In September, Google announced that all English-speaking users of the Gemini mobile app on Android would soon gain access to Gemini Live, an AI assistant that allows for free-flowing, real-time conversations. Now, the rollout is complete, and Gemini Live is available for free on all Android phones.
Google Confirms Full Availability
On Tuesday, Google confirmed via an X (formerly Twitter) post that Gemini Live is now available for all users in English on the Android app, completing the gradual rollout that began in September. This means Android users can now use the assistant without the need for a subscription to the Gemini One AI Premium plan, which previously required a $20 monthly fee for access.
A Free Alternative to Paid AI Assistants
Before this update, Gemini Live was only accessible to Gemini Advanced users. Now, with the feature available to everyone for free, Android users can enjoy the same conversational AI features without paying. This development is particularly significant when compared to ChatGPT’s Voice Mode, which remains limited to subscribers of the ChatGPT Plus plan.
Both Gemini Live and ChatGPT’s Voice Mode are designed for natural, multi-turn conversations and can continue chats from where they left off. However, while ChatGPT’s Voice Mode is still behind a paywall, Gemini Live offers a free alternative to Android users.
Future Features: Visual Assistance
Both Google and OpenAI plan to expand their AI assistants with additional visual features. In the future, Gemini Live and ChatGPT’s Voice Mode will be able to use the phone’s camera to give the assistant context about the user’s surroundings, improving the accuracy and relevance of responses. However, neither company has provided a clear timeline for when this visual component will be introduced.
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How to Access Gemini Live
If you’re wondering whether you have access to Gemini Live, open your Gemini app and look for the waveform icon in the bottom left corner of the screen. Clicking on it will guide you through a walkthrough on how to use the feature. If the icon isn’t visible, updating the Gemini app through the Google Play Store should resolve the issue.
No Gemini App for iOS Users
At this time, Gemini Live is only available on Android, leaving iPhone users without access. There is currently no Gemini app for iOS, meaning iPhone users are unable to participate in this experience.
Apple’s AI Assistant: A Competing Feature
For iOS users feeling left out, there is no need to worry. Apple is preparing its own AI features under the Apple Intelligence umbrella, which will be integrated into iPhones as part of iOS 18.1. One of the key features will be an upgraded, smarter Siri, designed to offer a more dynamic and conversational experience similar to Gemini Live.
However, the full range of Apple Intelligence features will only be available to users with iPhones that have the A17 chip or higher, such as the iPhone 15 Pro and newer models. Apple plans to begin rolling out some features in October, with more advanced functionalities expected early next year.
Conclusion
With the full release of Gemini Live, Google is providing Android users with a free and dynamic AI-powered voice assistant, directly competing with other services like ChatGPT’s Voice Mode. As Apple prepares to launch its own AI features, the race to offer the best conversational assistant is heating up across platforms. For now, Android users have the advantage with Gemini Live’s free access, while iPhone users await Apple’s upcoming innovations.
