First things first, what is Google Gemini? Well, it’s their brand-new Ai assistant – and it’s making waves in the tech biz at the moment. It’s not hard to see why either. Gemini has been built from scratch to make your Android device smarter and way easier to use. And after trying it for ourselves, we’re pretty impressed.

Plus, by pairing Gemini up with their online services, Google are helping you to get stuff done faster. This goes for everything from help with day-to-day tasks to custom recommendations that you won’t get anywhere else.

If you want to give it a go (and lets be honest, why wouldn’t you), we’ve got you covered. Here’s how to get Google Gemini for your Android…

Step 1: Downloading and installing Google Gemini

Ready to see what Google Gemini can do? Here’s how to get it on your Android phone or tablet:

Head to Google Play

1. Open the Google Play Store. This’ll be on your home screen or tucked away in the app drawer.

2. Once you’re there, search for ‘Google Gemini’. Make sure you’ve got the latest version of Android’s software, as Gemini might need newer updates to run properly.

3. The Gemini app should then pop up. Hit ‘Install’ and wait for it download.

But is Google Gemini free? It sure is. So, you don’t even have to spend a penny to get going.

System requirements

• Gemini has been designed to work on as many modern Android devices as possible. If we’re getting specific though, you’ll need Android 10 (or higher) and at least 2GB of RAM. That way, you’ll keep everything running smoothly.

• Extra features – like using your voice and the advanced Ai processing – may work a bit better on newer devices. That’s because they can usually handle bigger loads on their systems. It might be time for that upgrade you’ve been thinking about.

Using Google Gemini with Google Services

• Once you’ve got everything installed, Gemini can be used with Google Search, Google Assistant and even your Gmail account. It’s just as handy as it sounds.

Step 2: Setting up Google Gemini on Android devices

Steps for first time set up:

Right, you’ve got the app. Now what?

1. Open Google Gemini from the app drawer.

2. Gemini will ask you to sign in with your Google account. This makes it easier to customise the Ai by syncing with your data and preferences.

3. Follow the instructions to finish the setup.

4. You’ll be asked to accept the terms and conditions and confirm that you want to let Gemini use Google’s services.

Permissions and preferences

To be at its very best, Gemini will ask you for permission to access a few different areas on your device. This’ll be things like your contacts, calendar, and location. If you decide to give the go ahead, Gemini will be able to help you out in more personalised ways. So, it’s really worth doing.

You’ll then get location-based suggestions (like that local restaurant you still need to try out) and better event reminders. You won’t miss that dentist appointment again!

During the setup you can mix and match your permissions too – letting you choose which ones to turn on or off. If you’re not comfortable with the Ai having access to your contacts list or other bits of info, then disable that part. It’s all up to you.

Core features on Android

Gemini can do loads. Here are a few of the standout features you’ll definitely want to try:

• Multitasking master – Scheduling appointments. Sending messages. Adding in a reminder. Gemini will do all that and more. And you can do this entirely hands-free, making it ideal for getting lots done on the go.

• Proper conversations – With Gemini, it’s not like you’re talking to a robot. You can have a more natural chat with it instead. Rather than having to ask really specific, structured questions, say stuff like ‘what’s a good Italian restaurant around here?’ It’ll understand casual conversation and it gets context too. So, any follow up questions are more like you’re talking to a real person.

• Next level search –Type or use Google Search with your voice and get more relevant results. You could say ‘show me popular tourist spots in Paris’ or if you need some tasty ideas for tea, ‘what are some healthy recipes I can cook?’. Gemini should dig up something great for both.

• Task automation – Don’t sweat the small stuff. Let Gemini handle that. It can fully automate all of those little bits you usually forget about. Heading into a meeting at the office? If it’s in your calendar Gemini can silence your phone while you’re presenting. That’ll save you any awkward looks…

Using Google Gemini on Android

Need some practical ways to get the most from your new Ai buddy? Here’s how to use Google Gemini and the ways it’ll improve your day to day:

• Personalised recommendations – Gemini will learn what you like (and don’t like) while you use it. And that means the recommendations it suggests will get better and better over time. This could be as simple as showing you a new album that’s based on what you like to listen to. You’ll never run out of great tunes again.

• Content creation – If you’re all out of ideas – or don’t even know where to start - fire up the Ai. Gemini can write anything from a short story to that important email to your manager. Once it’s done, tweak it a bit if you need to and send it off. It’s got a real way with words.

• Translating languages – Off on your hols or a gap year? Make sure to pack Gemini. With built-in language translation, you won’t be left struggling to order your lunch. Speak or type whatever you need to translate, and you’ll have the answers instantly. Incroyable!

• Optimising your device and battery management – Gemini will keep an eye on your device’s performance and give you some tips to make it work even better. It’ll offer suggestions on how to boost the battery life, manage your background apps and pinpoint any data you can bin. Over time, this can boost the speed of whatever Android gadget you’re using. And should mean you can get through the day without having to charge it.

Want to learn more?

Ai is everywhere nowadays – and if you want to get even more out of it on your phone, we’re here to help. Make your snaps epic and have a read of our piece, what is Ai in phone cameras? Or, if you’re an iPhone user, find out how to use Google Gemini on your iPhone. Everyone can get in on the Ai.ction.