Google has made its conversational AI-powered assistant, Gemini Live, available to all Android users for free. This rollout allows users to engage in natural, multi-turn conversations with the AI without needing a premium subscription.
What is Gemini Live?
Launched in May, Gemini Live is a voice assistant that can be interrupted mid-conversation, handle multi-turn interactions, and even pick up where conversations left off. Initially, only users with a Gemini Advanced membership—priced at $20 per month—could access these features.
Free Access for Android Users
As of this week, Gemini Live is now available to all users of the Gemini mobile app on Android, with no subscription required. This announcement was made through a post on X (formerly Twitter), confirming that Android users who speak English can now enjoy Gemini Live without having to pay for the Gemini One AI Premium plan.
How to Access Gemini Live on Your Android Device
To access Gemini Live, follow these simple steps:
- Download and install the Gemini app from the Google Play Store.
- Launch the app and sign in with your Google account.
- Tap on the "Converse" tab to start a conversation with Gemini Live.
What About iOS Users?
Unfortunately, iOS users won’t be able to access Gemini Live, as no Gemini app exists for Apple devices. This leaves iOS users out of the experience for now.
Comparison to ChatGPT’s Voice Mode
This development comes as OpenAI rolls out its own version of a conversational voice assistant with ChatGPT’s Voice Mode. However, access to Voice Mode is limited, as it is currently being tested with a small group of ChatGPT Plus users. Like Gemini’s initial launch, ChatGPT Plus also requires a $20 monthly subscription, and even then, not all users are guaranteed immediate access to the Voice Mode feature.
How Does Gemini Live Compare to ChatGPT’s Voice Mode?
| Feature | Gemini Live | ChatGPT’s Voice Mode |
| — | — | — |
| Availability | Free for Android users; no iOS app available | Limited availability, only for ChatGPT Plus users |
| Subscription | No subscription required for Gemini Live; requires $20/month for ChatGPT Plus |
| Features | Multi-turn conversations, pick up where left off, and more | Currently being tested with limited features |
Upcoming Visual Component for Both Systems
Both Gemini Live and ChatGPT’s Voice Mode will eventually incorporate the ability to use a smartphone’s camera to provide context about a user’s surroundings, enhancing the assistant’s responses. Neither Google nor OpenAI has set a firm date for when this visual functionality will be released.
Apple Intelligence: The iOS Alternative
While iOS users may feel left out, Apple recently announced its own AI solution. The new Apple Intelligence, which will be part of iOS 18, promises a smarter Siri and other enhanced AI features. However, full access to Apple Intelligence will only be available to users with the A17 chip or newer, which includes the iPhone 15 Pro and later models.
When Can iOS Users Expect Apple Intelligence?
The initial rollout of Apple Intelligence features is scheduled for October, but some capabilities will be added later. With iOS 18 launching next week, Apple users can expect to see some AI enhancements in their devices soon.
Key Takeaways:
- Gemini Live is now available for free on Android, with no subscription required.
- iOS users won’t be able to access Gemini Live until a dedicated app is released.
- ChatGPT’s Voice Mode is currently being tested with limited features and availability.
- Apple Intelligence will be part of iOS 18, but requires an A17 chip or newer for full functionality.
By providing this comparison of the three AI-powered assistants, users can make informed decisions about which platform to use for their conversational needs. With new features and capabilities emerging regularly, it’s exciting to see how these advancements will shape the future of artificial intelligence in personal devices.
