Google has officially introduced Gemini, its latest AI-powered digital assistant, which is poised to replace Google Assistant as the company's flagship AI technology. Gemini comes pre-installed on Google Pixel 9 phones and is available as an app for Android and iOS devices. With its advanced features and capabilities, Gemini is set to revolutionize the way we interact with digital assistants.

One of the key differences between Gemini and Google Assistant is the model's accessibility. Free users can access the Gemini 1.5 Flash model, while paying users who subscribe to Google One AI Premium can access the more advanced Gemini 1.5 Pro model, which provides smarter answers across a broader range of topics. This tiered system is similar to the free versus paid ChatGPT model.

The Gemini interface is designed to be simple and intuitive, allowing users to input questions or comments at the bottom of the screen, with answers appearing at the top. Users can interact with Gemini in four ways: by typing, using voice input, uploading images, or using the sound wave icon to engage in a more natural conversation with Gemini Live. Gemini Live offers a more conversational experience, allowing users to interrupt and use filler words, with responses that are less robotic and more like a normal conversation.

Gemini can respond to a wide range of prompts, similar to other AI bots like Copilot or ChatGPT. Users can ask Gemini to provide birthday theme ideas, draft emails, recommend sci-fi podcasts, or even write a poem about the iPhone 16. The responses come with icons to rate, share, or copy the reply, and users can also send the response to Google Docs or Gmail or modify the tone of the response.

One of the most exciting features of Gemini is its ability to generate images using Google's Imagen 3 engine. While free users can generate images, paying subscribers can generate images of people as well. Users can also upload images from their gallery to add to their prompts, giving them even more scope for creative and practical applications.

As Gemini continues to evolve, Google is releasing individual extensions to add to its capabilities. These extensions are giving Gemini's mobile app the same functionality as Google Assistant, such as setting timers, controlling smart lights, and integrating with Google Home. Users can access these extensions by tapping their Google account icon and choosing Extensions.

While Gemini is still a work in progress, it's clear that Google is investing heavily in its development. Gemini currently lacks some of the advanced functionality of Google Assistant, such as support for multiple music streaming services and smart home controls. However, with its advanced AI capabilities and intuitive interface, Gemini is poised to become the go-to digital assistant for many users.

For those who have heavily invested in Google Assistant, especially in terms of third-party integrations and advanced functionality, it may be worth sticking with the older AI for now. However, with Gemini's rapid development and Google's commitment to its growth, it's clear that Gemini is the future of digital assistants.

Switching back to Google Assistant is still an option for those who prefer the older AI. On Android devices, users can go to Settings, tap Apps, then Assistant, and choose between Gemini and Google Assistant. As Gemini continues to evolve and improve, it will be interesting to see how it shapes the future of digital assistants and AI technology.