The Frustrations of AI: A Comparison of Google Assistant and Gemini AI
In today’s tech-driven world, voice assistants have become an essential part of our daily routines, helping us streamline tasks and manage our schedules. However, recent experiences have led me to a surprising conclusion: navigating Gemini AI can sometimes be more challenging than I anticipated, especially when compared to the trusty Google Assistant.
To illustrate my point, let me share a brief interaction I had with Gemini AI while trying to add a simple item to my grocery list.
My First Attempt:
I calmly requested, “Hey Google, add bananas to the grocery list.” This straightforward command was met with swift action from Google Assistant, effortlessly updating my list without any added complexity.
The Shift to Gemini AI:
Curious to see if Gemini could perform the same task, I decided to give it a shot. I inquired, “Hey Gemini, add bananas to the Google Keep list named groceries.” The response I received was not what I expected. Instead of quickly adding bananas, Gemini stated, “Sorry, I’m not quite sure how to access Workspace Extension based on your prompt. Can you try restating it?”
Feeling a bit perplexed, I rephrased my request in a more explicit way, expecting it to recognize the task. Instead of providing a direct solution, Gemini responded, “I can’t directly modify your Google Keep lists, but I can guide you on how to add bananas to your groceries list.” It then proceeded to give a detailed walkthrough on performing the action myself.
The Verdict:
While the intent behind Gemini’s response was clear — to assist and guide — it felt significantly less efficient compared to the seamless experience with Google Assistant. In a world where user-friendliness is paramount, having a manageable AI experience is crucial for tasks that should feel intuitive.
As technology continues to evolve, it’s fascinating to witness both advancements and setbacks. My recent interaction with Gemini AI serves as a reminder that not all AI experiences are created equal. For now, I find myself leaning toward the more reliable Google Assistant for my everyday tasks.
Have you had similar experiences with voice assistants? Share your stories in the comments below!