Gemini is Google’s latest answer to multimodal AI, letting users upload various media types — images, audio, and video — for analysis and interaction. And like ChatGPT’s Advanced Voice Mode, Gemini comes with a feature called Gemini Live, designed to make AI interactions feel more natural and human through voice-based chats.

Unlike Apple, which wants its AI to live on your device – one of the reasons its hardware requirements are so hefty – Gemini Live uses the cloud. That means it could potentially come to more iPhones than Apple's own AI. It was initially only available for Pixel 9 owners and required a subscription, but it's now free and available to all.

Gemini now powers a new Google Home tool, “Help Me Create,” simplifying home automation. Instead of navigating complex menus, you can set up routines by describing them in plain language.  For instance,