A Disappointing Experience with Google Gemini on Android

Hello readers,

Today, I want to share my recent journey with Google’s highly anticipated Gemini app on my Android device. As an avid user of ChatGPT, I had hoped Gemini would deliver a similarly powerful experience, but unfortunately, it has fallen short of my expectations. Here are some key issues I encountered:

Lack of Internet Access

One of the most significant drawbacks of the free version of Gemini is its inability to access the internet. This limitation means it cannot retrieve real-time information or perform searches, unlike ChatGPT, which seamlessly integrates live data into its responses. The lack of internet connectivity makes Gemini less reliable for obtaining up-to-date information.

Limited Integration with Apps and Extensions

Another frustration is Gemini’s restricted access to third-party apps and extensions. This limitation significantly curtails its functionality compared to ChatGPT, which offers a vast array of integrations, enhancing productivity and user experience.

Absence of a Code Interpreter

For tech enthusiasts and developers, Gemini’s lack of a code interpreter is a glaring omission. ChatGPT’s code interpreter has proven invaluable for debugging and learning new programming skills, making its absence in Gemini particularly disappointing.

No Voice Interaction

The absence of a voice mode in Gemini stands out as one of its most significant shortcomings. ChatGPT’s voice mode allows for convenient hands-free interactions, which enhances accessibility and usability. Without this feature, Gemini feels less user-friendly.

Inaccurate Transcription

When it comes to voice-based conversations, Gemini’s transcription capabilities leave much to be desired. Compared to OpenAI’s Whisper technology, Gemini struggles with accuracy, leading to frustration during voice interactions. This is a critical area where improvement is needed.

Confusion Between Versions

While Gemini 1.5 Pro, accessible through Google AI Studio, appears to be a more robust model, it is unclear whether the free version utilizes the same capabilities. It feels as though the free version might not fully exploit the advanced features of the Pro model, which could be contributing to its overall performance issues.

Integration and User Experience

Additionally, the integration between the assistant app and Gemini could be enhanced. When asking questions, having to switch back to the Gemini app disrupts the flow of conversation. A more cohesive user experience would allow for contextual conversations without unnecessary redirects.

In summary, my experience with Gemini has felt like a regression compared to what ChatGPT offers. I had high hopes when Google first announced the app, but its reliance