Gemini Archives

AppWizard

May 3, 2025

Google One AI could have more tiers on the way, like a ‘Gemini Ultra’ plan

Google is reportedly planning to introduce new AI subscription tiers under the Google One umbrella, specifically "Gemini Pro" and "Gemini Ultra," alongside the existing Gemini Advanced option. The Gemini Advanced plan has recently been upgraded to include NotebookLM Plus and Veo 2 for video generation, but there will be a monthly limit on video production for subscribers. Google One's AI Premium plan has also been enhanced, offering existing users access to NotebookLM Plus and advanced Gemini capabilities in Gmail and Docs, along with 2TB of cloud storage. Upcoming updates are expected to be revealed at the I/O 2025 event, with a focus on improving user productivity and introducing new interactions.

AppWizard

May 3, 2025

Meta launches AI app to compete with ChatGPT

Meta has launched a standalone AI application during its LlamaCon event, providing users with direct access to Meta AI similar to OpenAI's ChatGPT. The app, available in the U.S. and Canada, utilizes user data from platforms like Facebook and Instagram to deliver personalized interactions. Users can enhance the AI's memory by sharing additional information. The app employs the Llama 4 model, offering advanced features such as image generation and editing, a voice mode for interaction, and a “discover” feed. Since its integration across platforms in 2023, Meta's AI assistant has attracted nearly 600 million monthly users as of December 2024.

AppWizard

May 3, 2025

NotebookLM gets Gemini 2.5 Flash as it prepares to launch as a standalone app

NotebookLM has been upgraded to the Gemini 2.5 Flash model, improving its multi-step reasoning capabilities for better responses in chatbot and Q&A modes. The Audio Overviews feature now supports over 50 languages. Google plans to launch NotebookLM as a standalone app at the Google I/O 2025 event, with pre-registration available on the App Store and Google Play Store. A new Output Language setting for Audio Overviews allows users to choose a language different from their default. NotebookLM was initially previewed as Project Tailwind at Google I/O 2022.

AppWizard

May 3, 2025

This one app has made my life easier and my wife happier

The author has at least 35 different smart home devices, leading to a fragmented experience with multiple apps and services. They are considering using Home Assistant as a central hub for device control, which supports various protocols like Matter, Thread, Zigbee, HomeKit, and Nest. Home Assistant can be installed easily on devices like Raspberry Pi or Virtual Machines, requiring a constant network connection. Once set up, it consolidates controls into one interface, allowing for custom dashboards and automations. Recent developments, such as Google discontinuing support for older Nest Thermostats, have prompted users to seek alternatives like Home Assistant for a unified control experience. The introduction of customizable lock screen shortcuts in Android 14 allows users to replace the Google Home app with Home Assistant. Users are encouraged to start simple and gradually expand their system.

AppWizard

May 2, 2025

How to use Gemini Live’s camera and screen sharing features

Gemini Live has transitioned from a voice-based AI assistant to a multimodal platform that can process camera feeds and screen-sharing inputs, enhancing user interactions with visual context. It requires an Android device with at least 2 GB of RAM and Android 10 or later, along with a Google One AI Premium subscription for access to camera and screen-sharing features. These features are complimentary for Google Pixel 9 and Samsung Galaxy S25 users, and newer Pixel devices may offer a trial for Gemini Advanced. To share a live video feed, users must launch Gemini, tap the Live icon, select the Camera button, and ensure the desired items are visible. For screen sharing, users open the relevant app or screen, activate Gemini, and select Share screen with Live. Gemini can summarize content and answer questions based on the shared screen. The multimodal capabilities are particularly beneficial for scenarios requiring detailed descriptions, positioning Gemini Live competitively alongside other AI platforms.

AppWizard

May 1, 2025

Google Search AI Mode opens up to more people with new features

Google is making its AI Mode accessible to all users in the U.S. by eliminating the waitlist system. The rollout includes new tools, such as a feature that provides a history of search results, aimed at improving the search experience. Users will see an enhanced interface that offers detailed information from search results, including localized content about nearby businesses with ratings, reviews, and operating hours. Additionally, Google is testing AI Mode with a select group of users outside of Labs, indicating plans for broader deployment.

AppWizard

April 30, 2025

Google Drive for Android could soon get Gemini-powered features (APK teardown)

Google Drive will introduce Gemini-powered features on the web to enhance user experience and productivity, allowing users to summarize files and folders, engage in discussions, retrieve quick facts, and create new images or files. These features are not yet available on the Google Drive app for Android, but an APK teardown of version 2.25.170.0 indicates that they may soon be integrated into the mobile app. Some features enabled in the latest release include summarizing folders, responding to inquiries, and assisting with writing tasks, while advanced functionalities like summarizing specific files and creating new images are still pending. The rollout of these features may occur in phases, with further enhancements expected in future updates.

AppWizard

April 29, 2025

Gemini preps a ‘Saved info’ rebrand as work on chat history search continues (APK teardown)

- The Gemini name is being phased out from headers, indicating a potential rebranding effort. - The "Saved info" feature may be renamed to "Memory" to enhance its functionality in remembering user preferences. - Improvements are being made for accessing and viewing chat history to enhance user interaction and navigation. - The latest beta version, 16.16.39.sa.arm64, reveals upcoming features, although they are not yet visible to the public. - The removal of the Gemini label from model headers is a prominent change, accompanied by a new blue background effect and a reorganization of model names and descriptions. - A search tool for chat history is being introduced, with various layouts being tested, including one that prioritizes Gems at the top. - Enhancements to the compose box are planned, potentially offering suggestions for research topics and Canvas projects.

AppWizard

April 28, 2025

Google is giving us a look at what’s next for Android ahead of I/O

The Android Show will air a special I/O edition on May 13 at 1 p.m. ET, hosted by Sameer Samat, President of the Android Ecosystem, and featuring members of the Android team. This episode will provide an early look at innovations leading up to the Google I/O event, including details about Android 16. The show will be pre-recorded and streamed live on YouTube. Google has also released a schedule for the Google I/O event, which will cover topics such as Android's new UX design, Material 3 Expressive, and Gemini in Chrome and Android XR.

AppWizard

April 24, 2025

Manychat taps $140M to boost its business messaging platform with AI

Manychat has secured million in a Series B funding round led by Summit Partners to expand its operations. The company has approximately 1.5 million customers in 170 countries, including brands like Nike and the New York Times. Manychat facilitates the transmission of billions of messages annually across platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Messenger. Since its inception in 2015, Manychat had raised around million prior to this round, mainly from a million Series A round in 2019. The company operates at a near break-even point and has experienced significant growth, particularly after Facebook opened its Messenger APIs. Manychat's focus on user engagement distinguishes it from many generative AI chatbots. The new funds will be used for research and development to enhance AI capabilities and improve global sales, marketing, and customer support.