Gemini basics

Gemini is the AI assistant made by Google. In this lesson you'll tour its main features: chats, Canvas, Deep Research, Google apps, and Gems.

What is Gemini?

If ChatGPT is a fast helper and Claude is a careful editor, Gemini is like a helper with a direct line to Google. It's good at research, and it works closely with tools you may already use, like Gmail, Drive, and Maps.

• Gemini is both the app and the family of models inside it.
• Use it at gemini.google.com, in the Gemini phone app, or inside some Google apps.
• You log in with a Google account.

A quick tour of the Gemini app

• The sidebar holds your recent chats, a New chat button, and your Gems.
• The prompt box sits at the bottom. The + button adds files, and a tools menu holds features like Canvas and Deep Research.
• The model picker lets you choose between faster and more thoughtful models.

I'm a beginner learning to build apps with AI. In 5 short bullet points, tell me what makes you different from other AI assistants.

Canvas

Gemini has a Canvas too. Like ChatGPT's, it's a workspace beside the chat for documents and code. For apps, it shows a live preview you can click.

Open canvas. Build a simple tip calculator web page: bill amount, tip percent, number of people, and the amount each person pays.

You'll learn more about building with Gemini Canvas on the next page.

Deep Research

Deep Research is like sending a research assistant to the library. You give it a question. It searches many web pages, reads them, and writes a report with sources. It takes a few minutes, not seconds.

Deep Research: What are the best months to visit Lisbon for a first-time visitor on a budget? Compare weather, crowds, and typical prices.

Let's break this down:

• Gemini usually shows a research plan first. You can edit it, then start.
• The report includes links to its sources. Open a few to check them.
• Use it for big questions, not quick facts.

Google integration

Gemini can connect to other Google apps, if you allow it. This lets you ask questions about your own stuff.

• "Find the flight confirmation email in my Gmail and tell me the departure time."
• "Summarize the trip notes doc in my Drive."
• "Show me museums near my hotel" using Google Maps.

You can turn these connections on or off in Gemini's settings. Only connect what you're comfortable sharing.

Gems

A Gem is a custom version of Gemini with saved instructions. It's like a coworker you've already briefed. Every time you open the Gem, it already knows its job.

You are a friendly travel helper for beginners.
Keep answers short and use bullet points.
Always remind me to check opening hours and prices on official websites.

Create a Gem from the sidebar. Give it a name, paste the instructions, and save it.

Where Gemini shines

Multimodal means the AI can work with more than one kind of input. You can show Gemini a picture and ask about it.

I've uploaded a photo of a train timetable in Italian. Translate it and tell me the next 3 trains to Florence after 10:00.

Common mistakes

Using Deep Research for quick questions

Wrong: Deep Research: what's the capital of Portugal?
Right: Ask normally for quick facts. Use Deep Research for big questions.

Connecting everything without thinking

Wrong: Turning on every Google connection "just in case".
Right: Connect only the apps you need for the task.

• Skipping the sources in a Deep Research report.
• Writing Gem instructions that are vague, like "be helpful".

What's next?

You know your way around Gemini. Next, you'll build apps with Gemini Canvas and create your own custom helpers with Gems.