Google Gemini AI: Meaning, Capabilities, and Use Cases

Google Gemini is a generative AI tool designed to work across various devices and systems of varying sizes. There's plenty you can do with Gemini across Google's various platforms and services. Here's what you need to know:

• Google Gemini is capable of generating content, such as text, code, and images, based on unique user prompts.

• There are multiple Gemini models, including Gemini 3.1 Pro, Gemini 3 Flash, and Nano Banana 2.

• Gemini can be found across Google products like Google Search and Google Workspace.

In this article, you’ll learn more about Gemini, including the different generative AI models it encompasses, what they can do, and the benefits they may provide organizations. Afterward, if you want to build your AI fluency, you might consider enrolling in the Google AI Professional Certificate.

What is Google Gemini? 

Gemini is a suite of generative AI models created by Google to power a range of different digital products and services. Positioned as a direct competitor to OpenAI’s GPT models, Gemini consists of several different large language models (LLMs) of varying size and complexity that use natural language processing (NLP) to dynamically interpret and respond to user inputs. 

Gemini’s models are examples of “multimodal AI models,” meaning that they can respond to a range of content types, such as text, video, audio, and programming code. As a result, Gemini models can theoretically perform many different tasks like interpreting the notes on page of sheet music, combining images to create new ones, or quickly generating a piece of writing. 

Much like OpenAI’s GPT models, however, Google’s Gemini models may not always perform certain tasks reliably or accurately. In effect, although the technology may enable countless possibilities in the future as new iterations are created, it’s important for individuals to temper their expectations about what this still-developing technology can do today and assess the quality and veracity of their outputs on a case-by-case basis. 

Sizes

Gemini AI includes several different models, which vary in size and intended use. As of February 2026, these models include: Gemini 3.1 Pro, Gemini 3 Flash, Gemini 2.5 Flash, Gemini 2.5 Flash-Lite, Nano Banana Pro and Nano Banana 2 [1].

Google Gemini capabilities 

Gemini models are multimodal, meaning they can interpret and respond to various types of content, including text, video, audio, and code. This means that Gemini models can perform a wide range of tasks, such as writing code for an application, generating images, or composing text (among many other things). As a result, the precise ways that Google and other organizations might implement Gemini models will vary based on their overall goals and objectives.  

What does Google Gemini do?

Google Gemini can assist you with various tasks that require research and analysis. Here are some key things it can do:

• Answer your questions: Ask anything, and Gemini will try its best to understand your intent and provide a clear and informative response. It can access and process information through a web search to keep its answers current.

• Complete tasks: Gemini can assist you with various tasks, such as summarizing the information you find online, writing creative text formats based on your instructions (like poems, code, or scripts), or translating languages.

• Enhance your creativity: Feeling stuck on a project? Gemini can brainstorm ideas with you or help you develop new problem-solving approaches.

• Boost your productivity: Gemini can integrate with various Google Apps and services, such as Gmail, Drive, and Maps. This allows it to access your information and automate tasks, helping you be more productive at work.

• Analyze and understand information: When you need to make sense of complex data or a research paper, Google Gemini can analyze information and present you with a clear and concise summary.

Potential benefits 

There are many potential benefits to generative AI. According to one 2023 study by researchers from Harvard, UPenn, MIT, and the Warwick Business School, generative AI can improve the performance of highly skilled workers by as much as 40 percent when used to complete certain tasks [2].

Another 2023 report by McKinsey & Company, meanwhile, asserts that generative AI’s “impact on productivity could add trillions of dollars in value to the global economy” as the technology is used to automate work tasks that “absorb 60 to 70 percent of employees’ time today” [3]. 

Ultimately, many researchers emphasize the ability of generative AI to help employers reduce costs, increase efficiency, and improve overall productivity. 

Is Google Gemini free?

You can access Google Gemini for free if you’re over 18 and have a Google account. If you want to try more advanced features, you can purchase a Google One AI Premium Plan, which costs $19.99 monthly after a one-month free trial [4]. If you have a business, you can utilize Gemini features within a Google Workspace plan, which has plans ranging from $7 to $22 per user per month [5]. Eligible college students in the US may qualify to use Gemini Advanced for free through the end of Spring finals in 2026 [6].

Build your generative AI skills today

Generative AI is poised to radically transform how many businesses operate and how employees do their work. Prepare for this new work world with these resources from Coursera:

• Watch on YouTube: How Does GenAI Work?

• Take a Mini Quiz: Which Prompt Engineering Course Should You Take? Find Out in 1 Minute

• Explore: Popular GenA programs

With Coursera Plus, you can learn and earn credentials at your own pace from over 350 leading companies and universities. With a monthly or annual subscription, you’ll gain access to over 10,000 programs—just check the course page to confirm your selection is included.

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