Get started with Gemini App
What is Gemini?
Gemini is a generative AI-powered assistant that can help you save time, create captivating learning experiences and inspire fresh ideas — all in a private and secure environment.
Use Gemini to help you research and brainstorm new ideas and ultimately boost your productivity at work or break that creativity block. Gemini can help you write, visualize, organize and connect with your colleagues on a variety of projects.
How do I access Gemini?
There are two ways to get started with using the Gemini app:
- The web app at gemini.google.com
- The mobile app on Android and iOS
What is generative AI?
Generative artificial intelligence (AI) is a type of machine learning model. It's not human, but it's very good at finding patterns. It builds on existing technologies like large language models (LLMs). Learn more about generative AI.
How does Gemini work and what can I do?
When you enter a prompt into the Gemini app it replies with a response using the information it already knows or fetches from other sources, including content from the web. The Gemini app can help you:
- Improve your writing
- Synthesize and organize information
- Create original images (people image generation is not available)
- Summarize information and provide insights
To improve your success with the Gemini app, follow some basic best practices when writing prompts.
Frequently asked questions
Why can’t I access enhanced Gemini functionality like Gems or Gemini in Gmail and other Google Workspace for Education core services?
Gemini functionality such as Gems and Google Workspace core services integration or extensions (e.g., Gmail, Meet and others) are not currently available for U of A accounts*. Other limitations include:
- Editing or running code in the Gemini app
- Uploading files such as PDFs, Word documents and others (only image files such as a .jpg or .png can be uploaded)
*The university is currently evaluating the paid enhanced versions of Gemini to understand what additional benefits it offers and where those benefits should be deployed given the cost associated with doing so.
Are my Gemini conversations reviewed by Google or used to train Google AI models?
No. The Gemini app is a core Google Workspace service supported by Information Services and Technology (IST) and is therefore included and protected by the University of Alberta’s agreement with Google. Interactions with the Gemini app stay within the University of Alberta and they are not reviewed by humans or otherwise used to improve Google's generative AI models.
How do I turn off or delete my Gemini app activity?
Gemini app conversation activity from the web or mobile app cannot be deleted or turned off for Google Workspace for Education accounts (including for the University of Alberta). If you use the Gemini web or mobile app with a U of A account, your activity is turned on and your conversation history is retained for 18 months.
What do I need to consider when submitting information to the Gemini App?
U of A Google Workspace is approved for storing and sharing the university's business, academic, research and administrative information and records. Extremely sensitive information such as identifiable patient and health care information, social insurance numbers and passport information, is not to be stored in or shared through U of A Google Workspace applications, including Gemini.
Additional information about Gemini app can be found at the Gemini Apps Help page.