In an age where artificial intelligence is rapidly becoming the centerpiece of technological advancements, it’s easy to become jaded by the constant barrage of AI integrations into new products. The hype surrounding AI is palpable, yet many of these announcements seem to echo a collective “me too” sentiment, offering features that often amount to little more than superficial enhancements. This trend is particularly evident in the mobile phone industry, where AI capabilities are now a standard talking point at every product launch. Yet, these so-called innovations frequently turn out to be little more than digital gimmicks, adding minimal value to the user experience.

When Google’s recent “Made by Google” event began with a deep dive into its new Gemini AI model, my initial reaction was one of skepticism. The endless stream of AI-powered features had conditioned me to expect flashy, yet ultimately inconsequential, demonstrations. However, as the event progressed and I observed the capabilities of Gemini more closely, my skepticism began to wane. Surprisingly, I found myself impressed by what Google had accomplished, particularly in how Gemini’s features could enhance productivity in ways that were previously unimaginable.

One of the most striking aspects of Gemini is its multimodal functionality. Unlike traditional AI that primarily relies on text prompts, Gemini is capable of processing images, code, and video, making it a versatile tool for a wide range of tasks. In one demonstration, a handwritten note about the Pixel 9’s release date was seamlessly transformed into a calendar reminder and a pre-order task—all without the user having to switch between apps. This level of integration and automation is not just a convenient feature; it represents a significant leap forward in how we interact with our devices.

Another compelling example showcased during the event was Gemini’s ability to extract detailed information from a YouTube video. Imagine watching a video on Korean cuisine and having Gemini automatically compile a list of ingredients and steps into a notes app. For someone who frequently watches cooking videos, this feature is a game-changer, saving time and effort by eliminating the need to manually jot down notes while pausing and replaying the video.

These practical applications of AI stand in stark contrast to the more trivial uses we’ve seen in the past. Google’s approach with Gemini appears to be grounded in utility, focusing on removing the mundane tasks that often bog down productivity. This philosophy is further exemplified in Gemini’s forthcoming “Research” functionality. Slated to be added to Gemini Advanced, this feature allows users to delegate online research tasks to the AI, which will then compile a report with sourced information. Unlike other AI tools that might take over a task entirely, Gemini’s research function allows for user input, ensuring that the final output meets specific criteria. This collaborative approach to AI is both innovative and refreshing, offering a balance between automation and user control.

Gemini Live, the voice assistant component of Google’s AI suite, also deserves mention. Designed to be conversational and context-aware, Gemini Live addresses many of the frustrations users have with traditional voice assistants like Siri. By understanding the nuances of natural language, Gemini Live can engage in more meaningful and productive interactions, making it a valuable tool for brainstorming and quick decision-making.

Despite these impressive features, I remain cautious about the broader implications of AI integration in mobile devices. There is always the risk that users might misuse AI-generated content, passing it off as their own work. Additionally, concerns about privacy and data security are ever-present, especially as these AI tools become more ingrained in our daily lives. However, if my primary criticism of AI on phones is that it often feels like a collection of glorified party tricks, then Google’s Gemini is a welcome departure from that norm. This time, it seems, AI is being harnessed to genuinely enhance the user experience, making our devices not just smarter, but more intuitive and useful.