Google Gemini is Google's AI platform that lets you write text, analyse documents, generate images and process data. The system is built directly into Google Workspace, allowing you to use it within Gmail, Docs, Sheets and Slides without logging in separately. The basic version is available for free at gemini.google.com and as an app on your phone.<\/p>\n
Google Gemini works on the basis of a large language model (LLM) developed by Google DeepMind. An LLM is an AI system trained on huge amounts of text to recognise patterns in language and generate its own text on that basis. Gemini is also multi-modal trained, meaning it can process images, audio and video in addition to text in a single conversation.<\/p>\n
That multimodal operation sets Gemini apart from many other AI tools. You upload a picture of a whiteboard, ask questions about it, and then have the content converted into a structured document. Text, image and audio intermingle in the same context window. If you want to better understand how language models like Gemini are technically constructed, our article on the functioning of AI<\/a> that step by step.<\/p>\n Gemini is available as a web app via gemini.google.com, as a mobile app for Android and iOS, and as part of Google Workspace. For developers, there is the Gemini API via Google AI Studio and Vertex AI.<\/p>\n Google is releasing Gemini in several model versions, each optimised for specific tasks. The main versions in 2026 are Gemini 3.1 Pro, Gemini 3 Flash and Gemini 2.5 Flash.<\/p>\n Gemini 3.1 Pro is the most advanced model, designed for complex tasks such as in-depth analysis, extensive research and programming. It features Deep Think, a reasoning mode that explores multiple hypotheses before generating an answer. Deep Think is only available to Google AI Ultra subscribers.<\/p>\n Gemini 3 Flash has been the default model in the Gemini app since late 2025. This model is optimised for speed and everyday tasks, such as summarising e-mails, writing short texts and answering questions. Gemini 2.5 Flash is the most economical model and is mainly used for high-volume tasks, e.g. translations and simple data analysis via the API. Which model you use depends on your subscription and the complexity of your work.<\/p>\n The Gemini app is the mobile version of Google Gemini for Android and iOS. You use the app to ask questions, generate texts and have images created, just like on the web version. On Android phones, the Gemini app replaces Google Assistant as the default voice assistant.<\/p>\n Through the Gemini app, you link it to Gmail, Google Calendar, Google Maps and Google Photos. That means you can search your e-mail, check calendar appointments and get directions from one interface without switching between apps.<\/p>\n On Samsung phones, Gemini is pre-installed as an AI assistant. You activate it via the side button or by saying \u201cHey Google\u201d. The app works the same as on other Android devices, with additional integrations with Samsung apps such as Samsung Notes and the camera on top.<\/p>\n Gemini Live is the voice feature that lets you have a conversation with Gemini via your phone. You talk in plain language and Gemini answers instantly, without the need to type in a text prompt. The conversation feels like a phone call, including the ability to pause, continue and change the subject.<\/p>\n For professionals, Gemini Live is useful while commuting, on the way to an appointment or when you want to work hands-free. You prepare for a meeting, brainstorm about a presentation or request information while driving. Gemini Live is available in Dutch and works on Android and iOS.<\/p>\n Gemini is built into Gmail, Google Docs, Google Sheets, Google Slides and Google Drive. In Gmail, Gemini helps compose, edit and summarise emails. In Docs, you collaborate on documents and have texts rewritten or summarised. In Sheets, Gemini generates formulas, analyses data and creates tables based on your instructions.<\/p>\n In Slides, Gemini helps design presentations and generate graphics. In Drive, the system searches your files and emails to provide answers to questions about your own documents. For example, you ask the question \u201cwhat did we agree with client X last month\u201d, and Gemini will find the answer from your emails and documents at the same time.<\/p>\n That integration is the key differentiator from other AI tools. No need to copy text to a separate window; Gemini works in the document you are already working on. For professionals who spend most of their working day in Google Workspace, this saves considerable time. In the Gemini course from LearnLLM<\/a> learn how to deploy those integrations without losing quality and control.<\/p>\n With Google Gemini, you can write and edit text, summarise long documents, translate between languages and generate images using the Nano Banana model. You can also generate videos via Veo and write or debug code.<\/p>\n A strong point is the link with Google Search. Whereas many other AI models work on the basis of training data with a cut-off point, Gemini retrieves up-to-date information via Google. This makes the system suitable for tasks where recent data counts, such as market research or checking current regulations. The output remains an approximation; always check important facts via the original source.<\/p>\n Since March 2026, Gemini has also been generating interactive 3D models and simulations directly in the chat window. For example, you describe a physics concept or geometric shape, and Gemini builds a model that you can run and adjust variables from. This feature is available to subscribers of Google AI Pro and above.<\/p>\n Professionals use Google Gemini for tasks directly related to their work in the Google ecosystem. Marketers have content pieces written and edited from existing briefings in Docs. Analysts use Gemini in Sheets to generate formulas and recognise patterns in data.<\/p>\n HR professionals summarise lengthy policy documents and draft job postings from a template. Project managers extract action items from meeting notes and write status updates based on previous documents. Developers use Gemini for code review, generating boilerplate code and debugging.<\/p>\n The common thread is that Gemini is most beneficial for professionals already working in the Google ecosystem. Combining AI functionality with direct access to your own documents, emails and calendar makes it more practical than a standalone AI platform. From our daily practice, we see that the difference is in workflows: professionals who give Gemini fixed tasks with a fixed checkpoint at the end get more value out of it than those who deploy it ad hoc.<\/p>\n The difference between Gemini and ChatGPT is mainly in the integration with your work environment. Gemini is deeply intertwined with Google Workspace and retrieves up-to-date information via Google Search. ChatGPT<\/a> from OpenAI is a standalone platform separate from your email or documents, but traditionally strong at writing longer texts, programming and complex reasoning tasks.<\/p>\n The choice depends on your workplace. If you work daily in Google Workspace, then Gemini delivers more immediate value. If you use Microsoft 365 or work platform-independently, then ChatGPT or Claude from Anthropic<\/a> a more logical starting point. A full comparison of features, prices and performance is in our article Gemini vs ChatGPT<\/a>.<\/p>\n The basic version of Google Gemini is free. You get access to Gemini 3 Flash as a standard model, Gemini Live, Deep Research and Canvas. For most day-to-day tasks, this is sufficient.<\/p>\n Google AI Plus costs \u00a37.99 a month. This entry-level subscription gives 200GB of storage and expanded access to Gemini in Gmail and Docs. Google AI Pro costs \u20ac21.99 per month (\u20ac220 per year) and gives access to Gemini 3.1 Pro, higher usage limits, Gemini in all Workspace apps and 5 TB of storage. For most professionals, this is the most relevant subscription, as AI becomes readily available in your existing work tools.<\/p>\n Google AI Ultra costs \u20ac274.99 per month and offers the highest access to all models, including Deep Think, extended video generation via Veo 3.1 and 25,000 AI credits per month. This subscription is aimed at power users and people who generate a lot of video or images. The name Gemini Advanced, which you come across in older articles, refers to the subscription now called Google AI Pro. Separate prices per user apply for business use via Google Workspace.<\/p>\n Google Gemini can generate incorrect information. This is true of all AI models; the output sounds convincing but is not always correct. So check answers before using them in your work, especially with numbers, legal information and medical advice.<\/p>\n Regarding privacy: with paid Google Workspace accounts, Google indicates that entered data will not be used for training AI models. For free accounts, different terms apply. Do not enter confidential customer data, personal data or business-sensitive information through the free version.<\/p>\n Preferably use anonymised data or work with templates that do not contain any traceable information. If you want to use AI responsibly, build a fixed checkpoint in the workflow where output is compared against a reliable source. You can read more about using AI tools responsibly in our article on the risks of AI<\/a>.<\/p>\n You start with Google Gemini via gemini.google.com or by downloading the Gemini app on your phone. Log in with your Google account and you can start right away. The free version gives you access to Gemini 3 Flash, which lets you try out the basic functionality.<\/p>\n Start with a concrete task from your own work: getting an e-mail rewritten, summarising a document or asking a question about a file you upload. That way, you'll quickly notice what Gemini does and doesn't do well for your type of work. If you want to use Gemini within Gmail, Docs and Sheets, you need at least Google AI Plus (\u20ac7.99 per month) or Google AI Pro (\u20ac21.99 per month). Both subscriptions can be cancelled monthly.<\/p>\nWhich Gemini versions are there?<\/h2>\n
What is the Gemini app?<\/h2>\n
What is Gemini Live?<\/h2>\n
How does Gemini work in Google Workspace?<\/h2>\n
What can you do with Google Gemini?<\/h2>\n
What do professionals use Google Gemini for?<\/h2>\n
What is the difference between Gemini and ChatGPT?<\/h2>\n
What does Google Gemini cost?<\/h2>\n
How secure is Google Gemini?<\/h2>\n
How do you get started with Google Gemini?<\/h2>\n