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Summary

Google Gemini is a family of multimodal AI models designed to process various data types, including text, images, audio, video, and code, and is the successor to LaMDA and PaLM 2, powering Google's generative AI chatbot (formerly Bard).

How to Obtain & Log in

Gemini is free to use for personal Google accounts and Google Workspace accounts where admins have enabled access. Log in with your personal Google account at: https://gemini.google.com/.

Gemini Advanced is available to personal Google accounts for a monthly fee. Learn more about Gemini Advanced.

Please note: Gemini will be available soon in the UC Davis Google Workspace instance. Check back soon for updates. 

Features & Options 

  • Multimodal AI: Gemini can understand and generate text, images, audio, video, and code. 
  • Large Language Model (LLM): It's a powerful LLM, meaning it's trained on vast amounts of text data to understand and generate human-like text.
  • Generative AI Chatbot: Gemini powers Google's Gemini chatbot (formerly Bard), allowing users to interact with the AI through a conversational interface.
  • Integration with Google Products: Gemini is integrated into various Google products, including Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Gmail), Google Pixel phones, and the Gemini app.
  • Enhanced Capabilities: Gemini offers advanced features like deep research, image generation, and code generation
  • Gemini Apps:
    • Gemini Web App: You can access Gemini through the web app.
    • Gemini Mobile App: The Gemini mobile app is available on Android.
    • Gemini in Google Workspace: Gemini is integrated into Google Workspace apps like Docs, Sheets, and Gmail.
    • Gemini in Google Pixel Phones: Gemini is the default AI assistant on the latest Google Pixel phones.

Limitations 

  • Bias: Gemini is trained on a massive dataset of text and code, which may contain biased information. This could lead Gemini to generate biased responses, especially when asked about sensitive topics.
  • Inaccuracy: Gemini is not perfect and can sometimes generate inaccurate information. It is important to fact-check any information generated by Gemini before using it.
  • Limited creativity: Gemini can sometimes generate ambiguous, repetitive, or unoriginal responses. This is especially true when asked to generate creative content, such as poems or code. 

Learning Resources 

  • Google Workspace Learning Center: Learn how to use Gemini for Google Workspace to draft new content quickly, improve your writing, summarize content, create custom graphics, and more.
  • Gemini cheat sheet: Find quick tips on how to use generative AI to speed up and improve your writing, organize projects and events, and create custom images.

Tips for using Gemini

  • Use natural language. Talk to Gemini just like you would a friend or colleague. 
  • Be clear and concise. Gemini can follow precise instructions, so avoid using ambiguous language.
    • For example, instead of asking "What is the capital of France?", ask "What is the capital of France in 2025?".
  • Provide context. The more context you give to Gemini, the better it can understand your request and generate a useful response.
    • For example, instead of asking "Write about a sales job", ask "Write a job description for a [job title], including the required skills and experience, as well as a summary of [company name] and the position."
  • Use specific and relevant keywords. When you are asking Gemini to complete a task, try to include relevant keywords in your prompt. This will help Gemini to generate a more accurate and relevant response. 
    • For example, instead of asking "What is the best way to get to work?", ask "What is the best way to get to the Teaching and Learning Center by public transportation?".

Use Cases

Examples of how to make the most of generative AI in your job.

Security Considerations 

  • Do not enter confidential or sensitive information. Only provide Gemini with information that you are comfortable sharing with the public.
  • Be aware of the potential for bias. Gemini is trained on a massive dataset of text and code, and it may reflect the biases present in that data. It is important to be critical of the information that Gemini generates and to verify it with other sources.
  • Use Gemini responsibly. Avoid generating content that could harm others.
  • Only use Gemini on trusted devices. Do not use Gemini on public computers or other devices that you do not control.
  • Cite your sources. Always disclose when you use Gemini and other generative AI resources in your work.
  • Learn more about how Gemini works and how Google uses your data.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Why can Gemini get things wrong?
  • Generative AI and all of its possibilities are exciting, but it’s still new. Gemini will make mistakes. Even though it’s getting better every day, Gemini can provide inaccurate information, or it can even make offensive statements.

    Double-check information you get from Gemini
    Gemini has tools to help you identify potentially inaccurate statements. One way to double-check Gemini’s responses is to use the Google button. This uses Google Search to find content that helps you assess and further research the information you get from Gemini.

    Gemini’s double-check feature can make mistakes
    For example, the feature may show that Google Search found content that makes a similar statement to Gemini’s. But the content may actually contradict Gemini. The web content may be inaccurate, too. You should read, review, and carefully evaluate the content identified by the double-check feature, as well as its context.

    Help make Gemini better
    Google relies on people to give feedback on answers that don’t seem right. That’s why Gemini has built-in features to collect your feedback.
    - Mark good responses
    - Mark bad ones
    - Use the Report legal issue button where appropriate

    Be mindful of how you use Gemini
    You have an opportunity to shape Gemini for others. Gemini will use the conversations you have to improve future responses for everyone so don’t enter anything you wouldn’t want a reviewer to see or Google to use. Learn more at Gemini Apps Privacy Hub
  • How does Gemini handle my data?
  • Users who access the Gemini app as a Workspace Core Service are subject to the Cloud Data Processing Addendum Opens in a new window . When these users access the Gemini app as a Core Service, their chats and uploaded files won't be reviewed by human reviewers or otherwise be used to improve generative AI models.

    Your data is as secure when using Gemini as it is using any Google Core Service like Gmail or Docs.

  • Does Gemini have usage limits?
  • Gemini has usage limits designed to ensure an optimal experience for everyone. This means they may at times have to cap the number of prompts and conversations you can have within a specific timeframe. Your capacity replenishes regularly, so you can get back to chatting with Gemini soon.

    The number of prompts you can use before hitting the limit varies and depends on factors like how long and complex your prompts are, the size and number of files you upload, and the length of your conversations with Gemini.

    Google will also alert you when you are close to reaching your chat capacity for a given period.

  • How many languages does Gemini support?
  • Gemini is available in more than 40 languages.
  • Where can I find information about how to use the features offered in the Gemini app?
  • Gemini Apps can interact with other services called apps to provide more helpful responses to your prompts. 

    Important: Most apps are enabled (turned on) in Gemini by default. You can disable apps at any time on your Apps page in Gemini settings.

    Learn more about how to use and manage apps in Gemini.

Technical Support 

https://support.google.com/gemini/?hl=en#topic=15280100

Content on this website is subject to change as AI tools continue to develop. Page last updated March 7, 2025.