete your past activity on Gemini).

• Read the warning about turning off Gemini Apps Activity and click "Got it" to confirm.

Turning off this feature means your chats won’t be processed to improve Google's models, but they will still be saved in your account for up to 72 hours.

Google Gemini vs. Google Bard

Google Gemini is an upgraded version of Google Bard. While the core user experience remains the same, Gemini offers enhanced reasoning capabilities and a multimodal user experience (UX), leveraging the Imagen 2 ML model for image creation.

Tips for Using Google Gemini Effectively

To get the best results from Google Gemini, it's important to craft your prompts carefully. Here are some tips:

Keep it Short and Detailed

• Make your prompts concise, but include enough details to clearly convey your intent.

Avoid Sharing Confidential Information

• Treat all entered information as shared with Google, so avoid including any confidential or personally identifiable information (PII).

Always Fact-Check

• Verify the information provided by Gemini against third-party sources, as LLMs can sometimes generate incorrect responses.

Ask Follow-Up Questions

• If the initial response doesn't meet your needs, feel free to ask follow-up questions for more clarification or details.

Google Gemini Pros and Cons

Google Gemini has several advantages and drawbacks:

Pros

• Easy to Access and Use: Gemini is user-friendly and straightforward to navigate.
• Multimodal Support: It can handle text, voice, image, and code inputs.
• Quick Responses: Gemini responds faster than many other large language models.
• Source Verification: You can double-check where Gemini sourced its information.

Cons

• Bias Issues: There have been instances of Gemini generating biased outputs.
• Inaccuracies: Sometimes, Gemini produces incorrect information (known as hallucinations).
• Account Requirement: A Google Account is necessary to use Gemini.

The Bottom Line

Google Gemini is one of the leading large language models available and is free to use. If you haven't tried it yet, it's worth exploring. You can interact with it just like any other text-based chatbot. If you're unsure how to use it, feel free to ask Gemini for more information about its capabilities.