There is certainly room for improvement in current mobile voice assistants, as they require multiple attempts before even simple requests are understood. If you’re looking for an upgraded experience, voice assistants supported by generative AI could be your solution, and there are some you can try out today.
At Made by Google earlier this week, Google finally released Gemini Live, an advanced mobile conversational experience that lets users talk freely with an AI assistant that Google describes as “a companion in your pocket.”
Additionally, Android 15’s Gemini overlay feature can answer questions about anything on your screen.
The Live experience is intended to mimic a human conversation, allowing you to interrupt a conversation, continue a multi-turn conversation, or even resume an earlier conversation.
Users can continue calling in the background or even when their phone is locked, just like a regular call with a friend or relative. There are 10 voices for users to choose from, all similar to human voices but with different intonations, sounds, etc. You can watch the video below:
Introducing Gemini Live, a more natural way to interact with Gemini. Now you can talk freely, pause or change the topic, just like on a regular phone call. Available to Gemini Advanced subscribers. #Made by Google pic.twitter.com/eNjlNKubsv
— Google (@Google) August 13, 2024
Sound too good to be true? If you want to try it for yourself, you can try it for free.
Access methods
Gemini Live is being rolled out to Android users who subscribe to Gemini Advanced, which means Google One AI Premium Plan It will cost you $20 per month. iPhone users, don’t worry: Google says Gemini Live will be expanding to iOS in the coming weeks.
The $20/month price is in line with other premium AI plans like ChatGPT Plus and Claude Pro, but besides Gemini Advanced, it also includes other perks like Gemini for Gmail and Docs, 2TB of storage, unlimited Magic Editor for Google Photos, etc. Still, if you want to try it out before you buy, there are two ways to try it for free.
The first (and easiest) way to try Gemini Live for free is with a one-month free trial of the Google One AI premium plan.
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To get started, visit the Google One AI Premium Plan webpage, click on “Try it for a month” and log in.
You will be asked to enter your payment information as charges will apply once the trial period ends. To avoid paying charges, we recommend setting a reminder on your phone to end your subscription before the trial period ends.
If you’re invested in Google’s AI products and want the full experience, your second option is to purchase the newly released Pixel Pro 9, which includes access to Gemini Advanced for the first year at no extra cost (a $240 value).
OpenAI is offering a similar experience in a new and improved voice mode, but it’s rolling out as an alpha to a small group of ChatGPT Plus users, so if you want to be sure to have access to this experience, the Google One AI premium plan is your best option, at least for now.
