The Challenges of Using Gemini for Android Users: A Candid Review

As an avid user of various AI technologies, I have developed a fondness for Gemini— an AI assistant that often provides insightful answers, sometimes even surpassing those offered by other popular platforms like DeepSeek or ChatGPT. However, my enthusiasm is significantly tempered when it comes to its integration with Android devices.

While Gemini excels in generating informative responses, it falls short in its role as a stand-in for Google Assistant. For instance, I encountered considerable difficulty when trying to navigate or make phone calls. Simply asking it to send a text message turned into a frustrating ordeal, leaving me yearning for the seamless experience that Google Assistant provides.

What baffles me is that the only way I can access Gemini’s capabilities on my phone requires me to forgo the convenience of using Google Assistant. This, quite frankly, seems illogical. While I understand the intent behind encouraging users to engage with their AI, it would be beneficial if the app functioned effectively alongside existing services.

To illustrate my point, I attempted a few simple commands. For instance, when I asked Google to call my wife, Mrs. Grey, I was met with a list of search results for individuals sharing her name, which was hardly helpful. Similarly, when I asked Google to navigate me home, I was prompted with questions about my location, demonstrating a lack of retention for previously stored information.

It begs the question: What are others finding useful in Gemini? Unfortunately, my experience has rendered the app less than effective for my needs. As an Android user, the limitations of Gemini serve as a stark reminder that not all AI tools are universally beneficial.