Gemini Live Review: How It Compares to Talking to Siri and More Efficient Virtual Assistants

Gemini Live: Google’s Answer to OpenAI and ChatGPT

Google’s latest innovation, Gemini Live, was unveiled during the Made by Google event earlier this week. This feature allows users to engage in semi-natural spoken conversations with an AI chatbot powered by Google’s newest large language model.

As we reported live from the event, TechCrunch had the opportunity to test out Gemini Live firsthand. The results were impressive, and it’s clear that Google has been working tirelessly to bring this cutting-edge technology to life.

The Rise of Voice Assistants

In recent years, voice assistants have become increasingly popular. With the likes of Siri, Alexa, and ChatGPT leading the charge, it’s no surprise that Google wanted to get in on the action. However, Gemini Live is more than just a voice assistant – it’s a fully-fledged AI chatbot designed to provide users with a more natural and intuitive way to interact with their devices.

How Gemini Live Works

Before engaging in conversation with Gemini Live, users are given the option to choose from 10 different voices. These voices were created in collaboration with professional voice actors, resulting in a diverse range of options that sound incredibly human-like.

We put Gemini Live through its paces, asking it a variety of questions and tasks. In one example, we asked it to find family-friendly wineries near Mountain View with outdoor areas and playgrounds nearby. Gemini Live successfully recommended Cooper-Garrod Vineyards in Saratoga, meeting all the specified criteria.

Challenges and Limitations

While Gemini Live is an impressive achievement, there are still some challenges and limitations to be addressed. For instance, it seems that the AI has a tendency to "hallucinate" – providing information that isn’t entirely accurate. In our example, Gemini Live suggested a nearby playground called Henry Elementary School Playground, which is actually over two hours away from the recommended winery.

Additionally, interrupting Gemini Live mid-sentence can sometimes lead to confusion. The AI may not always pick up on what was said, leading to awkward pauses and reiterations of previous questions.

Google’s Vision for the Future

Despite these challenges, Google remains committed to pushing the boundaries of what is possible with voice assistants. Leland Rechis, a product manager at Google, explained that the company is not focused on allowing Gemini Live to sing or mimic voices outside of the provided options. This decision was made in order to avoid potential copyright issues.

Furthermore, Google has stated that it’s not prioritizing emotional intonation recognition – something that OpenAI touted as a key feature during its demo. Instead, the focus is on creating a seamless and natural conversation experience.

The Road Ahead

Gemini Live is just one step along the way to Project Astra, a fully multimodal AI model unveiled by Google at I/O earlier this year. While Gemini Live is currently limited to voice conversations, Google has plans to expand its capabilities in the future – including real-time video understanding.

For now, it’s clear that Gemini Live represents a significant leap forward for voice assistants and AI chatbots. As we continue to push the boundaries of what is possible with technology, it will be fascinating to see how Gemini Live evolves and adapts to meet the changing needs of its users.

The Potential Impact on User Experience

Gemini Live has the potential to revolutionize the way we interact with our devices. With its ability to provide natural-sounding conversations and seamless navigation, it’s clear that this technology will have a lasting impact on user experience.

Imagine being able to ask your device complex questions without having to type them out – or being able to engage in detailed conversations with your AI assistant without any awkward pauses or misunderstandings. This is the future of voice assistants, and Google is leading the charge.

Conclusion

Gemini Live is a remarkable achievement that showcases Google’s commitment to innovation and excellence. While there are still some challenges and limitations to be addressed, it’s clear that this technology has the potential to revolutionize the way we interact with our devices.

As we continue to explore the possibilities of voice assistants and AI chatbots, one thing is certain – Gemini Live will play a significant role in shaping the future of user experience.