Usually when you ask Google for assistance, you talk to the Google Assistant, but Google Gemini is starting to take over. If you want to fully experience just how useful Google’s latest AI creation, you’ll need to check out Gemini extensions to boost its capabilities.
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What is Gemini AI
Gemini is the face of Google AI. It’s Google’s AI chatbot, like ChatGPT and Copilot. Simply give the chatbot a prompt and it gives you an answer based on the data in Google services. It’s the same AI Google uses in search results, which you can turn off.
If you’re wondering what happened to Bard (Google’s previous AI tool), Google boosted it with Gemini, a much more advanced AI model, in early 2024. Think of it as a major upgrade, though I kind of liked the name Bard.
Gemini can do much of the same things as all the other major chatbots, such as:
- Write content, such as emails, documents, creative material, and more
- Answer questions
- Help you learn new skills
- Make plans, such as planning out a trip
- Generate images
Naturally, everyone has their own preferences as to which AI chatbot works best for different types of tasks.
Use Gemini Extensions to Extend Its Features
As you probably already know, many of Google’s services work together, such as having Chat, Meet, Calendar, and more within Gmail. In order for Gemini to connect with other Google services and some popular non-Google apps, you need Gemini extensions.
For example, the Google Maps extension lets you ask Gemini quick questions about where you’re currently at, where you’re going, and even the all important “are we there yet?”. I like using this extension to help me find fun and interesting things to do while traveling.
The good news is Gemini extensions are enabled by default on most devices. Easily check by going to the Google Gemini Extensions web app or opening the Gemini mobile app. In the mobile app, tap your profile icon and select Extensions.
From there, easily turn any extension on/off. If you’re not sure how to use an extension, just check out the suggested prompts under each. For me, most extensions were enabled by default, but a few weren’t, such as YouTube Music and Google Workspace.
Also, you can bring up an extension directly while chatting in Gemini by referencing it, such as typing “@google flights” to use that extension.
I know extensions are a fairly new feature for Gemini, but I wish there were more available. While the selection is limited now, Google has promised more extensions will be available soon.
What Gemini Extensions Are Available
Currently, there are only seven Gemini extensions available on the web version and 12 on the Android app. Most are Google apps. As Gemini starts to get more popular, you’ll likely see the list start to grow.
Right now, you can use:
- Google Flights – Get real-time details on flights for improved travel planning.
- Google Workspace – Integrates with some of the most commonly used Google Workspace apps, including Docs, Calendar, Gmail, Keep, Tasks, and Drive. You must have a Google Workspace account before linking this extension to Gemini.
- Google Hotels – Find hotels by listing the features most important to you.
- Google Maps – Utilize Maps to find local attractions, help with travel planning, and discover more about the area around you.
- YouTube – Search YouTube and get details about videos.
- YouTube Music – Search and play YouTube Music. Get creative with prompts, such as looking for collaborations or music for different moods versus specific songs or artists.
- OpenStax – Works with licensed textbooks from OpenStax.
The Android app adds:
- Messages – Send messages to others directly through the Gemini extension.
- Phone – Make calls directly through Gemini.
- Spotify – Access and play songs from your Spotify app.
- Utilities – Control various functions on your phone, such as setting timers, changing settings, opening apps, or even taking pictures.
- WhatsApp – Make calls or send messages through WhatsApp via Gemini.
I’d recommend checking back about once a month or after any major update to the Google Gemini app to see if any new Gemini extensions have been added. Right now, Google hasn’t released any timeline for new extensions or what apps they’re working with.
Also, keep in mind, you’re free to enable and disable any of these extensions. Only want to use YouTube? Disable everything else.
Pay close attention to what types of data are shared when enabling an extension. For instance, if I enable Spotify, my profile and listening data are shared with Google. That makes sense as Gemini needs the information to process any Spotify requests I make. You’ll also need any applicable accounts to use specific Gemini extensions. For example, to use the Spotify extension, you need a Spotify account and the Spotify app.
If you prefer just sticking with Chrome extensions on Android versus Gemini extensions, learn how to enable them. And, until Gemini gets more extensions, try these Chrome extensions for boosting productivity.
Image credit: Unsplash, Screenshots by Crystal Crowder
Crystal Crowder –
Staff Writer
Crystal Crowder has spent over 15 years working in the tech industry, first as an IT technician and then as a writer. She works to help teach others how to get the most from their devices, systems, and apps. She stays on top of the latest trends and is always finding solutions to common tech problems.
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