What to know

  • Gemini Live is Google’s advanced AI digital assistant that lets you have lifelike conversations with it. But it’s not free and requires a Google Advanced subscription ($19.99/month). 
  • The subscription includes additional Google One benefits beyond AI features.
  • Early adopters and AI enthusiasts may find value in exploring cutting-edge technology.

In a bid to maintain its dominance as a digital assistant provider, Google has come out all guns blazing with its advanced AI assistant Gemini Live. Though it can be enticing for users to get their hands on it right away, Gemini Live is not free. So, one has to consider the question: Is it worth the $20 monthly investment? Let’s delve into the pros and cons to help you make an informed decision.

Gemini Live is capable, fast, and fun

For heavy users of digital assistants, Gemini Live could be a game-changer. If you find yourself constantly interacting with AI for tasks like research, content creation, or problem-solving, the advanced capabilities of Gemini Live, which include the ability to chat naturally in an eerily human-like voice, interrupting the assistant mid-response, and being able to do it all hands-free, might significantly boost your productivity.

The improved language understanding and generation could also save you time and provide more accurate and nuanced responses compared to free alternatives.

Gemini Advanced plan offers additional benefits

Another factor to consider is the bundle of Google One perks that come with a Google Advanced subscription of which Gemini Live is a part. The additional benefits, which include expanded 2TB cloud storage and enhanced photo editing tools, might tip the scales for those already invested in the Google ecosystem. If you’re looking to upgrade your Google One plan anyway, the inclusion of Gemini Advanced could be seen as a valuable bonus.

Tech enthusiasts and early adopters might find the subscription worthwhile simply for the opportunity to experiment with cutting-edge AI technology. Being at the forefront of AI development can be exciting and potentially beneficial for those in tech-related fields or those who enjoy staying ahead of the curve.

Gemini Live is not for everyone

However, Gemini Live may not be for everyone. For individuals who rarely use digital assistants or find free versions sufficient for their needs, the $20 monthly fee might be hard to justify. The occasional user might not extract enough value from the advanced features to offset the cost.

Moreover, like all AI systems, Gemini Live is not infallible. It may sometimes produce inaccuracies or biased information. Users must remain vigilant and verify important information from reliable sources. This limitation might deter those seeking a completely trustworthy AI solution, if such a thing even exists.

The decision to subscribe also depends on your current AI usage. If you’re already paying for a similar service like ChatGPT Plus, you’ll need to evaluate whether Gemini Advanced offers enough unique features or improvements to warrant an additional subscription or a switch. Although ChatGPT’s advanced Voice Mode hasn’t rolled out widely, it will offer more or less the same experience as does Gemini Live once it’s globally available.

Free services will catch up soon enough

Grant also, that what seems cutting-edge today might become standard tomorrow. Potential subscribers should consider whether they’re comfortable with the possibility that free alternatives might catch up in capabilities, potentially diminishing the value of their paid subscription. But that is a bridge that they could decide whether to cross or not, once they get to it, and cancel their Gemini Live subscription then.

To reiterate the obvious, ultimately, the worth of Gemini Live will depend on your individual needs, usage patterns, and budget. For power users, Google ecosystem enthusiasts, and those eager to explore AI’s frontiers, it could be a valuable investment. For others, the free version of Gemini or alternative AI assistants might suffice.

Get a free trail of Gemini Advanced and check out Gemini Live

Before committing, it’s advisable to take advantage of the free trial of Gemini Advanced and assess how well Gemini Live integrates into your daily routine and whether the advanced Gemini feature truly enhances your productivity or digital experience. The best AI assistant is, after all, one that fits seamlessly into your life and provides tangible benefits – whether it comes with a price tag or not.