Gemini

Gemini is Google's flagship AI model. Designed to be fast, intuitive, and inherently "multimodal," it is highly capable of pulling up-to-date information directly from the web and processing images alongside text.

Integration with Google Search

Gemini excels at tasks requiring current knowledge. Because it is directly integrated with Google Search infrastructure, it can quickly verify facts, summarise breaking news, or look up recent publications far more effectively than models cut off from the live internet.

Multimodal Inputs

Use Case: Analysing visual data and images.

Example Prompt: "[Upload a photo of a whiteboard diagram] Turn this flowchart diagram from our meeting into a bulleted step-by-step text document."

Live Web Research

Use Case: Finding up-to-date information for reports.

Example Prompt: "Search the web for the latest updates on UK university funding guidelines announced this month and provide a short summary."

Fact-Checking Tool & Workspaces

Gemini offers several distinct tools to ensure accuracy and improve workflows:

  • The "G" Button: Look for the Google logo beneath a Gemini response. Clicking this cross-references the AI's output with Google Search, highlighting corroborated text in green and questionable text in orange.
  • Workspace Extensions: You can permit Gemini to securely connect to your Google Drive, Docs, and Gmail to summarise emails or pull information across your files (availability depends on specific IT configurations).
  • Multiple Drafts: Gemini often generates three distinct drafts for a single prompt, allowing you to choose the tone and format you prefer without having to ask again.

How to Access

To start using Gemini, follow these steps:

  1. Navigate to gemini.google.com.
  2. Sign in using a Google account.
  3. Use the plus icon next to the chat bar to upload images or files.
  4. Utilize the microphone icon if you prefer to dictate your prompts.

Top Daily Use Cases

  • Market Research: Quickly comparing software vendors or gathering current sector news.
  • Image Analysis: Generating alt-text for website images to improve accessibility.
  • Travel Planning: Looking up complex public transport routes or conference logistics.
  • Data Structuring: Exporting AI-generated tables directly into Google Sheets with one click.

Exporting and Sharing

Gemini makes it incredibly simple to move your generated work. At the bottom of any response, use the export icon to send the text directly to a new Google Doc or draft a Gmail message, preserving all formatting and bullet points instantly.

Security Reminder

Always adhere to the University's data handling policies. Avoid pasting sensitive personal data or classified internal research into the consumer version of Gemini, as interactions may be reviewed by human annotators to improve the service.

These pages are currently in beta. To give feedback, please contact DTS at ai.training@reading.ac.uk.